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Chicory for gastritis

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 29.08.2022
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Most of what we know about chicory is that it is a healthy alternative to coffee. But this plant is added not only to drinks, but also to various dishes. Is it always helpful? For example, will chicory be harmful for gastritis?[1]

Can chicory with gastritis?

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

There are such safety rules in the use of chicory:

  • You should not drink a drink, including an infusion or decoction of the rhizome, if it is too hot. For the gastric mucosa, prone to inflammation, such irritating factors are dangerous. Therefore, people with gastritis are only suitable for dishes and liquids in the form of heat, or at room temperature.
  • The abuse of chicory is undesirable. The optimal amount is up to 3 cups per day.
  • Doctors recommend drinking natural brewed chicory with honey for low-acid gastritis outside the stage of exacerbation.

Chicory for gastritis with high acidity

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

With hyperacid gastritis, only non-acidic diluted vegetable juices (pumpkin, carrot, potato), non-acidic kissels and compotes, weakly brewed tea and herbal infusions and decoctions are allowed. It is better to refuse chicory altogether, even after the digestive processes have been established and the symptoms of the disease have been eliminated.

Patients with sensitive gastrointestinal mucosa need to understand that even the most harmless product can be harmful if used inappropriately or in unreasonable amounts. As for chicory, it is allowed to be consumed 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 high acidity (and this is the most common), it is better not to risk your health and choose a softer and safer drink - for example, rosehip broth, 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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chemical poisoning. A complication of erosive gastritis can be a stomach ulcer and bleeding. To prevent the development of such complications, it is recommended to adhere to a strict diet. Food should be as sparing as possible, with the exception of hot, spicy, irritating foods, alcoholic and carbonated drinks, strong coffee, tea, and even chicory. The diet consists of cereals, stewed and boiled vegetables, fruits (mainly bananas and baked apples), casseroles and soufflés, as well as soups.

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

It must be remembered that both coffee and chicory are not recommended for consumption:

  • with erosive gastritis;
  • with a stomach ulcer;
  • with exacerbation of any gastritis;
  • if, after drinking a cup of chicory, unpleasant symptoms in the stomach area are noted.

Chicory for atrophic gastritis

Atrophic gastritis is perhaps one of the most unfavorable variants of this disease, since it is he who 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, there is a violation of the function of parietal cells (glandulocytes) of the gastric mucosa, as a result of which the release of hydrochloric acid is impaired. Cells that respond to 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, which leads to a violation of the digestive function.

In the acute period of atrophic gastritis, dietary restriction is necessary: sour and spicy foods, animal fat, mushrooms, whole milk, coarse fiber foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, strong tea and chicory are excluded. Gradually expand the diet after about 2-3 days. At the same time, the possibility of using chicory is agreed with the doctor, who can allow you to drink the drink, provided that all signs of an acute process are eliminated, if the patient does not show increased acidity of the gastric secretion.

Chicory with exacerbation of gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammatory reaction that is accompanied by damage to the gastric mucosa, 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 is malnutrition. 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 regime, to exclude harmful foods and drinks.

Important: the basic principles of the diet for chronic gastritis should be followed even after achieving a stable remission. These principles are:

  • eating according to a schedule, every day at about the same time;
  • fractional meals little by little, but often (about every 2.5 hours);
  • the use of only warm foods and drinks;
  • avoidance of overeating;
  • exclusion of foods and dishes that irritate the gastric mucosa;
  • exclusion of dry food, in a hurry;
  • separation according to the time of eating food and drinks (it is advisable to drink half an hour before a meal, or an hour after it).

With an exacerbation of gastritis, you can not drink chicory - regardless of the degree of acid formation in the stomach. To get rid of stomach pain and other painful symptoms, you need to strictly adhere to food restrictions and rules. The diet should be sparing, balanced. Its approximate duration is several weeks, even if the state of health is normalized. During all this time, only herbal teas, rosehip broth, warm water without gas, dried fruit compote are allowed to drink. Chicory is best left aside.

Chicory for gastritis and pancreatitis

To date, you can hear a lot of conflicting information about the use of chicory for gastritis. Some experts are sure that the benefits of the root for patients with gastritis far outweigh the harm, while others have a completely opposite opinion.

And yet, most doctors who study medicinal herbs say that chicory is quite aggressive in relation to the mucous tissue of the digestive tract. It provokes an increase in enzymatic activity, potentiates the production of hydrochloric acid. In this aspect, in terms of irritating effect, it can be compared with the same coffee, so patients suffering from pancreatitis, gastritis in the acute stage should refrain from drinking chicory.

However, people who have gastritis associated with low acidity and are in remission may well add the product to the diet. Chicory is even useful for such patients with gastritis, as it activates gastric secretion and increases appetite, improves the digestive process. If possible, milk can be added to the drink.

Benefits

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

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

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

Inulin, a natural biostimulant, helps restore intestinal microflora, optimizes the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract, and stimulates metabolic processes. It is used in alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of hypoacid gastritis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, and dysbacteriosis.

The presence of potassium ensures the normalization of cardiac activity and rhythm, tones blood vessels, improves the excretion of excess cholesterol. Chicory drinks serve as useful coffee substitutes because they do not contain caffeine, a well-known psychostimulant that has many contraindications.

The iron present in the chicorn rhizome improves the condition of people suffering from arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and iron deficiency anemia. The therapeutic effect is positively complemented by the intibin glycoside, which stimulates the activity of the digestive tract, improves the functioning of the central nervous system, and normalizes the heart rhythm.

The effectiveness of chicory in the fight against excess weight is known: the plant improves metabolism, helping to reduce fat accumulation, and normalizes water and electrolyte balance. Chicory root is part of many antiparasitic, choleretic, hypoglycemic drugs. Alcohol tinctures are often used in dermatology, for the treatment of boils, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, due to the rather strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.[4]

Plant-based preparations have an astringent property, have a moderate diuretic effect, and stimulate intestinal motility. The bitterness present in the composition affects the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, increasing the secretion of bile and enzymes. This property allows the use of chicory for gastritis with low acidity. At the same time, the benefits are felt, both in therapeutic and preventive action, to prevent exacerbations of the inflammatory process against the background of insufficient acid production in the stomach.

Other possible uses of the herbal product:[5]

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

Contraindications

In what form is chicory usually consumed?

  • Chicory rhizome is the 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 a kiln-roasted and finely ground rhizome that can be used in place of a seasoning or made into an alternative "coffee".
  • Soluble chicory is made by drying chicory extract. This option is especially convenient for brewing a coffee substitute 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 for its intended purpose.
  • Radichio salad fork is also a subspecies of chicory, the so-called head lettuce. It is very tasty and healthy: it cleanses the blood, improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Light varieties of Radichio are used mainly for making salads, and purple-burgundy varieties make delicious and healthy hot snacks and side dishes.

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

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

Also, absolutely everyone is advised to avoid the use of low-grade, cheap chicory - and not only for gastritis. It is important to pay attention to the description on the packaging: the composition should be represented only by 100% chicory (extract), without flavoring, flavoring and preservative additives. To reduce the cost of the product, rye, oats and barley are also often added to the composition.

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

To identify unwanted components in the composition, you can drop a drop of iodine into a weak drink. If the solution has turned purple, this may mean that cereals or starch are present in it. And the presence of maltodextrin in chicorn powder is determined by the unusually light shade of the substance.

High-quality extract - thick, viscous, with a pleasant smell. Chicory powder is dark, without lumps. On closer examination, it is not dusty, you can clearly see small granules. If we are talking about roots, then dry shoots should be acquired, with a brownish tint.

It is preferable to purchase a product made in Poland or France. Indian chicory tends to be of lower quality. Of course, the packaging must be sealed, without traces of opening.

Possible risks

When talking about chicory, people usually mean the rhizome or lettuce leaves (the so-called Radicchio lettuce). Of course, the benefits of eating plant-based foods and drinks far outweigh the risks:

  • Thanks to inulin, it is possible to stabilize the level of glucose in the blood, which is important for people suffering from diabetes or obesity.
  • The vitamin herbal composition improves the functioning of the nervous system, strengthens the immune defense.
  • A large amount of fiber optimizes intestinal motility and improves stool.
  • Potassium improves the condition of the cardiovascular system.

In addition, the product improves the enzymatic activity of the digestive tract, has an anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, regenerating effect.

However, risks still exist:

  • the choleretic property of the plant can aggravate the condition with cholelithiasis - in particular, stones can begin to move and clog the bile duct;
  • increased secretion of gastric acid will worsen the condition of patients with hyperacid gastritis or peptic ulcer;
  • in patients with oxalate diathesis, the risks of sand discharge increase;
  • with varicose veins and hemorrhoids, the risk of thrombosis increases;
  • may worsen the well-being of people with low blood pressure.

Detailed menu for every day

With an exacerbation of gastritis on the first day, it is better to refrain from eating any food at all in order to allow the inflamed organ to rest. You can’t drink chicory, only the use of boiled warm water, chamomile infusion or rosehip broth is allowed. After the main symptoms subside, the diet is supplemented with grated soups and liquid cereals. After a while, pureed meat (chicken, turkey), steam protein omelettes are connected. Chicory in the form of drinks or salads is still banned, regardless of the degree of acidity of the gastric juice.

The menu is compiled taking into account the following points:

  • exclude coarse-fiber food that can mechanically injure the inflamed mucosa (wiry meat, bony fish, bran);
  • exclude raw vegetables and fruits, legumes, smoked meats, marinades, sauces, strong broths, semi-finished products;
  • refuse to use carbonated drinks, juices, strong tea, coffee and chicory, including with milk.

With gastritis with low acidity, it is allowed to gradually add boiled beet and carrot salads, soups based on meat or fish to the menu. After a stable improvement in the condition, the use of small amounts of chicory is allowed - mainly in the form of a drink from chicory extract. At first, they drink only one sip 2-3 times a day. If there are no unpleasant symptoms, then the volume of consumption can be gradually increased. If there is pain in the abdomen, belching, discomfort behind the sternum, bloating, then it is still better to refuse chicory.

An important condition when choosing drinks and dishes for gastritis is their temperature. Everything that the patient consumes should be warm, not hot or cold. This is due to the fact that hot irritates the mucous membrane and exacerbates the inflammatory process, and cold inhibits enzymatic activity, which leads to a slowdown in the digestive process.

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

Sample menu for 2-4 days of acute gastritis:

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

With gastritis with insufficient secretion of acid, chicory begins to be introduced into the diet no earlier than 7-8 days from the moment of exacerbation, subject to stable good health.

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

Recipes

Many people think that chicory is just a cheap analogue of coffee. Such an opinion is not entirely correct. Indeed, low-grade varieties of the drink may not taste like coffee at all, and even be quite tasteless. But a quality product seriously competes - firstly, in terms of aroma and taste, and secondly - in terms of benefits, because it can be used at almost any age, with a tendency to high blood pressure, etc. Chicory is useful for gastritis with low secretory activity.

The roasted ground root is brewed in a coffee maker, Turk, French press. A thick extract is simply poured with boiling water in the right proportion, or added to various dishes, sauces, which gives them a typical bittersweet taste. The product goes well with other seasonings (cinnamon, vanilla), cream or milk.

Chicory with milk for gastritis is not forbidden to use during remission. But with an exacerbation of chronic gastritis or with acute inflammation, it is safer to give preference to weakly brewed tea, chamomile infusion, dried fruit compote, oatmeal jelly.

To prepare a chicory drink from a powdered product, take 1 tsp. Powder, pour 150 ml of boiling water. Add sugar and milk to taste. The norm for remission is 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 fried and chopped rhizome, kept on low heat under a lid for half an hour. Next, the broth is filtered and drunk 1 sip several times a day for gastritis with reduced secretory activity.

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

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

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