Gastritis : What It Is, Symptoms, Causes And 8 Home Remedies To Relieve Discomfort

This disease is caused by various factors, including the consumption of certain medications or the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. There are several types: the first is edematous gastritis, which is red spots on the stomach mucosa. It then evolves into erosive gastritis, which is identified by erosive lesions, or scrapes, within the stomach mucosa.

Then there are stomach ulcerations, which can be superficial or deep, with erosion of a blood vessel and the presence of blood. In extreme cases, the ulcer can perforate, explains Héctor Luna, an endoscopist.

Causes

Inflammation of the stomach lining can have a variety of causes, but the most common is the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Stress, certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption are other factors that cause this disease.

“The stomach produces acids to destroy food and digest it, basically turning it into mush so that it can pass through the intestine. But this organ has protection so that the acid does not harm it. However, with this bacteria, more acid than normal is generated, so these protective barriers are broken and the stomach is damaged,” explains the doctor.

It can also be caused by the constant consumption of spicy, highly seasoned foods. Less common causes are autoimmune disorders, reflux of bile into the stomach, and drug use.

Symptoms of gastritis

Gastritis causes stomach upset. Most commonly, abdominal pain is in the pit of the stomach, and on the left side, below the ribs. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Luna indicates that this disease can cause mild symptoms that come and go, so she recommends that at the first symptoms, you consult a specialist.

Treatment focuses on reducing excess stomach acid. There are many medications that help achieve this goal, but the main ones are proton pump inhibitors such as lansoprazole and esomeprazole. It is advisable not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor for the appropriate treatment for the type of gastritis you have.

Home remedies for gastritis

Along with treatment, some natural remedies can help reduce symptoms. María José Ovalle, a natural medicine therapist and holistic health coach, recommends the following:

• Infusions: chamomile, rosemary, licorice, epazote, marjoram, mallow, rue, or ginger can be taken after meals. It is recommended to take it hot, to relax the gastric muscle and reduce discomfort. Rue and epazote, due to their healing properties, help reduce pain and regenerate the gastric condition.
• Consume aloe vera: it can be included in smoothies. It is recommended to combine it with 1 slice of papaya, three tablespoons of aloe gel or crystal, and a cup of cold chamomile tea. It is ideal to consume it on an empty stomach to regenerate the gastric mucosa.
• Include papaya and pineapple in your diet: these two fruits provide papain and bromeliad, respectively, which help soothe discomfort.
• Potato juice consumption: on an empty stomach or in the afternoon, consume the juice or extract of a large potato to improve burning and healing.
• Eat bananas: at least once a day improves the gastric mucosa and helps heal any ulceration that may begin.
• Eat at the right time: Get used to eating at the same time every day. This way, your stomach will schedule acid production at the same time.
• Reduce fat consumption: try to make sure that foods are low in fat, preferably roasted, grilled, or baked.
• Avoid irritating foods: such as those with a lot of chili and spices; coffee, sausages, and canned foods.
• Eat cooked fruits and vegetables: tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, apples, pears, and peaches are some foods that should not be eaten raw, as they generate more stomach acids. Ideally, they should be eaten cooked.