Chicory for gastritis

About chicory we know mainly that it is a useful alternative to coffee. But this plant is added not only to drinks, but also to various dishes. Is it always useful? For example, will chicory be harmful in gastritis? [1]

Can chicory with gastritis?

Chicory is not contraindicated in gastritis with a deficit of secretory activity, outside the exacerbation stage. With high stomach acidity, ulcers and erosions, as well as in the acute period of gastritis to use the product is not recommended.

There are such safety rules in consuming chicory:

• Do not drink a drink, including an infusion or decoction of rhizome, if it is too hot. For the gastric mucosa, prone to inflammation, such irritants are dangerous. Therefore, people with gastritis are suitable only for dishes and liquids in a warm form, or at room temperature.
• Abuse of chicory is undesirable. The optimal amount is up to 3 cups per day.
• Doctors recommend that low-acid gastritis out of exacerbation drink natural brewed chicory in a bite with honey.

Chicory in gastritis with hyperacidity

Patients suffering from gastritis with increased gastric acid secretion, it is important to avoid products and their combinations that increase the acidity of the stomach environment. Chicory is one of such products, as it stimulates secretory activity and increases appetite.

In hyperacid gastritis it is allowed to use only non-acidic vegetable diluted juices (pumpkin, carrot, potato), non-acidic sours and compotes, lightly brewed tea and herbal infusions and decoctions. It is better to give up chicory altogether, even after the digestive processes and the elimination of symptoms of the disease.

Patients with sensitive GI mucosa need to understand that even the most innocuous product can be harmful if used inappropriately or in unreasonable amounts. As for chicory, it is allowed for use only by healthy people, or in hypoacid conditions, in which the production of hydrochloric acid should be stimulated, not suppressed. In the case of gastritis with hyperacidity (which is the most common), it is better not to risk your health and choose a milder and safer drink - for example, rosehip decoction, chamomile tea.

Chicory for erosive gastritis

Erosive or corrosive gastritis is one of the variants of the inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa, which is accompanied by the formation of erosions. Such a disease is often diagnosed against the background of chronic alcoholism, abuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chemical poisoning. A complication of erosive gastritis can become a gastric ulcer and bleeding. To prevent the development of such complications, it is recommended to adhere to a strict diet. Meals should be as gentle as possible, with the exclusion of hot, spicy, irritating food, alcoholic and carbonated drinks, strong coffee, tea and even chicory. The diet consists of porridge, stewed and boiled vegetables, fruits (mainly bananas and baked apples), casseroles and souffles, as well as soups.

How does chicory affect the stomach damaged by erosion? The mucosa is irritated, gastric juice secretion is stimulated, acidity increases, which negatively affects the already damaged shell.

It is important to remember that both coffee and chicory are not recommended for consumption:

• for erosive gastritis;
• for stomach ulcers;
• for an exacerbation of any gastritis;
• if after drinking a cup of chicory there are unpleasant symptoms in the stomach area.

Chicory for atrophic gastritis

Atrophic gastritis is probably one of the most unfavorable variants of this disease, as it is often complicated by oncopathology. It is very important for patients with this type of gastritis to follow all nutritional recommendations, trying to maintain the remission stage as long as possible.

In patients with atrophic gastritis, the function of parietal cells (glandulocytes) of the gastric mucosa is impaired, resulting in impaired secretion of hydrochloric acid. The cells responsible for the production of pepsinogen are also affected. Gradually, the affected cells are replaced by epithelial structures, or mucocytes, unable to secrete hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen, resulting in impaired digestive function.

In the acute period of atrophic gastritis dietary restrictions are necessary: exclude acidic and spicy dishes, animal fat, mushrooms, whole milk, coarse-fiber products, carbonated drinks, coffee, strong tea and chicory. Gradually expand the diet after about 2-3 days. At the same time, the possibility of using chicory is agreed with the doctor, who may allow drinking the drink, provided that all signs of the acute process are eliminated, if the patient is not found to have increased acidity of gastric secretion.

Chicory in exacerbation of gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammatory reaction that is accompanied by damage to the mucous tissue of the stomach, as a result of which this organ loses the ability to adequately digest the food that enters it. One of the root causes of the violation becomes an improper diet. Therefore, in order to restore normal digestion and stop the development of inflammation, it is necessary, first of all, to establish a food and drinking regimen, exclude harmful foods and drinks.

Important: the basic principles of the diet in chronic gastritis should be observed even after achieving a stable remission. Such principles are considered to be:

• eating on a schedule, at approximately the same time each day;
• eating small but frequent meals (about every 2.5 hours);
• Eating only warm foods and drinks;
• avoiding overeating;
• Exclusion of foods and dishes that irritate the mucous tissue of the stomach;
• eliminating dry food, rushed meals;
• Separation by time of food and drink consumption (preferably drink half an hour before a meal, or an hour after it).

In an exacerbation of gastritis, chicory should not be drunk - regardless of the degree of acidity in the stomach. To get rid of stomach pains and other painful symptoms, it is necessary to clearly adhere to food restrictions and rules. The diet should be gentle, balanced. Its approximate duration is several weeks, even if you feel normalized. During this time it is allowed to drink only herbal teas, rosehip decoction, warm water without gas, compote of dried fruits. Chicory is better to put aside.

Chicory for gastritis and pancreatitis

To date, you can hear a lot of contradictory information about the use of chicory in gastritis. Some experts are convinced that the benefits of the root for patients with gastritis significantly exceed the harm, and others have a completely opposite opinion.

And yet most doctors who are engaged in the study of herbs, claim: chicory is quite aggressive in relation to the mucosal tissue of the digestive tract. It provokes an increase in enzyme activity, potentiates the production of hydrochloric acid. In this aspect, its irritating effect can be compared with the same coffee, so patients suffering from pancreatitis, gastritis in the acute stage of chicory should refrain from drinking chicory.

Nevertheless, add the product to the diet may well people who have gastritis associated with low acidity and is in remission. Such patients chicory in gastritis is even useful, as it activates gastric secretion and increases appetite, improves the digestive process. If possible, you can add milk to the drink.

Benefits

The main benefit is hidden in the chicory root, which contains many vitamins and trace elements, In the 1970s it was discovered that C. Intybus root contains up to 40% inulin, which has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels and is therefore suitable for diabetics. [2]

Since ancient times, chicory is considered a valuable medicinal plant, so it is often used in folk medicine. Even the ancient Romans actively used chicory for the prevention of hypoacid gastritis and other pathologies of the digestive tract, and the Egyptians gave healing infusion as an antidote for spider and snake bites. Folk healers successfully treated with chicory gout and conjunctivitis, as well as intestinal disorders.

The plant has a large and useful composition, which allows you to involve it in both medicine and cooking. Dishes with chicory are recommended for patients suffering from diabetes, [3] which is due to the presence of inulin in the product - a natural sugar substitute. The rhizome contains a low percentage of carbohydrates and a lot of fiber, which allows it to be included in the diet of many diets.

Natural biostimulant inulin helps restore intestinal microflora, optimizes the work of the entire gastrointestinal tract, stimulates metabolic processes. It is used in folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of hypoacid gastritis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, dysbacteriosis.

The presence of potassium provides normalization of heart activity and rhythm, tones blood vessels, improves the excretion of excess cholesterol. Drinks with chicory serve as a useful substitute for coffee, because they do not contain caffeine - a known psychostimulant, which has many contraindications.

Iron, present in cichorn rhizome, improves the condition of people suffering from arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, iron deficiency anemia. Positively complements the therapeutic effect of glycoside intibin, stimulating the digestive tract, improving the central nervous system, normalizing heart rhythm.

Known effectiveness of chicory in the fight against excess weight: the plant adjusts metabolism, contributing to the reduction of fat accumulation, normalizes water-electrolyte balance. Chicory root is part of many antiparasitic, choleretic, sugar-reducing drugs. Alcohol tinctures are often used in dermatology, for the treatment of boils, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne rashes, which is due to a fairly strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial property. [4]

Preparations based on the plant have astringent properties, have a moderate diuretic effect, stimulate intestinal peristalsis. The bitters present in the composition, affect the mucosa of the digestive tract, increasing the secretion of bile and enzymes. This property allows you to use chicory in gastritis with low acidity. In this case, the benefit is felt, both in therapeutic and preventive action, to prevent exacerbations of inflammation against the background of insufficient acid production in the stomach.

Other possible uses for the herbal product: [5]

• tachycardia and arrhythmias;
• nephritis;
• atherosclerosis;
• diseases of the urinary and hepatobiliary system;
• appetite stimulation;
• worm infestations;
• neurological pathologies;
• diarrhea, strengthening of the prostate and other reproductive organs, lung cancer, hangovers and cleansing of the biliary tract; [6]
• liver diseases, antispasmodic, anticholesterol, antiseptic; [7]
• choleretic, gastric secretion stimulant, hypoglycemic; [8]
• jaundice, enlarged liver, gout and rheumatism; [9]
• Choleretic, laxative, hypotensive, tonic and antipyretic; [10]
• eye and dermatologic diseases, etc.

Contraindications

In what form is chicory usually consumed?

• Chicory rhizome is a base from which several products are made at once. In particular, the thick concentrate, or chicory extract is popular for adding to sauces, drinks, and desserts.
• Ground chicory is an oven-roasted and thoroughly ground rhizome that can be used in place of a condiment or made into an alternative "coffee".
• Soluble chicory is made by drying chicory extract. This variant is especially convenient for brewing a coffee replacement drink.
• Whole chicory rhizomes are a natural remedy from which you can make your own seasoning, coffee and sauces. Pieces of the root are cut, dried and roasted in the oven, ground in a coffee grinder and used as intended.
• Salad fork Radicchio is also a subspecies of chicory, the so-called cole slaw. It is very tasty and useful: it purifies the blood, improves the work of the heart and blood vessels. Light varieties of Radicchio are used mainly for salads, while purple and maroon varieties make delicious and healthy hot appetizers and side dishes.

Any variety of this product should not be included in the diet:

• in case of individual hypersensitivity to the plant;
• for women with a difficult pregnancy;
• in gastritis with high acidity, peptic ulcer;
• in vascular pathologies, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins;
• for gallstones;
• children under 3 years old.

Also, absolutely everyone is recommended to avoid the use of low-grade, cheap chicory - and not only in gastritis. It is important to pay attention to the description on the package: the composition should be represented only by 100% chicory (extract), without flavoring, taste and preserving additives. To make the product cheaper, rye, oats and barley are often added to the composition.

There is also such an undesirable component, which is often added to chicory extract, as maltodextrin. It is a carbohydrate similar in properties to starch and glucose, which allows it to be used as an excellent thickener, sweetener and flavoring.

To identify undesirable components in the composition, you can drop a drop of iodine into a non-strength drink. If the solution turns purple, it may mean that it contains cereals or starch. And the presence of maltodextrin in cichor powder is determined by the unusual light color of the substance.

Quality extract - thick, thick, thick, with a pleasant odor. Chicory powder - dark, without lumps. On closer examination, it is not dusty, you can clearly see small granules. If we are talking about the roots, then you should buy dry offshoots, with a brownish tint.

It is preferable to purchase a product produced in Poland or France. Indian chicory, as a rule, is of lower quality. Of course, the packaging should be airtight, with no signs of tampering.

Possible risks

When talking about chicory, people usually mean the rhizome or the salad leaves (the so-called Radicchio salad). Of course, there are many more positive aspects of consuming dishes and drinks based on the plant than risks:

• Thanks to inulin, it is possible to stabilize blood glucose levels, which is important for people with diabetes or obesity.
• Vitamin herbal composition improves the nervous system, strengthens immune defense.
• The high amount of fiber optimizes intestinal motility and improves stools.
• Potassium improves cardiovascular health.

In addition, the product improves the enzyme activity of the digestive tract, has anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, restorative effect.

Nevertheless, risks do exist:

• The choleretic property of the plant can aggravate the condition of biliary stone disease - in particular, the stones may start moving and block the bile duct;
• increased gastric acid secretion will worsen the condition of patients with hyperacid gastritis or peptic ulcer disease;
• Patients with oxalate diathesis have an increased risk of sand discharge;
• varicose veins and hemorrhoids increase the risk of thrombosis;
• can make people with low blood pressure feel worse.

Detailed menu for each day

With an exacerbation of gastritis on the first day it is better to refrain from eating any food at all, to give the inflamed organ a chance to rest. Chicory should not be drunk, it is allowed only to drink boiled warm water, infusion of chamomile or rosehip decoction. After the subsiding of the main symptoms, the diet is supplemented with pureed soups and liquid porridge. After a while include pureed meat (chicken, turkey), steamed protein omelets. Chicory in the form of drinks or salads is still prohibited, regardless of the degree of acidity of gastric juice.

The menu is prepared with the following points in mind:

• exclude coarse-fibered food that can mechanically traumatize the inflamed mucosa (stringy meat, bony fish, bran);
• exclude raw fruits and vegetables, legumes, smoked meats, marinades, sauces, strong broths, convenience foods;
• refuse to drink carbonated drinks, juices, strong tea, coffee and chicory, including with milk.

In gastritis with low acidity is allowed to gradually add to the menu salads of boiled beets and carrots, soups based on meat or fish. After a steady improvement in the condition is allowed to use small amounts of chicory - mainly in the form of a drink of chicory extract. At first, drink just one sip 2-3 times a day. If there are no unpleasant symptoms, the volume of consumption can be gradually increased. If there is pain in the stomach, belching, unpleasant sensations behind the sternum, abdominal bloating, it is still better to give up chicory.

An important condition when choosing drinks and dishes with gastritis is their temperature. Everything that is consumed by the patient should be warm, not hot or cold. This is due to the fact that hot irritates the mucosa and aggravates the inflammatory process, and cold inhibits enzyme activity, which leads to slow digestive process.

The basis of nutrition in the acute period of gastritis should be porridge on water, steamed and stewed vegetables, meatballs and steamed cutlets, puree soups.

Approximate menu option for 2-4 days of acute gastritis:

• For breakfast: rice porridge with a piece of butter, rosehip decoction.
• As a second breakfast: protein steamed omelet, baked apple.
• For lunch: a portion of vegetable soup, chicken soufflé, chamomile tea.
• Afternoon snack: white breadcrumbs with dried fruit compote.
• For dinner: mashed potatoes with a piece of steamed fish fillet.

In gastritis with insufficient acid secretion chicory begin to enter the diet no earlier than 7-8 days from the moment of exacerbation, provided stable good health.

In gastritis with increased acid secretion, it is better not to use this product.

Recipes

Many believe that chicory is just a cheap analog of coffee. Such an opinion is not quite correct. Indeed, low-grade varieties of the drink may not resemble coffee in taste at all, and even be quite tasteless. But a quality product seriously competes - first, in aroma and flavor properties, and second - in usefulness, because it is allowed to use at almost any age, with a tendency to high blood pressure and so on. Chicory is useful in gastritis with low secretory activity.

Roasted ground root is brewed in a coffee maker, turbo, French press. The thick extract is simply poured with boiling water in the right proportion, or added to various dishes, sauces, which gives them a typical sweet-bitter flavor. The product is perfectly combined with other spices (cinnamon, vanilla), cream or milk.

Chicory with milk in gastritis is not prohibited to use during remission. But in the exacerbation of chronic gastritis or acute inflammation is safer to give preference to weakly brewed tea, infusion of chamomile, compote of dried fruits, oatmeal kissel.

To prepare a chicory drink from powdered product take 1 tsp. Powder, pour 150 ml of boiling water. To taste, add sugar, milk. The norm in remission - no more than three cups a day.

A natural decoction of the root is more useful. One liter of water is brought to a boil, pour ½ cup of roasted and chopped rhizome, kept on low heat under a lid for half an hour. Then the decoction is filtered and drink 1 sip several times a day with gastritis with reduced secretory activity.

To improve gastric secretion, you can prepare an infusion: in a thermos pour 5 spoons of crushed root, pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave overnight. Such a remedy is drunk 50 ml before each meal.

Thus, we can conclude: chicory in gastritis can be used only at the remission stage and in cases of disturbed gastrointestinal tract, in which there is not produced a sufficient amount of stomach acid and bile. Chicory dishes and drinks are recommended for patients with hypoacid gastritis, hepatitis, neurasthenia. And in any case, before using means and dietary supplements with chicory, it is desirable to consult with a doctor, since the plant has contraindications.