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Gastritis forum. Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Healing Tips

What are the common causes of gastritis. How can you recognize gastritis symptoms. What treatment options are available for gastritis. Which dietary changes can help manage gastritis. How long does it take to recover from gastritis. What are effective home remedies for gastritis. How can you prevent gastritis from recurring.

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Understanding Gastritis: An Overview of Stomach Inflammation

Gastritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. This common digestive issue can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, significantly impacting one’s quality of life. Let’s delve into the intricacies of gastritis, exploring its causes, symptoms, and various treatment options.

What exactly is gastritis?

Gastritis occurs when the protective lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or irritated. This inflammation can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting), and it can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. The condition may develop suddenly or gradually over time, affecting people of all ages.

Recognizing the Symptoms: Key Indicators of Gastritis

Identifying gastritis symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. While some individuals may experience mild discomfort, others might face more severe manifestations.

What are the common symptoms of gastritis?

Gastritis can present with various symptoms, including:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bloating and indigestion
  • Burning sensation in the stomach
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Black, tarry stools (in severe cases)

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any noticeable signs at all.

Unveiling the Causes: Factors Contributing to Gastritis

Understanding the underlying causes of gastritis is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition.

What are the primary causes of gastritis?

Gastritis can be triggered by various factors, including:

  1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection
  2. Excessive alcohol consumption
  3. Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  4. Stress
  5. Autoimmune disorders
  6. Bile reflux
  7. Viral or bacterial infections
  8. Certain medical conditions (e.g., Crohn’s disease, sarcoidosis)

In some cases, gastritis may result from a combination of these factors, making it crucial to identify and address potential triggers.

Diagnosing Gastritis: Medical Tests and Procedures

Proper diagnosis is key to developing an effective treatment plan for gastritis. Healthcare providers employ various methods to confirm the presence of stomach inflammation and determine its underlying cause.

How is gastritis diagnosed?

Gastritis diagnosis typically involves:

  • Physical examination and medical history review
  • Blood tests to check for anemia or H. pylori infection
  • Stool tests to detect the presence of blood or H. pylori
  • Upper endoscopy to examine the stomach lining directly
  • Biopsy of stomach tissue for further analysis
  • X-rays or CT scans in some cases

These diagnostic tools help healthcare providers determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual case of gastritis.

Treatment Options: Managing and Alleviating Gastritis Symptoms

Treating gastritis involves a multifaceted approach aimed at reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and addressing underlying causes. The specific treatment plan may vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition.

What are the primary treatment options for gastritis?

Gastritis treatment typically includes:

  1. Medications:
    • Antacids to neutralize stomach acid
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production
    • H2 blockers to decrease acid secretion
    • Antibiotics if H. pylori infection is present
  2. Dietary modifications:
    • Avoiding trigger foods
    • Eating smaller, more frequent meals
    • Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
  3. Lifestyle changes:
    • Stress management techniques
    • Quitting smoking
    • Maintaining a healthy weight
  4. Natural remedies:
    • Probiotics to support gut health
    • Herbal supplements like licorice root or aloe vera

It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses individual needs and circumstances.

Dietary Considerations: Nutrition Tips for Managing Gastritis

Diet plays a crucial role in managing gastritis symptoms and promoting healing of the stomach lining. Making informed food choices can help alleviate discomfort and support overall digestive health.

What foods should be avoided with gastritis?

When dealing with gastritis, it’s advisable to avoid or limit the following:

  • Spicy foods
  • Acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits, tomatoes)
  • Fatty or fried foods
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Processed and high-sugar foods

What foods are beneficial for gastritis?

A gastritis-friendly diet should include:

  • High-fiber foods (e.g., whole grains, vegetables)
  • Lean proteins (e.g., fish, poultry)
  • Probiotic-rich foods (e.g., yogurt, kefir)
  • Low-acid fruits (e.g., bananas, melons)
  • Healthy fats (e.g., avocado, olive oil)
  • Herbal teas (e.g., chamomile, ginger)

Remember to introduce new foods gradually and pay attention to how your body responds to different dietary choices.

Natural Remedies: Complementary Approaches to Gastritis Management

While medical treatments are often necessary for managing gastritis, many individuals find relief through natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. These complementary approaches can support overall digestive health and alleviate symptoms.

What natural remedies can help with gastritis?

Several natural remedies have shown promise in managing gastritis symptoms:

  1. Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can help restore balance to the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation.
  2. Aloe vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera may help reduce stomach irritation.
  3. Licorice root: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect the stomach lining.
  4. Ginger: Known for its digestive benefits, ginger can help reduce nausea and inflammation.
  5. Chamomile tea: This herbal tea has calming effects and may help soothe the digestive system.
  6. Slippery elm: This herb forms a protective coating in the digestive tract, potentially reducing irritation.
  7. Marshmallow root: Similar to slippery elm, marshmallow root can help coat and protect the stomach lining.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating natural remedies into your treatment plan, as some may interact with medications or have contraindications for certain individuals.

Living with Gastritis: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

Managing gastritis often requires more than just medical treatment. Making certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve symptoms and overall quality of life for those living with this condition.

How can you effectively manage gastritis in daily life?

Consider implementing the following strategies to better cope with gastritis:

  • Practice stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises)
  • Maintain a regular eating schedule with smaller, more frequent meals
  • Keep a food diary to identify trigger foods and patterns
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating
  • Elevate the head of your bed to reduce nighttime reflux
  • Stay hydrated, but avoid drinking large amounts of water with meals
  • Engage in gentle exercise regularly (e.g., walking, yoga)
  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce pressure on the abdomen

By incorporating these lifestyle changes, many individuals find significant relief from gastritis symptoms and improved overall digestive health.

Prevention Strategies: Reducing the Risk of Gastritis

While not all cases of gastritis can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition or experiencing recurrences.

What are effective ways to prevent gastritis?

Consider the following preventive measures:

  1. Practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of H. pylori infection
  2. Use NSAIDs and other medications as directed by your healthcare provider
  3. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid excessive drinking
  4. Manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms
  5. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  6. Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas
  7. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
  8. Get regular exercise to support overall health and digestion
  9. Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider

By implementing these preventive strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gastritis and promote optimal digestive health.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Serious Symptoms

While many cases of gastritis can be managed at home, certain symptoms may indicate a more severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.

What gastritis symptoms warrant immediate medical care?

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe, persistent abdominal pain
  • Vomiting blood or material that resembles coffee grounds
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • High fever
  • Extreme weakness or fatigue

These symptoms may indicate complications such as internal bleeding or perforation of the stomach lining, which require immediate medical intervention.

Long-term Outlook: Prognosis and Recovery from Gastritis

Understanding the long-term outlook for gastritis can help individuals better manage their condition and set realistic expectations for recovery.

What is the typical prognosis for gastritis?

The prognosis for gastritis varies depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. In general:

  • Acute gastritis often resolves within a few days to weeks with proper treatment
  • Chronic gastritis may require ongoing management but can be effectively controlled with medication and lifestyle changes
  • Most people experience significant improvement in symptoms with appropriate treatment
  • Complications such as stomach ulcers or cancer are rare but possible, especially if left untreated
  • Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed

With proper care and management, most individuals with gastritis can achieve symptom relief and maintain good digestive health. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Research and Advancements: Future Directions in Gastritis Treatment

As medical science continues to advance, researchers are exploring new approaches to diagnosing, treating, and preventing gastritis. These ongoing studies offer hope for improved outcomes and more targeted therapies in the future.

What are some promising areas of research in gastritis treatment?

Current areas of research and development include:

  1. Microbiome-based therapies: Targeting the gut microbiome to reduce inflammation and promote healing
  2. Novel drug delivery systems: Developing more effective ways to deliver medications directly to the stomach lining
  3. Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on individual genetic and environmental factors
  4. Immunomodulatory therapies: Exploring ways to regulate the immune response in autoimmune gastritis
  5. Advanced diagnostic tools: Developing non-invasive methods for early detection and monitoring of gastritis
  6. Regenerative medicine: Investigating stem cell therapies to repair damaged stomach tissue
  7. Nutritional interventions: Studying the impact of specific nutrients and dietary patterns on gastritis prevention and treatment

These research efforts hold promise for more effective and personalized approaches to managing gastritis in the future. As new discoveries are made, individuals with gastritis may benefit from improved treatment options and better long-term outcomes.

In conclusion, gastritis is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management. By understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms, and implementing appropriate treatment strategies, individuals can effectively manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Regular communication with healthcare providers, adherence to treatment plans, and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits are key to successfully navigating life with gastritis. As research continues to advance, those affected by this condition can look forward to potentially more effective and targeted treatments in the years to come.

What Is Gastritis? Treatments, Diet, Symptoms, Pain & Cure Patient Comments: Gastritis – Describe Your Experience – Viewers Share Their Medical Experiences

I had gastritis for over a month before I decided to seek treatment. I suffer extreme fatigue and weakness, stomach cramps and sharp pains, vomiting something acidic, severe nausea that never seems to end, and so many more fun problems. The doctor first tested me for some sort of bacterial infection, and when it came back negative she decided I have gastritis. She prescribed me to take a month’s worth of Nexium. Let me tell you how well this has worked for me. I went to work after the doctor visit and by the end of my shift was miserable and running a fever. I took about five days off after that. On the third day of being back to work, I woke up feeling like somebody beat me up and down with a stick. The fourth day was beyond worse. My whole body hurt (it even hurt to breathe), and I was so weak I couldn’t do much, had severe stomach pains, and I guess I looked like all around awful because work sent me home early. I began running a high fever and developed a migraine from my tight back muscles. Yesterday, I felt on the verge of death because of my migraine, my sore body, my overly sensitive skin, and the awful pain in my abdomen. It turns out side effects of this medicine are headaches, muscles aches, etc. I did not take a Nexium yesterday. Today, I still feel beyond awful and my migraine is looming in the background waiting for an opportunity to mess my world up again. I have been up since the dark this morning and am going to attempt to return to the doctor today. I don’t know if I have been misdiagnosed or if (in my ignorance of this illness) I have made it worse through my diet and work. I just know that this is some of the worst pain I have ever been through and I have been through a miscarriage, uncountable migraines, and multiple lower body fractures that I acquired simultaneously. This pain leaves all those experiences in the dust.

Gastritis Healing Tips – J.D. Moyer

For the past few months I’ve been dealing with gastritis and gastric pain, which has put a real dent in my mood, productivity, and general quality of life. I’m recovering, slowly, but this is one of the tougher health challenges I’ve faced.

My gastritis started after a “tummy bug” … some kind of viral or bacterial infection. The more acute symptoms resolved after a few weeks, but despite dietary changes (giving up coffee, booze, and spicy food), I was left with nagging gastric pain. The pain was rarely severe, but it was constant enough to be distracting. My mood worsened, my anxiety increased, and my sleep was often interrupted by burning or even stabbing sensations in my stomach. I tried a number of natural remedies (including turmeric and black seed, both of which have traditionally been used to treat gastritis and ulcers), but nothing was helping much. I’d had similar bouts of stomach pain after a stomach bug in the past, but they’d resolved on their own within a couple weeks, and the pain hadn’t kept me up at night. Time to see the doc’.

My doctor didn’t think I had ulcers, since I had no signs of bleeding, my appetite was reasonably good, and no severe nausea or vomiting. She diagnosed gastritis (inflammation/irritation of the stomach) and recommended a two-week course of omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid). I took her advice, and the drug helped significantly. But when I stopped taking the omeprazole, the stomach pain gradually returned, eventually becoming worse than before. I tried a number of additional home remedies, including raw cabbage juice, Manuka honey, raw garlic, and Pepto Bismol. Some seemed to help a little, but I was still experiencing significant pain and interrupted sleep.

At that point my doctor recommended an eight-week course of omeprazole, which I was reluctant to try because of possible side effects. Complete suppression of stomach acid can lead to poor absorption of many nutrients (especially calcium, magnesium, and B12) as well as gut dysbiosis and potential gut infections. I requested a blood test for H. pylori (the bacteria often responsible for stomach ulcers and gastritis), but the antibody test came back negative.

I knew the antibody test wasn’t 100% accurate–there was a still a chance that H. pylori was responsible for my stomach problems. But a more likely scenario was that my gastritis was triggered by a combination of factors: the stomach bug, a month of vacation that may have weakened my stomach lining in the first place (timezone changes, lots of rich food, lots of coffee and wine), and a number of stressful situations that I let get to me.

My Healing Approach

I resumed taking the proton pump inhibitor as my doctor recommended, but after a few weeks of feeling only marginally better, I decided to take matters into my own hands and design my own healing regimen. At that point I’d done so much reading on ulcers, gastritis, h. pylori, acid-blocking medications, and prostaglandins that I felt I possibly knew more than my doctor on that particular topic.

I gradually reduced my omeprazole dose to 5mg (a quarter of a pill), taken thirty minutes before dinner, in a vitamin gel capsule to partially serve the function of the enteric coating. Tapering helped prevent the PPI acid rebound I experienced the first time I’d used omeprazole. That, plus 400mg slippery elm right before bed, and I could usually sleep through the night without any stomach pain.

I started taking two chewable DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) tablets twenty minutes before each meal to help soothe and protect my stomach lining.

I drank ginger tea (made with slices of fresh ginger) after meals to reduce stomach acid.

I increased my intake of linoleic acid (from walnuts, sunflower seeds, and low-oleic safflower oil). My diet had previously been very low in this essential fatty acid, which is a precursor to prostaglandin E2 (which protects and rebuilds the stomach lining). Increasing linoleic acid can increase gastric PGE2 expression in human subjects. Lower levels of linoleic acid in adipose tissue are also associated with higher ulcer risk.

I ate a healthful, high nutrient diet, with plenty of vegetables (especially broccoli and cabbage, both of which have gastroprotective properties), protein (mostly from eggs and fish), healthful fats, gluten-free starches, and low-acid fruit.

Though it’s often recommended for gastritis sufferers to avoid acidic foods and beverages, I found that a combination of 100% cranberry juice and 100% pomegranate juice could significantly reduce stomach pain in many cases. I’m not sure why, but it may be that some fruit acids may increase mucin secretion in the stomach, which is protective against stomach acid. I wouldn’t recommend this for GERD sufferers. Acidic juice with or after a meal can increase reflux, and fruit acids may be strong enough to activate any pepsin (a powerful digestive enzyme usually activated by stomach acid) that might have splashed up into the esophagus (some people find that a low-acid diet combined with PPIs for a couple months can heal gastritis).

I took 1000mg of mastic gum on an empty stomach each morning for one month. I’m not sure if this helped or not, but some research supports the use of mastic gum for reducing stomach pain, healing ulcers, and fighting h. pylori infection.

I increased my vitamin/mineral intake, especially vitamin C (buffered, as calcium ascorbate), vitamin A, vitamin D, a high quality multi-vitamin, and zinc carnosine. Not megadoses of anything, but enough to prevent deficiency in case I’ve been absorbing nutrients less efficiently.

I stopped drinking water with meals, but increased water intake first thing in the morning, and in-between meals.

I ate four smaller meals a day instead of three big ones. I also took a break from intermittent fasting.

I added probiotics and kept eating probiotic foods, though I’m not sure they helped.

I tried to reduce stress by doing things I enjoy, not taking on too many extra responsibilities, and meditating more.  High levels of stress can irritate the stomach in two ways, both via cortisol:

  1. Via the production and recycling of bile from the gallbladder (which can wash back into the stomach)
  2. Via reducing levels of prostaglandins (specifically PGE2) which protect and rebuild the stomach lining

There are many more supplements and cures that I tried. Some may have helped a little, while others may have slowed down my healing process. Many anti-inflammatory foods and supplements which protect the stomach against acute injury in the short-term may actually slow down the healing process in the long-term. The stomach needs the “inflammatory” prostaglandin PGE2 and enzyme COX-2 to heal, as well as the angiogenesis process to rebuild injured tissue. Natural anti-inflammatories such as turmeric, black seed, green tea, and many herbs won’t hurt a healthy stomach (and may reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases), but higher doses of natural anti-inflammatories may slow down tissue repair in the stomach and intestines.

My stomach lining is far from 100% recovered. I’m still taking 5mg omeprazole at night, and I often have a warm or tight sensation in my upper abdomen. But the sharp pain is mostly gone, and at this point I feel like I have my life back. I’ve gained back the weight and muscle I lost, I can eat most foods, I can exercise strenuously, and I can work for fairly long stretches without being distracted by stomach pain. Most nights I sleep pretty well. I’m still abstaining from alcohol except for a sip here and there, and the only coffee I’m drinking is a low-acid decaf variety (from Healthwise–it’s not bad). I’m also feeling calmer, happier, more energetic, and cautiously optimistic about my chances for a full recovery.

If you’ve been through something similar and recovered, please let me know how you did it in the comments.

Wish me luck in my continued healing process!

Related

Gut Feelings About Gastritis | NIH News in Health

November 2012






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When Your Stomach’s Sick

Your stomach lining has an important job. It makes acid and enzymesA type of protein that does work around the cell. that help break down food so you can extract the nutrients you need. The lining also protects itself from acid damage by secreting mucus. But sometimes the lining gets inflamed and starts making less acid, enzymes and mucus. This type of inflammationSwelling and redness caused by the body’s protective response to injury or infection. is called gastritis, and it can cause long-term problems.

Some people think they have gastritis when they have pain or an uncomfortable feeling in their upper stomach. But many other conditions can cause these symptoms. Gastritis can sometimes lead to pain, nausea and vomiting. But it often has no symptoms at all. If left untreated, though, some types of gastritis can lead to ulcers (sores in the stomach lining) or even stomach cancer.

People used to think gastritis and ulcers were caused by stress and spicy foods. But research studies show that bacteria called Helicobacter pylori are often to blame. Usually, these bacteria cause no symptoms. In the United States, 20% to 50% of the population may be infected with H. pylori.

H. pylori breaks down the inner protective coating in some people’s stomachs and causes inflammation. “I tell people H. pylori is like having termites in your stomach,” says Dr. David Graham, an expert in digestive diseases at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. “You usually don’t know you have termites until someone tells you, and you ignore it at your own risk.” H. pylori can spread by passing from person to person or through contaminated food or water. Infections can be treated with bacteria-killing drugs called antibiotics.

One type of gastritis, called erosive gastritis, wears away the stomach lining. The most common cause of erosive gastritis is long-term use of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include aspirin and ibuprofen. “When you stop taking the drugs, the condition usually goes away,” says Graham. Doctors might also recommend reducing the dose or switching to another class of pain medication.

Less common causes of gastritis include certain digestive disorders (such as Crohn’s disease) and autoimmune disorders, in which the body’s protective immune cells mistakenly attack healthy cells in the stomach lining.

Gastritis can be diagnosed with an endoscope, a thin tube with a tiny camera on the end, which is inserted through the patient’s mouth or nose and into the stomach. The doctor will look at the stomach lining and may also remove some tissue samples for testing. Treatment will depend on the type of gastritis you have.

Although stress and spicy foods don’t cause gastritis and ulcers, they can make symptoms worse. Milk might provide brief relief, but it also increases stomach acid, which can worsen symptoms. Your doctor may recommend taking antacids or other drugs to reduce acid in the stomach.

Talk with a health care provider if you’re concerned about ongoing pain or discomfort in your stomach. These symptoms can have many causes. Your doctor can help determine the best course of action for you.

Home Remedies for Gastritis – PlushCare

Components of an Effective Diet for Gastritis

In this article we’re going to go over some of the best known home remedies for gastritis including:

  • Carom seeds
  • Ginger
  • Chamomile tea
  • Essential oils
  • Cabbage
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Slippery elm

Continue reading to discover more about gastritis and how each of these home remedies can be taken for relief.

What is the Best Treatment for Gastritis?

The best treatment for gastritis is to change your diet. How you alter your diet will depend on the cause of your gastritis. 

A diet for gastritis focuses on alleviating the common causes of gastritis, and can be an effective gastritis treatment. 

Below are common causes of gastritis symptoms and foods that help you recover:

Helicobacter pylori bacteria — Sulphorphane, a nutrient found in broccoli, has the ability to kill H. pylori in the stomach lining, and even works on strains resistant to antibiotics. While broccoli contains Sulphorphane, broccoli sprouts are best — containing up to 50 times more than mature broccoli. Sulphorphane supplements can also be used with similar effects. Garlic is often  used to combat the H. pylori bacteria as it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. H. pylori can also be prevented by a daily diet rich in fiber, which is found in foods like celery, kale and broccoli.

B12 deficiency — B12 deficiency can be prevented by eating foods that increase the absorption of vitamin B12, including probiotics of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, which is found in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread. The addition of probiotics increases the stomach’s ability to absorb nutrients, including vitamin B12, making it a good potential treatment for gastritis.  

Medication side effects — Probiotics are great at reversing injury to the gut caused by various medications. Foods like ginger, apple cider vinegar, oregano, green tea and pineapple can also help. All of these are good for the stomach and ease certain gastritis symptoms like stomach pain, bloating and heartburn. Vitamin A is also an essential part of stomach tissue and membrane repair which can be injured during gastritis. Foods that contain a lot of vitamin A include spinach, liver, carrots, asparagus and fruits like peaches and apricots.

Other food causes — Gastritis is often caused by eating foods that injure the stomach lining which can exacerbate symptoms of gastritis.  In order to avoid gastritis, moderate intake of acidic foods and alcohol is considered essential. People find that keeping a log of your daily diet and the symptoms experienced  is quite beneficial for you connecting your symptoms to the problem foods that you are eating.

Home Remedies for Gastritis: How to Address the Immediate Symptoms

How can I get immediate relief from gastritis? Natural or home remedies for immediate symptom relief of gastritis often focus on addressing three different symptoms: Regulation of the H. Pylori bacteria, reducing inflammation, and reducing acidity in the stomach. Additionally, to accomplish the first of these tasks, regulation of the H. Pylori Bacteria, two main methods are used: Antibacterial compounds and compounds promoting faster digestion

Treating Gastritis with Carom Seeds

To treat the acidity aspect of gastritis, Carom seeds may prove to be useful. Also used as a treatment for indigestion and bloating, Carom seeds are known to have many beneficial effects on your digestive health. You can eat the grounded seeds by mixing with water or drinking the strained liquid after boiling it with water.

Ginger for Gastritis

Ginger is another ingredient that can be quite good for your health. As both an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, it is especially good at treating the most common cause of gastritis which is the H. Pylori bacterium.

Try using ginger while cooking, boiling ginger tea, or even chewing on a small piece of ginger. A popular recipe for making ginger tea is boiling the ginger in water and mixing the resultant tea with honey to improve the taste.

Treating Gastritis with Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is another great home remedy for reducing inflammation and aiding your overall digestive health. Chamomile is a plant of the daisy family that has a flower which is commonly used in Asia to make tea.

The chamomile flower contains soothing ingredients and essential oils beneficial for treating gastritis among other health effects. This tea is made by placing the dried flowers or tea bag in hot water. Boiling water is not advised as it could damage the active oils and thus inhibit it’s beneficial effects.

Peppermint: Essential Oils for Gastritis

Peppermint and specifically peppermint oil contains anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial compounds that help with the symptoms associated with gastritis.

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is also known as an active ingredient in cough drops. In the same way as cough drops for the throat, chewing the leaves, taking tablets, or putting these leaves in food can provide relief in the stomach.

Treating Gastritis with Cabbage

Cabbage juice is a commonly used home remedy for gastritis. Cabbage contains many powerful antioxidants and other essential nutrients, including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, magnesium, calcium and dietary fiber.

Cabbage has been linked to lowering blood cholesterol levels and protection against the H. pylori bacteria that causes gastritis. Cabbage contains kaempferol and glucosinolates, compounds that can be used as a treatment for gastritis and other bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.

Regularly consuming cabbage, often done in the form of cabbage juice, can reduce your chance of developing gastritis by providing anti-inflammatory properties and essential vitamins. In addition to gastritis, increasing cabbage intake is known to improve your health and immune system overall.

When preparing cabbage, cooking it for the least amount of time possible is essential for retaining the maximum amount of nutrients. The most common way to increase cabbage intake is to turn cabbage into juice using a juicer. This method is great for preventing stomach problems, but if you already have gastritis, eating cabbage in raw form may also upset your stomach.

Other options include recipes with boiled cabbage. Cabbage can also cause increased gas production, which can upset the stomach and cause additional irritation. Cabbage consumption can also cause bad breath, fatigue, and a sense of feeling cold. If these conditions occur, decrease your intake and consult with a doctor.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Gastritis

Apple cider vinegar is a traditional folk remedy for many conditions. It functions as an antifungal agent and when diluted with water, increases hydrochloric acid production in the stomach.

An apple cider vinegar gastritis regimen improves digestion by helping the stomach break down foods and prevent inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis is sometimes caused by reduced hydrochloric acid, so taking apple cider vinegar may be effective for people suffering from an imbalance of acid in the stomach.

Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which acts as a buffer in the stomach and allows the pH to stabilize, and allow healthy bacteria essential for everyday digestive function to flourish.

Apple cider vinegar also increases absorption of calcium and other nutrients that improve healing and help soothe stomach irritations. Apple cider vinegar contains antimicrobial properties that prevent other fungi-based infections from taking hold in the stomach.

Diluting the apple cider vinegar is essential when using it to treat gastritis. Mixing one tablespoon of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar into one glass of water is a common home remedy for gastritis, and can be taken daily. Another method is drinking diluted apple cider vinegar before or after meals to maximize digestive properties.

Apple cider vinegar can negatively impact gastritis if combined with other acidic liquids, like cranberry and pineapple juice. If apple cider vinegar makes your stomach upset, discontinue its use. Some people find that apple cider vinegar actually makes gastritis worse so be cautious  and remember that moderation is the key.

Slippery Elm Gastritis

The slippery elm, or Ulmus rubra, can be used as a gastritis home remedy treatment. The powdered inner bark has mucus-producing properties that can be used to treat gastritis by building up the mucus lining of the stomach which has been injured due to gastritis.

Mucus is a slippery gel when mixed with water and can coat and protect the stomach lining. It also triggers nerve endings to produce mucus, which protects against ulcers and contains anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve stomach and bowel inflammation. In addition to anti-inflammatory and mucilage properties, slippery elm is also highly nutritious and can be an essential part of a gastritis treatment diet.

The inner bark is powdered and taken orally in the form of tablets,capsules, lozenges, or powder for making teas. Drinking slippery elm tea made using roughly two tablespoons of powdered bark three times daily is recommended. Taking capsules three times a day for up to eight weeks can also be effective. Combining slippery elm with other herbs including Cayenne is known to boost healing properties and prevent intestinal bleeding.

The slippery elm treatment may also provide relief for other symptoms of gastritis, like abdominal pain and nausea. Slippery elm has no serious side effects, though extended use of herbal remedies can trigger its own side effects or cause complications by interacting with existing medications.

When to see a Doctor for Gastritis

Natural remedies should not be the only treatment you seek for gastritis. Most causes of gastritis, like H. pylori infections and vitamin B12 deficiency, cannot be cured using these  herbal therapies. In these cases, changes in diet may be helpful as well as consulting a doctor.

While these herbal treatments listed above all have proven effectiveness, consulting a physician for an accurate diagnosis before using most home remedies is the best course of action. If you or a loved one is experiencing gastritis-like symptoms, you can make an appointment with a primary care physician or see an urgent care provider in order to be tested for gastritis.

Get Gastritis Treatment Online

 You can meet with a PlushCare provider today to get a custom gastritis treatment plan. The doctor will take into account your symptoms, diet, medical history and lifestyle and together you will create a treatment plan that you can stick to.

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The Hidden Causes of Acute Gastritis You Need to Know

July 17, 2017

Acute gastritis is the sudden inflammation of the stomach lining. The pain associated with this condition may be severe but does not last for an extended period. Acute gastritis may occur because of prescribed medications, but other hidden causes may be the leading factor in your flare-ups. Visiting with your doctor and ordering a medical examination can confirm a diagnosis, but learning the causes of acute gastritis may be more surprising than the diagnosis itself. There are eight leading causes of acute gastritis:

  1. Medication. Prescription medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin, and corticosteroids, may irritate your stomach lining and cause the sporadic inflammation. This cause can be closely monitored by your doctor and treated as need be.
  2. Infections. Bacterial infections, including H. pylorican live in your stomach and affect your digestive tract, causing gastritis in some individuals. It is best to talk to your doctor to learn if this is the cause of your condition.
  3. Alcohol. Constant alcohol consumption may cause serious harm to your organs, and in large quantities can irritate your stomach and lead to gastritis symptoms.
  4. Extreme stress. Each body handles stress differently, but chronic anxiety or stress may lead to the body’s inability to work efficiently. Stress can lead to various symptoms or conditions, including acute gastritis.
  5. Autoimmune disorders. If you already have a condition that affects your immune system, you may be more susceptible to your immune system attacking the stomach lining. Meeting with a doctor to learn how previous conditions may affect you can help you monitor your current situation.
  6. Digestive diseases. If you have a current gastrointestinal disease, such as Crohn’s disease, your stomach is in a weakened state and is more susceptible to receiving symptoms that come with the diagnosis of acute gastritis.
  7. Weakened states. If your body is or has currently been under a weak condition from events such as surgery, kidney failure or liver complications, your body becomes more susceptible to attacks such as gastritis.
  8. Food poisoning. If you have recently experienced the misfortune of food poisoning, your stomach has already been through a lot. Because of this, it is easier for irritations to occur, including the symptoms that come with acute gastritis.

If you know or think that you may have acute gastritis, the next step is to call a medical professional for a diagnosis and treatment options. To talk to the doctors you know you can trust, visit Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. Visit our website at https://www.tddctx.com/.