First of all, it’s important to understand what an inflamed stomach is and what causes it. An inflamed stomach, medically known as “gastritis,” is the inflammation or irritation of the stomach’s lining. It can be caused by things like stress or excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, infection, and even some medications. While symptoms vary from person to person, the most common warning signs to see a doctor would be regular or recurring abdominal pain, bloating, hiccups, loss of appetite, or vomiting blood. It’s important to see a doctor if any of these symptoms occur because when left untreated, gastritis can lead to excessive blood loss and, in some cases, leaves you more susceptible to stomach cancer.
In the average healthy person, there is mucus coating the stomach lining that protects is from gastric juice, or the acidic liquid floating through our digestive system that helps break down food when we eat it. When there isn’t enough of that protective mucus being produced, the stomach lining is left susceptible to that abrasive acid that can cause it to be irritated, which leads to the uncomfortable symptoms you may experience.
So when you have an inflamed stomach, or suspect you may have one, what should you avoid eating? According to VeryWell Health, any food that is difficult to digest or already hard on the digestive system in any way will make your symptoms worse. Your digestive system is already vulnerable, so eating foods that are intensely flavored, spicy, or heavily processed will wreak havoc on your stomach. Avoiding anything deep fried, heavily seasoned, sweetened, or processed.
Many of the worst foods for gastritis are condiments—dressings, marinades, and hot sauces are often packed with preservatives, spices, and especially in the United States, sugar. They’re also very acidic, which only adds onto the already acidic digestive system of someone with gastritis. One of the worst is salsa—at its base are fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and onions, which are highly acidic and can cause irritation, even when served raw. One of the most popular condiments for eggs, salsa is one condiment that is sure to make your symptoms worse.
If you enjoy salsa on your eggs, you can first try using it in small amounts to see if it relieves your symptoms. Additionally, try making your own salsa instead—this will allow you to control how spicy it is, and you can avoid preservatives commonly added to store bought salsa that may exacerbate your symptoms too. Ultimately, if you find that you are having any kind of digestive discomfort, try different things and see what alleviates your symptoms best. And if you think you may have gastritis, consult with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan unique to you and your needs.