What foods are recommended for a child with gastritis?

Foods Recommended for a Child with Gastritis

For a child with gastritis, a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods including bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, potatoes, and non-acidic fruits is strongly recommended while avoiding spicy, fatty, and highly processed foods. 1

Recommended Foods

Easily Digestible Carbohydrates

• Bananas - gentle on the stomach and provide potassium 1
• Rice (white or brown) - low in fiber and easy to digest 1
• Toast (preferably whole grain) - simple carbohydrate that's easy on the stomach 1
• Crackers - plain varieties provide simple carbohydrates 1
• Potatoes - baked or boiled, not fried 1
• Noodles/pasta - plain or with minimal sauce 1

Fruits and Vegetables

• Applesauce - easier to digest than raw apples 1
• Non-acidic fruits - such as bananas, melons, and pears 1
• Cooked vegetables - well-cooked, non-fibrous vegetables are easier to digest 1
• Pureed fruits - for younger children 1

Protein Sources

• Lean meats - chicken, turkey (baked or grilled, not fried) 1
• Fish - baked or grilled (not fried) 1
• Eggs - preferably boiled or poached 1
• Yogurt - plain, low-fat varieties with live cultures (may help restore gut flora) 1

Hydration

• Water - room temperature is best 1
• Oral rehydration solutions - if there's associated dehydration 1, 2

Foods to Avoid

Irritants

• Spicy foods - can irritate the gastric lining 1
• Acidic foods - citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar-based foods 1
• Fatty foods - fried foods, high-fat dairy, fatty cuts of meat 1
• Carbonated beverages - can increase gastric distension 1

Processed Foods

• Foods high in sugar - candy, cookies, sweetened cereals 1
• Processed meats - hot dogs, deli meats, bacon 1
• Fast food - typically high in fat and salt 1

Specific Cautions

• Fruit juices - especially undiluted apple juice and citrus juices 1
• Milk - may need to be temporarily limited if lactose intolerance is suspected 1
• Caffeinated drinks - can increase acid production 1

Dietary Approach Based on Age

For Infants

• Continue breastfeeding if applicable 1
• If formula-fed, consider a temporary switch to a hydrolyzed protein formula if milk protein allergy is suspected 1
• For older infants, offer small, frequent feedings of easily digestible foods 1

For Toddlers and Older Children

• Follow the "BRAT" diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) initially during acute phases 1
• Gradually reintroduce a normal diet with emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods 1
• Offer small, frequent meals rather than large meals 3

Practical Implementation Tips

1. Start simple: Begin with bland, easily digestible foods during acute phases
2. Gradual reintroduction: Slowly add more variety as symptoms improve
3. Meal timing: Offer smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones 3
4. Food temperature: Serve foods at moderate temperatures (not too hot or cold)
5. Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake between meals rather than with meals

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Prolonged restrictive diets: The BRAT diet should only be used short-term as it lacks complete nutrition 1
• Excessive juice consumption: Even natural fruit juices can worsen symptoms 1
• Ignoring potential food allergies: Consider milk protein allergy which can mimic or worsen gastritis symptoms 1
• Overfeeding: Large meals can increase gastric distress 3
• Relying on highly processed "kid-friendly" foods: These often contain additives that may irritate the stomach 1

By following these dietary recommendations, most children with gastritis will experience symptom improvement while maintaining adequate nutrition for growth and development.