Are you tired of the constant discomfort and pain caused by gastritis? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything, from medication to dietary changes, but nothing seems to provide long-term relief? If so, you’re not alone.
Gastritis is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world, and finding a permanent solution can be challenging.
In the United States alone, 8% of the population suffers from this disease.
In this article, we’ll explore a range of effective remedies and treatments, including traditional and alternative therapies. Whether you’re looking for natural remedies or seeking to incorporate Ayurveda or acupuncture into your treatment plan, we’ve got you covered.
Say goodbye to the discomfort and reclaim your life with our comprehensive guide to curing gastritis permanently.
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is often confused by people with Indigestion or Dyspepsia. While the latter is merely a symptomatic presentation, Gastritis is a reserved term for inflammation of the gastric mucosa proved with histological documentation. Therefore, both words should not be used interchangeably.
In fact, here is a difference between Dyspepsia, Indigestion, and Gastritis in case you are curious:
| Features | Dyspepsia | Indigestion | Gastritis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | A set of symptoms that arise from the upper gastrointestinal tract | A general term for discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen | Inflammation of the stomach lining |
| Causes | Peptic ulcers, GERD, gastritis, H. pylori infection, medication side effects | Overeating, consuming greasy or spicy foods, smoking, anxiety, certain medications | H. pylori infection, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of NSAIDs such as in Arthritis, autoimmune disorders |
| Symptoms | Bloating, nausea, belching, early satiety, abdominal discomfort | Abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, gas, nausea | Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion |
| Diagnosis | Based on symptoms, physical examination, and possibly diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, blood tests, or stool tests | Based on symptoms and medical history, ruling out other conditions through diagnostic tests such as blood tests, stool tests, or imaging studies | Based on symptoms, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, blood tests, or stool tests |
| Treatment | It depends on the underlying cause but may include lifestyle modifications (e.g., dietary changes, stress management), medication, or treatment for H. pylori infection | It may involve lifestyle modifications (e.g., dietary changes, stress management), medication to relieve symptoms, or treatment for an underlying condition | It depends on the cause and severity but may include medication to reduce inflammation, treatment for H. pylori infection, lifestyle modifications, or in severe cases, surgery |
| Complications | May cause complications such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach or duodenum | Generally, indigestion does not cause complications unless it is a symptom of an underlying condition | If left untreated, chronic gastritis may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer |
Symptoms
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), approximately 10% of people who seek medical care for gastrointestinal symptoms have gastritis. The complete list of manifestations includes:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating or gas
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Hiccups
- Unintentional weight loss
- Black, tarry stools or bloody vomit (a critical sign of GI bleeding)
Causes
- Bacteria: H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is one of the most common causes of inducing gastritis. These bacteria can infect the stomach lining and cause inflammation.
- Overusing Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Painkillers (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen have been demonstrated to irritate the stomach lining.
- Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol drinking can irritate and inflame the stomach lining.
- Autoimmune Disorders: In certain cases, the immune system might attack stomach lining cells, producing inflammation and damage.
- Putting too much Stress: Persistent stress can cause a surge in stomach acid production, which can irritate and inflame the stomach lining.
- Bile reflux: Bile is a digestive secretion that aids in the breakdown of lipids. It might cause discomfort and inflammation when it returns to the stomach.
- Viruses: The top contributing viruses include HSV (herpes simplex virus) and the cytomegalovirus.
Home Remedies to Cure Gastritis Permanently
To be honest, “permanently” is a misconception. Gastritis will be under control as long as you follow the lifestyle modifications and home remedies that can assist you in reducing the symptom’s severity.
The complete list of home remedies includes:
- Probiotics: Eating foods that are high in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, can help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and reduce inflammation.
- Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce stomach pain and nausea. You can add fresh ginger to tea or smoothies, or take ginger supplements.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the stomach. Sipping on warm chamomile tea may help alleviate the symptoms.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties. You can add turmeric to your food or take turmeric supplements.
- Slippery elm: Slippery elm is an herb that can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. You can take slippery elm supplements or mix slippery elm powder with water and drink it as tea.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce stomach pain and discomfort. You can drink aloe vera juice or take aloe vera supplements.
- Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods, such as spicy or fatty foods, can irritate the stomach lining and worsen the symptoms. Avoiding these trigger foods can help alleviate symptoms.
Meal Timings to Prevent Gastritis
Gastritis diet is a major factor when looking to cure it permanently. Here is when you should ideally have your meals to reduce the manifestations:
| Meal | Timing |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Within one hour of waking up |
| Mid-morning snack | Two to three hours after breakfast, if hungry |
| Lunch | Three to four hours after breakfast |
| Mid-afternoon snack | Two to three hours after lunch, if hungry |
| Dinner | Three to four hours after lunch |
| Evening snack | Two to three hours after dinner, if hungry |
| Bedtime snack | If needed, at least two hours before bedtime |
Importance of Having Proper Meal Timing
When it comes to treating gastritis, meal timing is crucial. Eating at regular intervals and avoiding long periods of fasting will help keep symptoms at bay and promote overall digestive health. Here are some of the reasons why mealtime is critical:
- Reduces Acid Reflux: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help lower stomach acid, which can help avoid acid reflux and other unpleasant symptoms.
- Regulation of Digestion: Eating at regular intervals can assist control of digestive function, reducing symptoms like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Prevents Excessive Appetite: Excessive hunger can lead to overeating and stress on the digestive system if you wait too long between meals. Eating at regular intervals can help avoid bingeing and encourage healthy eating habits.
- Increases Nutrition Absorption: Eating at regular intervals allows your body to better absorb nutrients from the food you ingest. This can assist ensure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals to maintain your overall health.
- Controls Blood Sugar Levels: Regular, balanced meals can help keep blood sugar levels steady, which is crucial for general health and can help prevent symptoms like weariness and mood swings.
Focusing on Stress Reduction Techniques
While these methods do not directly form treatment protocols, they do help in controlling stress which is a causative factor for the medical condition. The effective measures which can be employed to relieve gastritis pain at home are:
- Deep Breathing Exercises: They can help you relax and relieve tension. Take calm, deep breaths while focusing on your breath and emptying your thoughts in a comfortable position.
- Meditation: It is a discipline that consists of quieting the mind and focusing on the present moment. Meditation comes in numerous forms, including guided meditations, body scans, and mindfulness meditation.
- Yoga: This is a physical and mental discipline that combines postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It has been demonstrated to be beneficial in terms of stress reduction and general wellness.
- Exercise: This can help decrease stress, boost mood, and improve general health. Select an enjoyable sport, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, and commit to at least 30 minutes of physical exercise every day.
- Social Support: Spending time with friends and family can help relieve stress and boost mood. Make time for social activities and seek out loved ones for assistance when you need it.
- Time Management: This is important since it may add to stress and worry. Create a plan or to-do list to help you keep organized and better manage your time.
- Relaxation Strategies: They include taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, or reading a book to help relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Acupressure for Gastritis
There are several points that can be pressed effectively to directly decrease the severity of symptoms and therefore, control gastritis. These acupressure points include:
- Pericardium 6 (PC6): P6 is located on the inner forearm, two to three finger widths down from the wrist crease. Applying pressure to this point may help reduce nausea and vomiting, which are common symptoms.
- Stomach 36 (ST36): ST36 is located on the front of the leg, four finger-widths down from the bottom of the knee cap. Applying pressure to this point may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the stomach.
- Conception Vessel 12 (CV12): CV12 is located on the front of the body, in the middle of the abdomen. Applying pressure to this point may help reduce bloating, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.
- Large Intestine 4 (LI4): LI4 is located on the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger. Applying pressure to this point may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger the symptoms.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Gastritis
According to Ayurvedic principles, each person has a unique constitution, or dosha, which is determined by factors such as genetics, diet, and lifestyle. There are three main doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
In Ayurvedic medicine, gastritis is thought to be caused by an imbalance in the Pitta dosha. Pitta is associated with the digestive system, and an excess of Pitta can lead to inflammation in the stomach lining, which can cause it.
The list of treatment modalities that ayurveda offers are:
- Dietary changes: In Ayurveda, a Pitta-pacifying diet is recommended for managing it. This includes avoiding spicy, oily, and acidic foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine. Instead, a diet of cooked vegetables, grains, and mild spices is recommended. Consuming meals at regular intervals is also important for preventing the symptoms.
- Herbal remedies: Ayurvedic herbal remedies may include the use of digestive teas, such as ginger or licorice tea. Other Ayurvedic remedies that may be helpful for managing gastritis include:
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera juice can help soothe inflammation in the stomach lining and promote healing.
- Triphala: This Ayurvedic herbal blend may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the stomach.
- Neem: Neem leaves or capsules may help reduce inflammation and support overall digestive health.
- Amalaki: Amalaki, also known as Indian gooseberry, is rich in vitamin C and may help boost immunity and reduce inflammation in the stomach.
Medications
Medications remain the mainstay for treatment for most cases as these are the best treatment for gastritis. The medicines which can help in curing gastritis permanently include:
| Medication | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Antacids | Neutralize stomach acid to relieve pain and discomfort |
| Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) | Reduce acid production to promote healing of the stomach lining |
| H2 receptor blockers | Reduce the production of stomach acid to alleviate symptoms |
| Antibiotics | Prescribed in cases caused by H. pylori infection |
| Prokinetics | Promote stomach emptying to reduce nausea and vomiting |
| Mucosal protectants | Form a protective coating over the stomach lining to promote healing and reduce irritation |
What are the Types of Gastritis?
There is a set of classifications for gastritis in case you are looking to understand the concepts even further. These basically include:
- Acute gastritis– a sudden inflammation of the stomach lining that usually resolves within a few days.
- Chronic gastritis– a long-term inflammation of the stomach lining that can last for months or even years.
- Erosive gastritis– a type that causes erosion or ulceration of the stomach lining.
- Atrophic gastritis– is characterized by a thinning of the stomach lining and a decrease in the number of cells that produce stomach acid.
- Autoimmune gastritis– a type that occurs when the immune system attacks and damages the stomach lining.
- Radiation gastritis– a type that can occur as a result of radiation therapy to the stomach or abdomen.
- Chemical gastritis– is caused by exposure to irritants like alcohol, bile, and certain medications.
- Infectious gastritis– caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
FAQs
What are the long-term effects of untreated gastritis, and how can it be prevented from recurring in the future?
If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications that can affect your digestive system and overall health. Some of the long-term effects of untreated gastritis include:
1. Peptic ulcers: Chronic inflammation in the stomach lining can lead to the formation of ulcers, which are painful sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Peptic ulcers can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea and they can lead to serious complications like internal bleeding and perforation of the stomach or intestine.
2. Anemia: Gastritis can cause chronic bleeding in the stomach, which can lead to a gradual loss of blood and iron. This can result in anemia, a condition in which your body lacks enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and organs. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
3. Stomach cancer: Prolonged inflammation in the stomach lining can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. This is a rare complication, but it can be life-threatening if left untreated.
How to relieve gastritis pain fast?
Measures that you can take to achieve quick relief from gastritis include:
1. Taking over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums or Maalox, which can help neutralize stomach acid and provide fast relief from symptoms.
2. Drinking chamomile tea, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the stomach lining.
3. Applying a heating pad or warm compress to the stomach to help relieve discomfort and promote relaxation.
4. Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, such as spicy or acidic foods, alcohol, and caffeine, which can exacerbate the symptoms.
5. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals, can help reduce pressure on the stomach and improve digestion.
6. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation, can help reduce stress and promote healing.
Can Gastritis kill you?
In most cases, this is not a life-threatening condition, and with proper treatment, the symptoms can be managed effectively. However, in rare cases, severe gastritis can lead to complications such as stomach ulcers, bleeding, and even stomach cancer, which can potentially be life-threatening.
If left untreated or unmanaged, it can also lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and other health problems, which can have serious consequences. Additionally, certain factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of complications and make the disease more dangerous.
How long does Gastritis take to heal?
The healing time can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the underlying causes, and the type of treatment used. Acute gastritis, which is a sudden and severe inflammation of the stomach lining, can often be resolved within a few days to a week with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Chronic gastritis, on the other hand, can take weeks or even months to heal, depending on the underlying causes and the effectiveness of the treatment. In some cases, the chronic type may require long-term management and monitoring to prevent symptoms from recurring.
Is Back Pain a symptom of Gastritis?
Back pain can occur in gastritis due to a few possible reasons. One possibility is that the inflammation in the stomach lining may irritate the nerves that connect to the spine, leading to referred pain in the back.
Another possibility is that the pain in the back may be caused by the muscles of the back tensing up in response to the discomfort or pain in the stomach. This can happen when the body is trying to protect the inflamed area by bracing and tensing up surrounding muscles.