What Drink is Good for Gastritis? Soothing Sips for an Irritated Stomach

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Chronic gastritis affects millions of people, making dietary choices, including beverages, crucial for managing symptoms. For those experiencing stomach inflammation, understanding what drink is good for gastritis is key to soothing discomfort and aiding the healing process.

Quick Summary

Explore the best beverages for soothing gastritis symptoms, from anti-inflammatory herbal teas and probiotic drinks to gentle fruit and vegetable juices. This guide also covers which drinks to avoid, such as high-acid, caffeinated, and alcoholic options, to prevent further irritation of the stomach lining.

Key Points

Hydration is Key: Drinking plenty of plain water is essential to dilute stomach acid and soothe an irritated stomach lining.
Herbal Teas are Soothing: Chamomile, ginger, and fennel teas offer anti-inflammatory and calming effects that can reduce gastritis symptoms.
Probiotics Aid Gut Health: Fermented drinks like kefir and low-fat yogurt drinks introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut, which can help manage gastritis, especially when linked to H. pylori.
Non-Acidic Juices are Preferable: Low-acid options like pear or cabbage juice provide nutrients and protective compounds without irritating the stomach.
Avoid Acidic and Caffeinated Drinks: Alcoholic beverages, coffee, citrus juices, and sodas can increase stomach acid production and worsen inflammation.
Lifestyle Habits Matter: Eating smaller, frequent meals and managing stress are important alongside beverage choices to effectively control gastritis symptoms.

For anyone experiencing the discomfort of gastritis, choosing the right beverages can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and promoting healing. Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by bacterial infection, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, or the prolonged use of NSAIDs. By opting for soothing, anti-inflammatory, and gut-friendly drinks, you can help calm an irritated stomach and support your recovery.

Soothing and Hydrating Beverages for Gastritis

Staying hydrated is one of the most fundamental steps in managing gastritis. Proper hydration helps dilute stomach acid and flushes out irritants. But beyond plain water, several other drinks offer specific benefits for calming an inflamed stomach lining.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are a cornerstone of a gastritis-friendly diet, known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Chamomile Tea: With its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, chamomile tea is particularly effective in soothing stomach irritation and reducing spasms.
Ginger Tea: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-emetic, making it excellent for easing stomach inflammation and nausea, common symptoms of gastritis. To prepare, grate fresh ginger and boil it with water for about 10 minutes.
Fennel Tea: Fennel contains anti-inflammatory and digestive properties that help combat stomach pain and reduce bloating.
Licorice Root Tea: This herb contains compounds that can help protect the stomach lining. Opt for deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to avoid potential side effects.
Green Tea: Studies suggest that regular green tea consumption, in moderation and preferably decaffeinated, can be linked to a lower risk of gastritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Probiotic Drinks

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the gut microbiome, which is often disrupted by H. pylori infections—a common cause of gastritis.

Kefir: This fermented milk drink is rich in various probiotic strains, supporting gut health and potentially helping to regulate stomach acid.
Yogurt Drinks: Look for low-fat or fat-free yogurt drinks containing live and active cultures like Lactobacillus bulgaricus or S. thermophilus, which may help soothe stomach irritation.

Non-Acidic Juices

Some low-acid fruit and vegetable juices can be tolerated well, providing beneficial nutrients and soothing properties.

Aloe Vera Juice: Known for its soothing and healing effects, aloe vera juice can help reduce inflammation of the stomach lining. Be sure to use pure, preservative-free versions.
Cabbage Juice: Cabbage contains compounds that can help protect the gastric lining and reduce inflammation.
Pear Juice: Rich in flavonoids, pear juice can help fight stomach inflammation and improve digestive health.
Kale Juice with Melon and Coconut Water: A blend of kale's anti-inflammatory properties with the hydrating benefits of melon and coconut water can create a healing tonic.

Which Drinks to Limit or Avoid with Gastritis

Just as important as knowing what to drink is understanding which beverages can aggravate symptoms and hinder healing.

Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol is a major irritant that can erode the stomach's protective lining and increase acid production. Complete avoidance is recommended during active gastritis.
Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee and regular teas can increase stomach acid secretion and irritate the stomach lining. Even decaf coffee can be problematic for some.
Citrus and Acidic Juices: The high acidity in juices like orange, lemon, and tomato can directly irritate an inflamed stomach. Opt for lower-acid juices instead.
Carbonated and Sugary Drinks: The carbonation in sodas and the high sugar content in sweetened beverages can increase bloating, gas, and acid production, worsening symptoms.
Full-Fat Dairy: While some people tolerate low-fat dairy with probiotics well, full-fat milk can stimulate acid production in some individuals and should be tested for personal tolerance.

Comparison of Gastritis-Friendly Drinks


Drink Category	Benefits for Gastritis	Preparation	Considerations
Herbal Teas	Soothing, anti-inflammatory, calming effects on the stomach.	Steep herbs (e.g., chamomile, ginger) in hot water.	Ensure they are caffeine-free; peppermint may worsen acid reflux in some.
Water	Essential for hydration, dilutes stomach acid, flushes out irritants.	Plain, warm, or with a dash of honey.	Stick to still water; avoid excessive amounts with meals.
Probiotic Drinks	Restores gut bacteria balance, reduces inflammation, enhances gut barrier.	Consume kefir, low-fat yogurt drinks, or probiotic waters.	Look for live cultures; avoid high-sugar versions and test for dairy tolerance.
Non-Acidic Juices	Provides nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber without irritating the stomach.	Blend low-acid fruits/vegetables like pear, melon, or cabbage.	Avoid added sugar; start with small amounts to check tolerance.

Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments

Beyond just your beverage choices, several other lifestyle and dietary changes can help manage gastritis and support healing. Eating smaller, more frequent meals reduces the workload on your stomach, preventing excess acid production. It's also wise to avoid eating too close to bedtime, giving your digestive system adequate time to process food. Stress is a known aggravator of gastritis, so practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can help reduce symptoms. Avoiding triggers like smoking and NSAID use is also crucial for preventing damage to the stomach lining. By adopting these comprehensive strategies, you can improve your digestive health and find relief from gastritis symptoms.

Conclusion

For those with gastritis, a mindful approach to what you drink is a powerful tool for managing and soothing symptoms. Opting for water, mild herbal teas, and certain probiotic drinks can help reduce inflammation and promote healing, while eliminating acidic, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages prevents further irritation. Coupled with other dietary and lifestyle adjustments, these beverage choices can significantly contribute to better digestive health and overall well-being. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice regarding your condition and the best course of action.

Visit the NIH website for more authoritative information on managing digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it was once thought to be soothing, experts now advise caution with milk. Its calcium and protein can stimulate acid production, potentially worsening symptoms. Low-fat or non-dairy options like almond or oat milk might be better tolerated.

No, both regular and decaffeinated coffee should be avoided. Coffee increases gastric acid production, which can irritate the inflamed stomach lining and worsen gastritis symptoms.

The best teas for gastritis are caffeine-free herbal options like chamomile, ginger, and fennel tea. Green tea is also beneficial in moderation, preferably decaffeinated.

Yes, carbonated beverages and sodas can increase stomach pressure and acidity, aggravating gastritis symptoms like bloating and discomfort.

You should avoid high-acid citrus juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit). Instead, opt for low-acid, non-citrus juices like pear, apple, or melon juice, which are gentler on the stomach.

Ginger tea contains powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-emetic properties. These help reduce stomach inflammation, calm irritation, and alleviate nausea associated with gastritis.

Yes, probiotic drinks containing beneficial bacteria can help restore a healthy gut balance, reduce inflammation, and may inhibit the growth of bacteria like H. pylori, a common cause of gastritis.