Nuts for gastritis: walnuts, pine nuts, cashews

Edible nuts are a tasty and healthy treat. They are used as a separate dish, as well as an additive to sauces, salads, and confectionery. The specific nutty flavor adds a special twist to the dishes they are added to. At the same time, this is a rather heavy and fatty product. What should people suffering from inflammation of the gastric mucosa do? Can you eat nuts if you have gastritis?

What nuts can you eat if you have gastritis?

Dietary nutrition for gastritis involves a number of restrictions on the foods consumed. But the violation of the absorption of substances necessary for human life requires the inclusion in the diet of those that would meet the body's needs for useful nutrients. [ 1 ]

Nuts can replenish the lack of nutritional components, increase resistance to the disease. What nuts can be used for gastritis? From the large list present on the shelves, the following types are allowed for gastritis:

• peanuts (50g per day);
• coconut (30g pulp);
• walnuts (20g);
• cedar (20g);
• pecans (10g);
• hazelnuts (10g);
• cashews (5g).

It is best to add them in crushed form to dishes and not every day, but in no case eat them in the morning on an empty stomach. Nuts are heavy food, digesting in the stomach for 2.5-3 hours.

Nuts for erosive gastritis

Erosive gastritis is caused by a decrease in the protective properties of the gastric mucosa and the formation of superficial and sometimes deeper wounds on it. This is facilitated by alcohol, stress, treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other factors. It can occur in a chronic form, or exacerbations can occur, even accompanied by bleeding.

Acute conditions require drug treatment with strict adherence to diet. Nuts cannot be included in the diet until stable remission is achieved. Anything that causes additional production of hydrochloric acid is prohibited.

Chronic course with a long absence of symptoms of the disease allows the use of recommended types in moderation. [ 2 ]

Nuts for gastritis with high acidity

Nuts are a high-calorie product containing fatty acids, and they also have a coarse structure. All this provokes the activation of gastric secretion. For gastritis with high acidity, they are not very desirable. But everything depends on the stage of the disease. Exacerbations completely exclude their consumption. At the stages of remission of chronic gastritis, pine nuts and walnuts are the most favorable for the organ. [ 3 ]

In case of hypoacid gastritis, nuts will help in moving the food bolus and speed up the digestion process.

Benefits

Why should nuts still be included in the menu even with digestive disorders? Research has proven their enormous benefits for the body. [ 4 ] Previous reviews, as well as epidemiological and / or clinical trials, have shown that regular consumption of nuts has a beneficial effect on health outcomes such as obesity, [ 5 ] hypertension, [ 6 ] diabetes mellitus [ 7 ] and cardiovascular disease, [ 8 ] with a decrease in chronic disease mediators such as oxidative stress, [ 9 ] inflammation, visceral obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. [ 10 ]

Nuts are commonly included in the Mediterranean diet, and their consumption is recommended for populations worldwide. [ 11 ] Tree nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts, and pistachios, and legume seeds such as peanuts, are nutrient-rich foods, each with a unique composition. In general, these foods contain profiles of beneficial monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids; protein; soluble and insoluble fiber; vitamins B2, E, and K; folate; thiamin; minerals such as magnesium, copper, potassium, and selenium; and substances such as zantophyll carotenoids, antioxidants, and phytosterol compounds, with recognized health benefits. [ 12 ] They have a low glycemic index, making them beneficial for diabetes.

Walnuts for gastritis

Walnuts are among the most suitable for gastritis. The concentration of antioxidants in them is twice as high as in other types. The predominant vitamins are A, C, E (gamma-tocopherol), K, PP, group B, folic acid, and the fatty and amino acids are asparagine, glutamine, valine, oleic, and linoleic. [ 13 ]

They strengthen bones, blood vessels, increase hemoglobin, and are a preventive measure against diabetes and cancer. At the same time, they stimulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, which must be taken into account and be careful with hyperacid gastritis. [ 14 ]

Some evidence suggests that walnuts (Juglans regia L.) may reduce the risk of age-related diseases due to additive or synergistic effects of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components. Walnuts are high in antioxidants (3.68 mmol/oz), including flavonoids, phenolic acid (ellagic acid), melatonin, folate, gamma-tocopherol (vitamin E), selenium, juglone, and proanthocyanidins. [ 15 ] Additionally, walnuts contain high amounts of n-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that has potent anti-inflammatory effects. [ 16 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ] Walnuts also contain protein (4 g/oz), fiber (2 g/oz), phosphorus (10% DV), and magnesium (11% DV).

Of 1,113 different foods that were tested for antioxidant content, walnuts ranked second. [ 19 ] Among dried fruits, walnuts have the best antioxidant potency, as evidenced by the fact that walnuts have the highest phenolic content, followed by almonds and cashews, and then raisins. [ 20 ] Another report found that 50 grams of walnuts contained significantly more phenolics compared to an 8-ounce glass of apple juice, a 5-ounce glass of red wine, or a bar of milk chocolate. [ 21 ]

Pine nuts for gastritis

Due to its composition, softness, neutral taste, it is used to treat gastritis. The leading vitamins in its biochemical formula are B vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus.

Pine nuts have a beneficial effect on joints and bones, help eliminate anemia, and boost immunity. They should be eaten to prevent atherosclerosis, diabetes, and nervous system disorders. This type of nut is widely included in the production of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of anemia, coronary heart disease, and strengthening the body's defenses. [ 22 ]

Brazil nuts for gastritis

Brazil nuts are not very well known in our region, but with open trade borders they can end up on the table of a patient with gastritis. Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) come from the Amazon region and have a complex matrix consisting of bioactive substances such as selenium, α- and γ-tocopherol, phenolic compounds, folate, magnesium, potassium, calcium, proteins and mono (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. [ 23 ], [ 24 ] In terms of taste, they are inferior to their relatives cashews and almonds. [ 25 ], [ 26 ]

Doctors do not recommend using them for gastritis, there are even restrictions for healthy people - no more than two pieces per day.

Cashew nuts for gastritis

Cashew nuts are consumed in their natural or roasted form or converted into food by-products. [ 27 ] With a mild and slightly sweet taste, they stand out for their high lipid content (47.8 g / 100 g) as a source of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) - oleic (ω-9) and linoleic (ω-6) acids. [ 28 ], [ 29 ] Other functional properties of the seed oil are due to its phenolic content (flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins) and fiber. [ 30 ] The most valuable micronutrients contained in cashews are folate and tocopherols, [ 31 ] which delay metabolic disorders, protecting against atherosclerosis and other chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD). [ 32 ]

Of the above permitted norms of nut consumption, cashew nuts are the smallest dose. It has been established that in addition to the beneficial properties (proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins A, B1, B2, minerals: iron, zinc, phosphorus, calcium), capable of resisting psoriasis, anemia, dystrophy, healing damage to the inner walls of the stomach, they contain caustic substances that can exacerbate gastritis. Therefore, it is best not to bring their concentration to a high level. [ 33 ]

Cashew nut consumption of 28 to 64 g/day in adults with mild hypercholesterolemia reduced total cholesterol (-23.9% vs. 4.5%) and LDL-cholesterol (-24.8% vs. -3.1%), respectively, compared with a control diet.[ 34 ]

Contraindications

Nuts are allergen-hazardous products and among those listed, walnuts are the most allergenic. Each type has its own contraindications. Thus, walnuts are not very suitable for people with skin problems, increased blood clotting, pancreatitis. Pine nuts are not recommended for obesity. However, there are studies that prove that pine nuts can reduce appetite. [ 35 ]

Possible risks

Each person's body is individual, so even moderate consumption of nuts can cause harm. Of the possible complications, the most likely is the appearance of exacerbation symptoms. If you feel heaviness, nausea, pain in the epigastrium, you should immediately exclude them from your diet.