Gastritis | What it is and how to relieve it at home

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can be caused by various factors, such as excessive use of anti-inflammatories, alcohol consumption, stress , infection by the H. pylori bacterium, among others. The most common symptoms of gastritis include abdominal pain, nausea , vomiting, a burning sensation in the stomach, loss of appetite, and a feeling of fullness.

Although it is important for a medical professional to make an accurate diagnosis and provide proper treatment for gastritis, there are some home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of gastritis. Below are some of the most effective home remedies to treat gastritis:

• Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce abdominal pain and nausea associated with gastritis. It can be consumed in the form of a tea, by chewing small portions of fresh ginger root, or by adding fresh ginger to food.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a plant that has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It can be consumed in the form of juice or gel, adding a tablespoon of aloe vera gel to a glass of water.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is an herb that has anti-inflammatory and calming properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with gastritis. It can be consumed in the form of tea, by adding a chamomile tea bag to a cup of hot water.
• Potato Juice: Potato juice has alkaline properties that can help neutralize stomach acids and reduce inflammation associated with gastritis. You can extract the juice of a potato and consume a tablespoon before each meal.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can help neutralize stomach acids and reduce inflammation associated with gastritis. You can add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and drink it slowly.
• Peppermint essential oil: Peppermint essential oil has calming and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the symptoms of gastritis. A few drops of peppermint essential oil can be added to a glass of water or herbal tea.
• Green Tea: Green tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation associated with gastritis. It can be consumed in the form of tea, by adding a green tea bag to a cup of hot water.
• High-fiber foods: High- fiber foods, such as fruits , vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can help reduce gastritis symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy digestion. Additionally, fiber helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, which can help prevent H. pylori infection, one of the common causes of gastritis.
• Probiotic-Rich Foods : Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in some fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. These bacteria can help restore the balance of bacteria in the intestine and reduce inflammation associated with gastritis.
• Avoid irritating foods: It is important to avoid foods that can irritate the stomach and worsen gastritis symptoms, such as alcohol, coffee, tea, spicy and greasy foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, as well as processed and refined foods.

When you have gastritis it is important to avoid certain foods that can irritate the stomach lining and make symptoms worse. These foods include:

1. Spicy foods: Spicy foods like chili, pepper, and hot sauce can irritate the stomach and make gastritis worse.
2. Acidic Foods: Acidic foods like citrus, tomato, and citrus juices can irritate the stomach and increase heartburn.
3. Greasy foods : Greasy foods like fatty meat, fried foods, and processed foods can be hard to digest and can increase stomach inflammation.
4. Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the stomach and increase inflammation, which can make gastritis symptoms worse.
5. Caffeine: Caffeine can increase stomach acid and worsen gastritis symptoms.
6. Chocolate : Chocolate is high in fat and can be hard to digest, which can increase stomach inflammation.
7. Processed foods: Processed foods may contain preservatives and additives that can irritate the stomach and worsen gastritis symptoms.
8. Carbonated drinks: Carbonated drinks can increase stomach acidity and worsen gastritis symptoms.

Identify which specific foods can trigger gastritis symptoms and avoid them. It's important to talk to a medical professional before making any significant dietary or lifestyle changes to treat gastritis.