Gastritis :- it means an irritated and inflamed stomach. A stomach infection is one of the most common infection affecting thousands of people. Gastritis can be a brief and sudden illness called acute gastritis. A longer lasting condition is called chronic gastritis. In general Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is responsible for chronic gastritis (chronic means that the condition persists over time even with the best modern medical treatment) . Acute gastritis is caused during some medication or due to some particular food etc. Gastritis is a condition which if left untreated for a long time , it may give rise to many complications like stomach ulcers . These may also be fatal.
Causes of stomach infection :-
Continuous stress.
H. Pylori bacteria.
Long term use of certain medicines like ibuprofen.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Kidney failure.
Due to parasite.
Due to virus.
Eating too much fatty foods .
Spicy food.
Caffeine.
Food poisoning can lead to gastritis.
Certain allergies also can cause gastritis.
Symptoms of chronic gastritis:-
Indigestion
Bloating
Belching
Loss of appetite
Upper abdominal pain
Symptoms of acute gastritis:-
Appetite loss
Indigestion
Nausea
Vomiting
Bloody vomit
Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
Black stools
Diet plan in case of Gastritis :-
Plenty of fluids -Fluids are important to clean out your gastrointestinal tract . Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water in a day.
Low oil/ fat
Low caffeine
No citrus fruits
Low fat dairy products
Drink liquids more and more
Apple juice, watermelon juice, coconut water is best in this
Have bananas – it fulfills the loss of potassium (which is lost through vomiting/diarrhea) and acts as binding agent.
Among vegetables -pumpkin , bitter gourd are beneficial.
Khichdi is best to eat (rice should be 1 year old)
Avoid these foods during stomach upset times :-
Raw vegetables
Spicy foods
Fatty milk
High fibrous food (Bland diet is good at this time)
Caffeine
Strong black tea
Spicy food
Fatty food
Avoiding foods In routine life:-
Unfortunately the list of foods to avoid in the gastric diet is a longer one .
However by following this diet it is
going to help you get rid of this disease quickly :
Sweets
Aerated drinks
Avoid drinking water along with meals
Tea, coffee
Fried food
Recycled cooking oil
Restrict the intake of salt
Restrict the garlic in your diet
Avoid papad
Ice creams
Home remedies for Gastritis :-
Fennel seed water – it is very helpful in gas and stomach cramps. Mix a tsp of slightly crushed fennel seeds In one cup of boiling water , cover it for 10 minutes. Strain it and drink it.
Peppermint :- it has antispasmodic effect . Add 1 tsp of fresh and crushed mint leaves in boiled water . After 10-25 minutes strain it and drink it 4-5 times in a day.
Yogurt -Once your appetite has returned some what , have yogurt 2-3 times in a day as it has lots of friendly bacteria.
Ginger tea :- method is same like peppermint. Or click to see Ginger Tea.
Cinnamon is a powerful antibacterial that will destroy all the bacteria in your stomach. But the quantity should be very less.
Cardamom has soothing effects on the stomach
Have banana shake in the morning regularly .
Regular chewing of half tsp of fennel seeds (without sugar) after food is good for digestion.
Take ½ glass of skimmed milk and fill the remaining half with plain water and drink it anytime of the day .
Belgiri juice is very very effective but it should be fresh not stale. It helps to kill the harmful bacteria in the stomach.
Take 1 tsp of carom seeds and add little rock salt . Eat it after food.
Amla churna – 1 tsp of this should be taken two times in a day. It is very beneficial in H pylori infection.
When to see a doctor : -
You are not able to take liquids since 24 hours.
You have blood in vomiting
Blood in stool
High fever
Note – More people with active gastritis have been reported to have low levels of beta carotene in their stomach. Combining vitamn C rich foods and carotene rich foods like carrots lead to improvement in most people.
Yoga is an effective treatment in calming down the nervous system with proper blood circulation in abdomen.
Click to see : Self Management of Acidity .
Diet in Hyperacidity.
Dr. Suman Setia, BAMS ,DNHE,PGDHHM.