Gastritis can often be prevented. To help prevent gastritis or minimize attacks, individuals can:

• Adjust their diet and eating habits. Small, frequent meals are easier on the stomach than occasional, large meals. Foods that irritate the lining of the stomach, especially those that are spicy, acidic, fried or fatty, can usually be avoided.
  
  
• Avoid certain substances. Alcohol and cigarette smoking can irritate the stomach and reduce digestion and healing times. Avoiding these substances helps prevent gastritis.
  
  
• Avoid certain medications. Medications that irritate the stomach lining, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can usually be avoided. COX-2 inhibitors are a type of NSAID that are less likely to irritate the stomach. However, they may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke with long-term use. Other pain relievers, such as acetaminophen may be used in place of NSAIDs. People with chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, should be aware of their medication use and monitor any stomach symptoms.
  
  Patients at high risk for acute stress gastritis (e.g., those in the intensive care unit) may be prescribed medications to reduce the production of stomach acid and protect the lining of the stomach.
  
  
• Manage stress. Stress causes irritation to the stomach. There are a number of stress management and relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation) available to reduce this risk factor and help prevent gastritis.