The avocado is a very delicious fruit. You can find it in several dishes and you can barely it. It is important to mention that it has a light green pulp, which is totally creamy; as well as, it has a curious large seed.
This excellent fruit offers various qualities. It is rich in oleic acid, which is a type of lipid that helps control cholesterol levels. In addition, it contains folic acid, ideal during pregnancy.
It is necessary to indicate that avocado has excellent nutrients due to its high mineral content such as magnesium and potassium, and vitamins A, C, D, K and B. In addition, it is rich in fiber.
On the other hand, it favors cardiovascular health, reducing cholesterol levels and controlling blood pressure. It also regulates blood sugar levels, clean the colon and improve the skin.
With so many benefits that it can bring to the body, it is normal to wonder if it can be consumed in conditions associated with the stomach, as is the case, when you have gastritis.
In such a way, that in the present article this question will be answered, adding information of interest for this disease.
Can I eat avocado if I have gastritis?
If you suffer from mild gastritis, you can eat avocado in moderation since it’s a healthy food though it contains high levels of fat. But keep in mind that they are not harmful fats for the body.
In either case, it’s ideal is to be vigilant and alert to any reaction to what you consume. Remember that each body is totally different, in that sense, you must know yours.
As of gastritis, fatty foods are contraindicated as they can exacerbate its symptoms. Also, some small cases of gastritis may be sensitive to this fruit, which can also make your symptoms worse.
If you are unsure about eating avocado, it is best to consult with a physician or nutritionist, who can provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your individual needs and relevant medical history.
What components make avocado safe for consumption by people with gastritis?
Avocado is generally considered safe for people with gastritis to eat only in moderate amounts because it’s low in acidity and high in healthy fats.
It is propitious to clarify that gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes swollen or irritated; that is why some foods can aggravate the symptoms of the disease by increasing the production of stomach acid.
Considering that the stomach lining can be further irritated. However, avocados are relatively low in acid and rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and support digestive health.
Also, avocados contain vitamins and minerals that can help support overall health. All of which are nutrients that can help support metabolism, immune system, reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
New research has found that people who ate avocado for 5 days has been able to reduce up to 10% bad cholesterol.
However, it is important to consider that the tolerance and sensitivities of the individual to foods can vary, so it is necessary to listen to your body and consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns or questions about your diet.
Other foods with monounsaturated fats
There are several other foods that are high in monounsaturated fats and can help reduce the symptoms of gastritis. The most common ones are described below:
Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the best sources of monounsaturated fat and is a key component of the Mediterranean diet. It has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Nuts and seeds
Consider that almonds, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are good sources of monounsaturated fats, which provide other important nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Fatty fish
Among the fatty fish we have: salmon, tuna, sardines, which are rich in monounsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the symptoms.
Olives
Olives are a good source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Avocado oil
Oils made of avocado are a rich source of monounsaturated fats.
The foods mentioned above can be useful to reduce the symptoms of gastritis, but it is necessary to avoid foods that can exacerbate symptoms, such as spicy, acidic and fried foods.
What other benefits does avocado have for gastrointestinal diseases?
In this particular, the avocado has several potential benefits for gastrointestinal diseases beyond its monounsaturated fat content. Some of these benefits include:
Anti-inflammatory properties
It is important to mention that avocado contains several anti-inflammatory compounds such as carotenoids, tocopherols and polyhydric fatty alcohols, which can help reduce inflammation in the intestine and alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Fiber content
This fruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. It is worth noting that adequate fiber intake can help regulate bowel movements, promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of certain gastrointestinal diseases such as diverticulitis and colon cancer.
Prebiotic effects
Avocado contains prebiotic fiber, which can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can improve gut health and support a healthy immune system.
Nutrient density
Remember that avocado is a nutrient-dense food as it contains several vitamins and minerals that are important for gastrointestinal health, such as: avocado is rich in potassium, which can help regulate fluid balance in the body and reduce the risk of electrolyte imbalances in people with gastrointestinal diseases.
Overall, while more scientific research is needed to fully understand avocado’s role in health, its nutrient density, fiber content, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a potentially beneficial food for people with gastrointestinal diseases.
However, before any modification in your diet, it is important that you consult with your treating physician.
What should I do if avocados make gastritis symptoms worse?
If you eat avocados, and it worsens your symptoms, it is best to avoid or limit your intake. Keep in mind that gastritis can be a complex condition.
It is important to note that some people with gastritis can tolerate this fruit, while others may find that it triggers symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating or nausea.
If you experience any of these symptoms after eating avocado, pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid it.
It is important to keep track of what you eat and how it affects your symptoms; which can help you identify patterns and make effective decisions about your diet.
If your symptoms persist or worsen despite avoiding avocados and other potential trigger foods, it’s imperative that you talk to your health care provider.
Frequent asked questions
In general, doctors do not recommend a specific gastritis diet that includes or excludes any particular food, including avocados.
However, because avocados are a low-acid, high-fiber food, it is generally considered safe for people with gastritis if eaten in moderation.
Ideally, a gastritis patient should eat a balanced diet that is low in irritants and rich in nutrient-dense foods, which may include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats such as those found in the avocado.
There is no scientific evidence on the effects of avocado specifically on gastric ulcer, but the nutrient content and potential health benefits of avocado suggest that it may be beneficial for people with this condition.
There are reasons why eating avocado can cause stomach discomfort or pain, among which we can mention: the high content of fat and fiber (in case of consuming it in excess), sensitivity or allergy to this food, that the avocado is too ripe, and malabsorption of fructose, can cause digestive problems.
There are no specific types of avocado known to be better or worse for people with gastritis. However, some people may find that certain avocado varieties are easier to digest than others.
For example, the Hass avocado is the most common variety in the United States and it’s known for its rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor. The ‘Fuerte’ avocado, on the other hand, is a larger avocado, slightly waterier, and has a milder flavor. Some people may find that they tolerate one variety better than the other, but this can vary from person to person.
It is necessary to clarify that avocado can cause acid reflux in some people with gastritis, although this is not a common symptom. In this sense, acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat.
Conclusion
You could definitely eat avocado if you have gastritis, as long as you do it in moderation because this food brings important benefits to our body.
It is essential to mention that avocados are low in acid and are rich in “healthy monounsaturated fats”, which help reduce inflammation in the body and significantly support digestive health.
In the same order of ideas, this fruit contains vitamins and minerals that can help overall health, which strengthen the immune system, as well as reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
To sum it up, the main benefits of this fruit are:
- Anti-inflammatory properties.
- High fiber content.
- Prebiotic effects.
- Excellent nutrient density.
However, it is appropriate to consider the tolerance and sensitivities of each person according to the food they consume, for which it is necessary to observe the signals and in some cases, they should consult a doctor if they have any concerns.
Finally, although more scientific evidence is required to better understand the role of avocado in gastrointestinal health, its qualities associated with nutrient density, fiber content as well as the anti-inflammatory properties it possesses make it a food that can be beneficial for people with gastrointestinal diseases.
David is a writer and graduate professor. He writes for different websites. With 7+ years of experience in writing and education, David has combined his expertise in teaching with his passion for physical and mental wellness. He researches and writes to bring you valuable information about weight loss, nutrition, fitness, community, society and more.
