Kefir in gastritis with high and low acidity, peptic ulcer

Kefir is a well-known and beloved dairy drink. It is obtained by fermenting milk, created with the help of microorganisms. About two dozen of them are involved in obtaining the product. It is divided into one-, two- and three-day. The acidity, the level of ethyl alcohol, carbon dioxide, and protein swelling depend on the duration of fermentation. Kefir is considered a healthy food product, it has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, metabolism, and contains many vitamins and microelements. The general term "gastritis" implies various stomach disorders and requires careful selection of food depending on the nature of the pathology. Let's try to figure out whether kefir is allowed with gastritis?

The effect of kefir on health in gastritis

The diet of a patient with gastritis differs significantly depending on the acidity of the stomach. In order for food to be digested, it must be exposed to hydrochloric acid produced by the gastric mucosa. If it is produced excessively, neutralization by alkaline components, which is typical for the normal functioning of the organ, does not keep up and the acidity of the stomach increases, and vice versa. How do you know if acidity is increased or decreased? For this, there are laboratory methods for examining the contents of the stomach obtained as a result of endoscopic probing. In addition, certain symptoms characteristic of each type of acidity are evidence of certain disorders of gastric juice secretion. What place does kefir have in the diet of such patients?

Consumption of kefir for gastritis with high and low acidity

Although acidity is not the main diagnostic sign when making a diagnosis, but depends on the condition of the gastric mucosa, the primary task in its treatment is to relieve inflammation, and this is possible only by reducing the production of hydrochloric acid. In addition to drug treatment, proper nutrition is very important, which consists in excluding fatty, spicy, smoked, sour foods from the menu - everything that will cause increased production of gastric juice. Based on this, we can conclude that kefir is undesirable for gastritis with high acidity. Read also what drinks can be used for gastritis with high acidity.

Low stomach acidity causes no less digestive problems than high acidity, and therapy is aimed at increasing the pH level. Naturally, nutrition in this case is significantly different from the previous one. Priority is given to vegetable and fruit juices on an empty stomach and, of course, kefir in the amount of 400-500 g per day. The only requirement is that it is fresh. It is also recommended 30-40 minutes before meals and before bed. Its low-fat varieties are more useful, the drink should not be cold.

Gastroenterologists recommend drinking kefir at night not only for healthy people, but also for those with gastritis in the absence of exacerbations. Lactose in its composition soothes well, bifido- and lactobacilli have a beneficial effect on the digestion process, amino acids also contribute to the rapid absorption of food. If personal feelings do not contradict this statement, then you can go to bed, filling your stomach with a healthy drink.

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Is it possible to drink kefir if you have chronic gastritis and ulcers?

Most often, gastric ulcers occur against the background of increased acidity, but are also diagnosed with decreased acidity, since a lack of pH leads to a weakening of protective functions, the spread of pathogenic microorganisms that provoke the ulcer process. It is characterized by a violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane and deterioration of digestion. Whether it is possible to drink kefir with gastritis and ulcers depends on the level of hydrochloric acid, as mentioned above.

Inflammation of the stomach, which is of a long-term nature, or the condition of the organ after the exacerbation has subsided, is called chronic gastritis. It results in degenerative processes of the mucous membrane, changes in its structure, atrophy of cell elements, their replacement with scars and adhesions. The chronic course of the pathology does not cause acute manifestations, but reacts to food unfavorable for the stomach with heaviness in the epigastric region, belching, heartburn. Kefir in the chronic form, regardless of acidity, can be drunk, only high acidity allows a non-acidic fatty product. Fat content is marked on the packaging, you can not make a mistake with this, but how to determine the acidity? Firstly, non-acidic kefir is fresh one-day old, if you prepare it yourself from milk and a special starter. On the purchased one, acidity is indicated, usually its indicators are within 85-130ºT (Turner degree), and you also need to start from the date of manufacture. Having tasted the product from different manufacturers, you can choose the right one, after drinking which there will be no unpleasant sensations.

Kefir for other types of gastritis

There are many types of gastritis depending on the nature of damage to the inner wall of the stomach, the source of their occurrence, pH level and other factors. Kefir in the menu of patients with certain forms of the disease:

• in case of erosive gastritis - exacerbation of gastritis excludes its use, because it contributes to even greater irritation of the gastric mucosa. The absence of exacerbation allows you to drink a fresh, non-acidic tasting product;
• superficial gastritis - this refers to the initial stage of inflammation, when the deep layers of the mucous membrane are not yet affected, and changes occur in the upper epithelial layer. It can occur against the background of any acidity, and the recommendations regarding the fermented milk product depend on this. In order not to provoke excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid, it is recommended to drink the product after meals and with a higher fat content, in this case it better envelops the mucous membrane;
• atrophic gastritis - a condition of the stomach when the mucous membrane of the organ atrophies (the glands are replaced by intestinal epithelium) and it loses its functionality. The disease is accompanied by dyspeptic phenomena, which are signaled by such phenomena as loss of appetite, nausea, belching rotten, a feeling of fullness in the stomach. In this case, kefir will help digest food, and its bactericidal property will prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.

In case of exacerbation of gastritis and stomach pain, it should be stopped until remission occurs.

Other types of fermented milk products for gastritis

There are many other forms of fermented milk products on the shelves of grocery stores. What from the range can be used for gastritis?

• Ryazhenka for gastritis - it is obtained in the same way as kefir, but from baked milk. For a healthy stomach, this product is very useful. With low and normal acidity, it will not cause harm, but will saturate the body with proteins, vitamins, calcium, phosphorus. With gastritis with high acidity, there are restrictions. An exacerbation of the condition prohibits the drink, but a week after it, you can consume the product in small portions. Ryazhenka is not difficult to prepare at home, when buying ready-made, you need to make sure that there are no flavorings and flavor enhancers, so as not to harm the diseased organ.
• Yogurt for gastritis is a natural drink without additives, the product that is suitable for any acidity. It contains proteins that neutralize hydrochloric acid, it supplies the body with probiotics that increase immunity, it helps to absorb amino acids, vitamins, microelements, thus improving metabolism. For hypocidal gastritis, its more acidic types are used. The main thing is that the product does not contain chemical additives.

Buckwheat with kefir for gastritis

The kefir-buckwheat diet is used to cleanse the body and lose weight. Its followers claim that in 2 weeks you can get rid of almost 10 kg of excess weight, and also improve your health: remove toxins and waste, give your digestive system a rest from overload and get rid of its diseases, including inflammation of the gastric mucosa. At the same time, it is emphasized that the valuable chemical composition of the cereal and the beneficial properties of kefir will not upset the balance of microelements and will not lead to side effects. On the other hand, buckwheat is one third fiber, which is not a positive aspect of nutrition during exacerbations. You should not rely on the healing properties of this duet, but it is in the diet of patients with gastritis - why not.

Useful links

• Diet tips for gastritis and stomach ulcers https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317027.php
• A study on the protective activity of kefir against gastric ulcer https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22965503
• Kefir https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir