Gastritis, GERD & Digestive Diet: Complete Guide

What are these digestive diets?

Diet for gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. A diet for gastritis avoids foods that can irritate it–spicy, acidic, fatty, or very hot foods, alcohol, and caffeine–and often includes small, regular meals and bland or easily digested foods. It supports medical treatment (e.g. treatment for H. pylori or acid reduction) and does not replace it.

GERD diet: GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) is when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. A GERD diet limits triggers (large meals, fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, caffeine, alcohol) and encourages smaller meals and not lying down soon after eating. A 7 day GERD diet plan is a week of meals following these rules–useful as a trial or template. See our bland, soft & BRAT diet for overlapping ideas; for reflux, avoid eating late and consider raising the head of the bed.

Bariatric diet / gastric bypass diet: After weight-loss surgery (e.g. gastric bypass, sleeve), a bariatric diet or gastric bypass diet is essential. It typically progresses from liquids to purées to soft foods to solid foods, with small portions, protein first, no drinking with meals (to avoid stretching the pouch), and limited sugar and fat. Your surgical team and dietitian will give you a staged plan and rules (e.g. no carbonated drinks, no straws). See our liquid diet guide for the early phase only–full bariatric diet guidance must come from your team.

Gastroparesis diet: Gastroparesis is delayed emptying of the stomach. A gastroparesis diet usually involves small, frequent meals; low-fat and low-fibre foods (fat and fibre slow gastric emptying); and sometimes softer or liquid foods. It is tailored by your doctor or dietitian–some people have other conditions that need more fibre, so do not self-prescribe.

How these digestive diets work

Diet for gastritis: Reducing irritants and eating smaller meals can ease discomfort and support healing while you follow medical treatment. No fixed phases–you follow the diet for gastritis until your doctor advises otherwise.

GERD diet / 7 day GERD diet plan: Avoiding triggers and eating smaller meals reduces reflux. A 7 day GERD diet plan helps you test the pattern; many people then continue similar eating long term. Diet works alongside medication and lifestyle (e.g. weight loss if needed–use our calorie calculator and TDEE calculator with your doctor’s approval).

Bariatric / gastric bypass diet: The gastric bypass diet and bariatric diet protect the new stomach size, ensure enough protein and nutrients, and avoid dumping (rapid passage of sugary food). Phases and timing are set by your team; do not skip stages or add foods early.

Gastroparesis diet: Smaller, low-fat, low-fibre meals put less load on the stomach and can reduce bloating and nausea. Liquids or soft foods may be recommended if solids are poorly tolerated. Your dietitian will balance this with your other needs.

What to eat and what to limit

The table below is a general guide. Your doctor or dietitian will tailor lists for your condition (e.g. diet for gastritis, GERD, bariatric diet, gastroparesis diet).

For a gentle bland approach that overlaps with gastritis and GERD, see our bland, soft & BRAT diet. For IBS-focused eating, see our IBS & low-FODMAP diet.

Potential benefits (with caveats)

Benefits are described in general terms–individual results vary. This is not medical advice.

• Gastritis: A diet for gastritis that avoids irritants may reduce discomfort and support healing alongside medical treatment.
• GERD: A GERD diet or 7 day GERD diet plan can reduce reflux frequency and severity when combined with medication and lifestyle changes (e.g. weight loss if advised).
• Bariatric / gastric bypass: Following the bariatric diet and gastric bypass diet as prescribed supports healing, adequate nutrition, and long-term success and helps avoid complications (e.g. dumping, deficiency).
• Gastroparesis: A gastroparesis diet that is small, frequent, low-fat, and low-fibre (as tailored) may reduce bloating and nausea in some people.

Evidence: dietary modification is recommended in guidelines for these conditions. Diet supports but does not replace medical or surgical care.

Risks and who should be cautious

These diets are generally safe when followed with professional guidance. Important points:

• Gastritis / GERD: If symptoms persist or worsen, see your doctor. Do not assume diet alone is enough–medication or further tests may be needed.
• Bariatric / gastric bypass: Not following the gastric bypass diet or bariatric diet can cause serious problems (e.g. stretching the pouch, dumping, nutrient deficiency). Never skip stages or ignore your team’s rules. Use our calorie calculator only with your team’s approval–your needs after surgery are different.
• Gastroparesis: A very low-fibre gastroparesis diet long term can affect gut health; your dietitian will balance this. If you have diabetes and gastroparesis, timing of meals and insulin may need to be adjusted–follow your doctor’s advice.

Before changing your diet for any digestive condition, speak to your doctor or dietitian.

Sample day (gastritis / GERD style)

This example fits a diet for gastritis or a GERD diet / 7 day GERD diet plan–smaller meals, minimal triggers. It is not suitable for the early bariatric diet or gastric bypass diet (which start with liquids/purées) or for a strict gastroparesis diet (which your dietitian will tailor).

• Breakfast: Porridge or wholegrain toast with a small amount of nut butter, banana (non-citrus). Avoid citrus juice and large portions.
• Lunch: Grilled chicken or fish, rice or potato, steamed vegetables (e.g. carrot, green beans). Plain water or non-citrus, non-carbonated drink. No large fatty or spicy dressings.
• Dinner: Lean meat or fish, pasta or rice, cooked vegetables. Eat at least 2–3 hours before bed if you have GERD. Avoid tomato-based sauces if they trigger you.
• Snacks: Plain crackers, banana, small portion of yogurt. Avoid chocolate, mint, and fatty snacks.

For a bariatric diet or gastric bypass diet sample day, follow the exact phase and portion sizes your team gave you. For gastroparesis diet ideas, your dietitian will provide a personalised plan. See our bland, soft & BRAT diet and low-sodium diet for related options.

Frequently asked questions

Summary

A diet for gastritis avoids stomach irritants and uses small, regular meals. A GERD diet and 7 day GERD diet plan limit reflux triggers and encourage smaller meals and timing. A bariatric diet and gastric bypass diet follow a staged plan after surgery–protein first, small portions, no drinking with meals. A gastroparesis diet typically uses small, frequent, low-fat, low-fibre meals. This page is for education only; your doctor or dietitian will tailor your plan. See our bland, soft & BRAT diet, IBS & low-FODMAP diet, and liquid diet for related reading. Use our calorie calculator and TDEE calculator only with your healthcare team’s guidance.

Use our calculators with this diet

Set your calorie target and plan meals with our free tools.

Sources and further reading

This article is based on current guidance. For more detail, see:

• Guidelines on gastritis, GERD, and dietary management
• Bariatric surgery and gastric bypass diet protocols (surgical and dietetic associations)
• Gastroparesis and diet (e.g. gastroenterology and dietetic guidance)

Last updated: 20 February 2026. Content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical or dietetic advice.