Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining leading to discomfort and pain in the stomach. Sometimes there may be a burning sensation in the chest or stomach distress may take place. Other common symptoms like nausea and vomiting, fever, gas formation can also occur. Digestion of food and liquids may get affected during gastritis leading to stomach distress or pain in the stomach. In severe conditions, atrophic gastritis wherein the glands present near the stomach lining may disappear and ulcers may develop, if gastritis was left untreated. This inflammation develops due to bacterial and viral infections which includes attack by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), excessive acid formation in the stomach which happens due to alcohol consumption, spicy and fatty foods, cigarette smoking, faulty diet. Consumption of certain drugs like aspirin and cortisone as well as stress can be other factors leading to gastritis.
Natural ways of reducing the infection that occur due to gastritis are:-
- Drink lots of water as it can relieve from stomach pain caused due to gastritis. Avoid spicy and fatty foods which can irritate the stomach lining. Have more of fruits and vegetables which tend to be lighter to the stomach. Lemon juice with salt is effective for gastritis. Chew a small piece of ginger before your meals which will stimulate digestion. Avoid drinking of alcohol or cigarette smoking and have a relaxed lifestyle with regular yoga and meditation.
- Fruits and vegetables contain bioflavonoid that can inhibit the growth of H.pylori.
- Cranberry herbs can prevent sticking of H.pylori with the stomach wall and hence can help in reducing the infection.
- Vitamin C can be used as a supplement against H.pylori infection.
- Coconut water gives a soothing relief from pain due to the inflammation.
- Licorice is an herb that can be used as coating agent for reducing stomach ailments.
- Mix 6 parts of Sprague powder with 1 part of black salt. A 2 gram of this mixture can be consumed with warm water.
- Probiotics present in the Lactobacillus family can be helpful against H. pylori.
answered by J M