Gastritis describes a group of conditions
with one thing in common: inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The
inflammation of gastritis is most often the result of infection with the same
bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers. Injury, regular use of certain pain
relievers and drinking too much alcohol also can contribute to gastritis.
Gastritis may occur suddenly (acute
gastritis), or it can occur slowly over time (chronic gastritis). In some
cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.
For most people, however, gastritis isn't serious and improves quickly with
treatment.
Symptoms
- Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen
that may become either worse or better with eating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating
Gastritis doesn't always cause signs and
symptoms.
Causes
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach
lining. Weaknesses in the mucus-lined barrier that protects your stomach wall
allow your digestive juices to damage and inflame your stomach lining. A number
of diseases and conditions can increase your risk of gastritis.
Gastritis can develop suddenly (acute
gastritis) or gradually and last for an extended period (chronic gastritis).
Remedies
for Gastritis
1. Carom
Seeds
Carom seeds
are a natural antacid that is beneficial for gastritis. They provide relief to
the stomach’s mucous membrane from acidity and hyperacidity. Carom seeds can
also treat indigestion, nausea and bloating.
- Mix together 1 teaspoon each of carom
seeds and dried ginger with a little bit of black salt. Take 1 teaspoon of
this mixture with a glass of warm water 3 times a day.
- Another option is to add 1 teaspoon of
carom seeds powder and ½ teaspoon of black salt to a glass of buttermilk.
Drink it 2 times a day.
- You can also boil 2 cups of water with
4 teaspoons of carom seeds until the water reduces by half. Strain the
mixture and drink ½ cup of it 2 times a day.
2. Ginger
Ginger can
also effectively treat gastritis due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
properties. It can reduce inflammation and treat the infection as well as alleviate
symptoms like stomach pain, gas, indigestion, nausea and bloating.
- Add 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped
ginger root to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
Strain, add honey and sip this tea slowly. Drink it 2 or 3 times a day for
about a week.
- Alternatively, mix together ½
tablespoon each of ginger juice and honey. Take it before eating your meal
2 times daily for a week.
- You can even chew a small piece of
fresh ginger root or take ginger capsules to treat gastritis.
Note: Ginger
may interfere with blood-thinning and high blood pressure medications.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is a
good addition to your diet, especially when suffering from gastritis. Yogurt
with active live cultures is particularly beneficial in this regard.
The
probiotics present in yogurt help protect your stomach lining from H. pylori
bacteria that causes gastritis. Also, yogurt boosts the immune system to fight
off infection more quickly.
- Eat 2 to 3 cups of plain probiotic
yogurt daily until you get relief.
- You can also try a yogurt, banana and
honey smoothie. Drink it 2 or 3 times a day for quick recovery.
4.
Chamomile
Chamomile
tea may also be very helpful in treating gastritis. It is rich in certain
essential oils that are beneficial for the digestive system. It can even soothe
the intestinal walls, providing relief from sudden pains, and eliminate
gas. Plus, it can reduce stomach inflammation and thus reduce the risk of
ulcers.
- Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried
chamomile flowers to 1 cup of hot water.
- Cover and allow it to steep for 5 to
10 minutes.
- Strain, then add some honey.
- Drink this tea several times daily for
a week.
Note: Do
not boil this herb as its active compounds will be destroyed.
5.
Peppermint
Peppermint
is another herb known to treat gastritis due to its anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. Its soothing properties can reduce
inflammation of the stomach lining. Plus, it can help reduce nausea,
indigestion and heartburn.
- Take standardized, enteric coated
peppermint tablets. Usually, 1 tablet 2 or 3 times daily is recommended,
but it is best to consult a doctor before taking it. Enteric coated
tablets will help avoid heartburn.
- You can also chew fresh peppermint
leaves or add them to your soups, salads and smoothies.
6.
Strawberries
Strawberries
can also help heal gastritis due to their antioxidant property and high content
of phenolic compounds. It can help prevent the start of inflammation in the
stomach lining.
In a 2011
study, European researchers concluded that regular consumption of strawberries
can help reduce the harm that alcohol causes to the stomach mucous membrane.
- Add 1 tablespoon of dried strawberry
leaves to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 5 minutes, then strain.
Drink it 2 or 3 times daily until the gastritis symptoms subside.
- To prevent gastritis, eat a few
strawberries daily.
7. Holy
Basil
Holy basil
has also been found to be very effective for treating acute gastritis. Its
anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help decrease inflammation and
reduce infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria. It can help treat symptoms
like stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting and nausea.
- Chew 4 to 5 leaves of holy basil slowly
to treat stomach pain. Do this daily for at least a few weeks.
- Another option is to mix 1 teaspoon
each of basil juice and ginger juice and drink it 2 or 3 times a day for a
week.
- You can also drink basil tea with
honey 3 times a day for a few weeks. To prepare basil tea steep 1
teaspoon of basil leaves in hot water for about 5 minutes and then strain
it.
8. Fennel
Seeds
As fennel
seeds help soothe the digestive system and relax the muscles in the
gastrointestinal tract, they are highly recommended for gastritis
treatment. Due to their stomachic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and
antibacterial properties, fennel seeds are beneficial in relieving symptoms
like indigestion, bloating, intestinal gas, heartburn and vomiting.
REMEMBER
Nearly
everyone has had indigestion and stomach irritation. Most cases of indigestion
are short-lived and don't require medical care. See your doctor if you have
signs and symptoms of gastritis for a week or longer. Tell your doctor if your
stomach discomfort occurs after taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs,
especially aspirin or other pain relievers.
If you are
vomiting blood, have blood in your stools or have stools that appear black, see
your doctor right away to determine the cause.