Can people with chronic atrophic gastritis eat late-night snacks?
Apr 03, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Patients with chronic atrophic gastritis can generally have a late-night snack, but they should choose easily digestible and absorbable foods, eat in moderation, and avoid overeating to prevent increasing the burden on the stomach. In addition, it is essential to actively treat chronic atrophic gastritis, as it may otherwise increase the risk of gastric cancer. Timely medical examinations are recommended to check for possible coexisting Helicobacter pylori infection and to determine the underlying cause.
Patients with chronic atrophic gastritis can generally have a late-night snack, but they should choose easily digestible foods, avoid eating too much, and prevent increasing the burden on the stomach.
Chronic atrophic gastritis is a type of chronic gastritis caused by various factors leading to recurrent inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The damage usually cannot heal on its own and may result in atrophy of the gastric epithelium. Some patients may have no symptoms, while others may experience bloating, belching, or dull abdominal pain, with symptoms often worsening after meals.
Patients with chronic atrophic gastritis should maintain emotional calmness, chew food thoroughly, and avoid spicy, irritating, or hard-to-digest foods. If having a late-night snack, they should opt for easily digestible options such as warm milk or soda crackers. However, they should limit the amount consumed at one time to avoid overburdening the stomach and triggering pain.
In addition, it's essential to actively treat chronic atrophic gastritis, as it may increase the risk of developing gastric cancer. Patients should promptly visit a hospital for evaluation, particularly to check for concurrent Helicobacter pylori infection, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under medical supervision—such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets, amoxicillin, and ornidazole.
