Dietary adjustment for chronic gastritis in children
Shanghai Enjosim Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Jiangsu Enjosim Medical Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.enjosimmedical.com
Chronic gastritis is primarily seen in adults, but in recent years, an increasing number of children with the condition have been diagnosed in pediatric clinics, particularly among preschoolers aged 3 to 6. While antral gastritis is more common in children, atrophic gastritis remains relatively rare.
The main site of inflammation in gastric sinusitis is the gastric antrum, and it is closely linked to *Helicobacter pylori* infection, which is often considered the main cause. Other contributing factors include overeating, consuming cold drinks, irregular eating habits, picky eating, and frequent intake of fried foods. Poor dietary habits and uncontrolled eating patterns can lead to increased secretion of gastric acid and pepsin, causing swelling and erosion of the gastric lining. Additionally, excessive consumption of cold beverages may cause vasoconstriction and thinning of the mucosa, ultimately leading to chronic gastritis.
In recent years, Western medicine has focused on reducing stomach acid and eradicating *H. pylori*, which has shown some effectiveness in treating childhood antral gastritis. Medications that enhance mucosal protection are also commonly used. However, some patients do not respond well to these treatments, and a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine may be necessary. Traditional Chinese medicine has proven effective in both preventing and treating antral gastritis. Commonly used herbs include dandelion, astragalus, peony, orange peel, osmanthus, yam, cyperus, corydalis, citrus aurantium, and other ingredients. There are also various proprietary Chinese medicines available, but they should always be taken under a doctor’s guidance.
Dietary management plays a crucial role in the treatment of chronic gastritis in children. The general principle is to eat soft, tender, and easily digestible foods. Since children are still growing, their diet should also be rich in nutrients, including milk, stewed eggs, fish, soy products, noodles, porridge, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Foods that aid digestion, such as yams, lentils, lotus seeds, chicken gizzards, pork belly, and rice kernels, are also beneficial. On the other hand, foods like celery, bamboo shoots, fatty items, and fried foods should be avoided.
Here are some dietary remedies suitable for children:
1. Take 500 grams of white radish and 150 grams of honey. Dice the radish, boil it in water, remove and dry it for half a day. Then mix with honey, simmer on low heat until well combined, and store in a bottle. Take three tablespoons daily. This is ideal for children with stomach pain, belching, and acid reflux.
2. Mix 220ml of milk with 30g of honey and one quail egg. Boil the milk, beat the egg, and cook for a few minutes before adding the honey. Take this in the morning. It helps with stomach pain, thirst, poor appetite, and constipation.
3. Brew 20g of sugar into 250ml of soy milk, then boil and drink on an empty stomach. This is suitable for children with stomach pain, cold hands and feet, and sensitivity to cold.
4. Combine 50g each of lotus seeds, glutinous rice, and rice kernels with 15g of brown sugar. Boil the lotus seeds first, remove the heart, add to the pot after 30 minutes, then add the other ingredients and simmer until soft. Add brown sugar before eating. This remedy is good for children with upper abdominal pain, weight loss, poor appetite, and a greasy tongue.