Gastritis
Description
This page has 52 references
"Gastritis" is a condition where the stomach lining becomes inflamed, often causing nausea, indigestion, bloating, or upper abdominal pain. It can be acute or chronic and may result from H. pylori infection, NSAID overuse, stress, or excessive alcohol. If left untreated, it may lead to ulcers or increase cancer risk. Treatment often involves dietary adjustments, acid-lowering medications, and stress management. Identifying triggers and supporting gut health can ease symptoms and promote healing while reducing the chance of recurrence.
Symptoms & Signs
Body System
Digestive System
Causes
Infection, Chemicals, Autoimmune, Stress, Alcohol, Medications
Things To Do
The diet for gastritis should include:
foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, and whole grains.
a wide range of anti-inflammatory compounds that can be found in dark leafy greens, avocados, cruciferous vegetables, peppers, grapes, berries, fatty fish, turmeric, etc.
cabbage or cabbage juice that contains important compounds. They aid in the healing of the stomach lining.
whole foods that are rich in flavonoids, especially quercetin. Quercetin is found in apples, grapes, berries, etc.
whole foods rich in zinc, such as meat, fish, sea food, eggs, etc.
probiotic-rich foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, etc.
broths and clear soups.
herbal and green teas.
sufficient water intake.
light meals that are boiled or steam-cooked.
Furthermore, it is recommended to:
practice portion control.
get regular physical exercise.
reduce stress. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.
Get a good night's rest. Sleep on your left side until the symptoms are gone.
Things To Avoid
The following should be avoided in gastritis:
drinking fluids prior to, during, or right after the meal. It dilutes stomach acid and makes digestion difficult.
alcohol, and caffeine.
carbonated drinks.
processed, fried, junk, and fast foods.
refined carbohydrates.
sugar, candy, desserts, etc.
acidic foods such as citrus fruits, citrus fruit juices, tomatoes, etc.
spicy foods and dishes.
foods you are allergic to or intolerant of.
meals with heavy sauces.
garlic and onions, whose strong flavors can irritate the stomach lining.
Furthermore, avoid the following:
overeating.
smoking.
stress.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect gastritis by soothing stomach lining inflammation, supporting mucosal healing, or reducing gastric acidity.
Zinc-L-Carnosine: Zinc-L-carnosine acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, protecting the stomach lining and accelerating the healing of gastric ulcers by stabilizing the mucosal barrier and promoting tissue repair.
Glutamine: Glutamine is a key fuel source for intestinal and gastric mucosal cells. It helps repair the stomach lining, reduce inflammation, and restore barrier integrity, making it beneficial for healing gastritis-related erosion or irritation.
Collagen/Elastin/Hyaluronic Acid: Collagen stimulates fibroblast growth, aiding tissue repair in the stomach lining, while elastin maintains its elasticity. Hyaluronic acid supports wound healing, making this trio crucial for accelerating the healing of gastric ulcers.
Probiotics: Probiotics help restore gut flora balance, reducing inflammation by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and potentially reducing harmful strains like H. pylori, which are often associated with gastritis.
Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzymes facilitate food breakdown, reducing stomach lining irritation and alleviating symptoms like bloating and discomfort.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target gastritis directly but may support gut health, immune regulation, or reduce stress-related triggers that influence stomach irritation.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 supplementation helps address deficiencies caused by malabsorption in chronic gastritis. Restoring B12 levels may alleviate fatigue, improve nerve function, and support gastric healing.
Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce stomach inflammation and hinder the growth of H. pylori, helping alleviate gastritis symptoms and supporting gut health.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A supports mucous membrane integrity and immune defense in the stomach lining. It helps maintain epithelial cell health and promotes tissue repair.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may help manage gastritis by protecting the stomach lining, supporting tissue repair, or reducing acid-related discomfort.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid and provides temporary relief from gastritis symptoms such as burning or indigestion. Widely used and supported by anecdotal evidence for acute discomfort.
Bone Broth: Bone broth is rich in glycine, collagen, and gelatin—nutrients that may support stomach lining repair and reduce inflammation. While evidence is mostly anecdotal, its traditional use is longstanding.
Plant Extracts
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly support relief from gastritis by calming gastric inflammation, promoting mucosal repair, or reducing irritation caused by excess acid.
Mastic Gum: Mastic gum, containing the active compound isomasticadienolic acid, demonstrates bactericidal activity against H. pylori, a common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers. By reducing bacterial growth and inflammation, it supports healing and alleviates gastritis symptoms.
Licorice Root Extract: Licorice root, containing glycyrrhizin, soothes the stomach lining and helps impede the growth of H. pylori. Its natural flavonoids work to reduce inflammation, providing effective relief for digestive discomfort.
Slippery Elm: Slippery elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats the stomach lining and protects against acid irritation. It provides a soothing barrier that can reduce gastritis symptoms like pain and burning.
Curcumin: Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the stomach, while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria like H. pylori.
Ginger Extract: Ginger reduces inflammation and soothes the stomach. Its active compounds, gingerol and shogaol, alleviate nausea, bloating, and discomfort.
Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory and mucosal healing properties. It may reduce gastric irritation, calm inflammation, and support regeneration of the stomach lining in cases of mild to moderate gastritis.
Barley Grass Powder: Barley grass is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe the gastric lining, promoting healing and reducing inflammation associated with gastritis. Its nutrient profile supports digestive health and eases symptoms.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act directly on gastritis but may support digestion, reduce oxidative stress, or aid microbial balance in the gut.
Oregano Oil: Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, which combat harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea provides anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort by reducing inflammation in the stomach lining.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support digestive comfort, promote gastric healing, and help reduce inflammation in individuals experiencing gastritis.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture targets points like ST36 (Zusanli), just below the knee, and CV12 (Zhongwan), located on the upper abdomen. Stimulating these points reduces inflammation and promotes natural pain relief by triggering the release of endorphins and enhancing blood flow, helping alleviate digestive discomfort.
Ayurveda: Ayurveda focuses on a holistic approach, combining dietary adjustments, herbal remedies like Amla and Triphala, and lifestyle practices to support digestion and promote digestive health.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils such as peppermint, lemon, or ginger can soothe the digestive system and reduce nausea. Their calming, anti-nausea compounds, when inhaled or applied topically, offer relief from discomfort.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care adjustments improve spinal alignment and nerve function, particularly in the cervical and thoracic regions, potentially supporting digestive health and relieving tension associated with poor spinal mobility.
Abdominal Heat Therapy: Abdominal heat therapy may relieve gastritis discomfort by relaxing stomach muscles, though its effects are mainly anecdotal.
Meditation: Guided meditation may ease gastritis by reducing stress-related acid production, but its benefits are based on anecdotal evidence.
Functional Lab Tests You May Wish to Explore
Books Worth Considering for Deeper Insight
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Podcasts That Offer Valuable Perspectives
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Educational Videos To Learn From
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Amino Acids: Amino acids serve as the building blocks of proteins, crucial for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, they play key roles in maintaining proper pH levels, storing nitrogen, synthesizing hormones, and facilitating enzymatic reactions.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Enzymes and Coenzymes: Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, while coenzymes assist in these processes by binding temporarily to enzymes. Together, they regulate digestion, energy production, immune responses, and various metabolic pathways.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Essential Nutrients Explained
References
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