Gastritis is an inflammation of the upper lining of the stomach. Although it may start as an acute ailment, but it tends to become chronic. Though it is effectively treated with medications, regular use of medications may not be a good option for those experiencing repeated bouts of gastritis.
Gastritis often occurs due to high acid production by stomach parietal cells in response to certain kinds of food items, though not necessarily. In some, it may occur due to other causes like stress, anxiety, smoking, substance abuse, and even the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Historically, researchers paid greater attention to damage-causing factors. However, now they realize that the disease is due to weakened protective mechanisms in many with chronic gastritis. Additionally, they have also realized that infective agents like H. Pylori may play a role in the disease.
Symptoms of gastritis
Symptoms of gastritis vary greatly. Some may not have any symptoms at all or just some vague symptoms like gastric discomfort. However, in others, it may cause burning sensation and pain in the abdomen. Others may feel sick after having food.
Unmanaged gastritis may become a progressive illness. In addition, it may cause complications like gastric ulcers and even bleeding.
Why consider natural remedies?
Fortunately, in most people, gastritis would cause mild discomfort, occasionally causing severe pain. Since the condition tends to be chronic in most, medications may be good during the acute phase. However, using medicine in chronic gastritis or for maintaining remission may cause other ill effects.
Most doctors would prescribe histamine 2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors. These medications help but cause side effects. Even worse, these medications do not treat the underlying cause, rather just suppress gastric acid production. Long-term suppression of gastric acid may even cause nutritional deficiencies.
Natural remedies help calm the stomach, improve mood, and boost mucous production by the stomach. These remedies may also reduce acid production a bit and may help fight local infection. Additionally, these remedies may help by improving gastric emptying by improving intestinal motility.
Natural remedies for gastritis
Below are some of the well-known natural remedies for gastritis. The good thing about these remedies is that they have numerous other health benefits. Moreover, it is safe to combine multiple remedies like drinking tea with manuka honey and using zinc carnosine. Both manuka honey and zinc are also suitable for boosting immunity.
Manuka honey with tea
It is a nutritious and healthy way to keep the stomach calm, prevent overproduction of acids, suppress the growth of aggressive pathogens, and boost local defensive responses.
Manuka honey is a traditional remedy for dyspepsia. It is suitable for individuals having stomach problems after eating food. However, till now, researchers have known very little about how it helps. Now, new findings show that many of its wonderful effects could be due to its ability to suppress the growth of pathogens like H. pylori. In addition, it appears to be rich in hydrogen peroxide, which may explain its antibacterial action.
In recent times, manuka honey has also gained attention due to its regenerative properties. It appears to promote the growth of epithelium. Manuka honey is so good for promoting regeneration that it is also used in wound dressings, especially in poorly healing wounds.
Zinc carnosine
Zinc is known to boost various metabolic processes in the body. New studies show that it may also help stabilize gastric membranes and make them more resistant to stress.
However, what is good about zinc carnosine is that its health benefits are more profound and are not limited to stomach health only. Studies show that it is also suitable for intestinal health. For example, it may help promote gut repair, and thus it can have a role in inflammatory bowel diseases. It may also reduce intestinal permeability, prevent the leaky gut syndrome, and help people feel better on prolonged use.
New studies suggest that it may also help alleviate fatigue and promote skeletal muscle growth, if that is not all. It is also suitable for brain health. It may have a role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, it may improve focus and cognitive functions.
Probiotics
The benefits of probiotics are not limited to intestinal health. They promote good bacterial growth in the large intestine, thus promoting digestion, the production of certain nutrients, and even vitamins. This may help improve overall health, reduce stress, and help fight infections. Thus, probiotics are generally quite good for managing gastritis.
One does not essentially need to buy probiotic supplements, as many foods are naturally rich in probiotics like kimchi, yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and so on.
Additionally, some foods may act as prebiotics, thus promoting the growth of microbiota. Therefore, one should especially pay attention to the high consumption of dietary fiber.
Essential oils
Some essential oils boost digestive processes, suppress bacterial growth, and have a calming effect on the stomach like ginger, clove, peppermint. However, essential oils should only be consumed by adding to other oils or carrier oils. Since essential oils are highly volatile, ingesting them without carrier oils may rather cause local gastric irritation.
Manage stress
Stress is not just a psychological issue. Prolonged stress causes numerous physical signs and symptoms. One of the most common problems caused by stress is increased acid production in the stomach. It may also suppress local mucus production, thus increasing the risk of gastritis.
There could be many ways of managing stress like massage, practicing mindfulness, yoga, exercise. However, managing stress should be a continuous process and should be used along with other natural remedies.
Conclusion
Natural remedies are particularly good for those living with chronic gastritis. These remedies should be continually used even in the absence of symptoms, as they help prevent the condition or prolong its remission. However, if these remedies do not work and gastritis flare lasts too long, causing blood in stool or vomiting, it is good to consult a medical specialist.
