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Natural herbal &
homeopathic help for people suffering from acute or chronic
gastritis
Gastritis
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - GASTRITIS
Gastritis is the inflammation of the mucus lining of the stomach,
also known as gastric mucosa. This lining protects the stomach and
gives up under the pressure of any of the irritants discussed below
in the causes segment.
There are basically two types of gastritis, acute and chronic. Acute
gastritis is more intense due to sudden inflammation but it doesn’t
remain for a long time and the gastric mucosa, your stomach lining,
generally returns to its normal condition sooner than later.
Chronic gastritis is still poorly understood and even its causes
have not been definitively established, leave alone the treatment.
It recurs more as you grow older. Although chronic gastritis is
usually associated with ulcers, i.e. it is supposed that chronic
gastritis leads to stomach ulcers; no one knows for sure whether
this is a fact or the opposite is true, i.e. the line of thinking that
stomach ulcers lead to gastritis. But one thing has been established
and, it is, that people with chronic gastritis respond positively
to the treatment combining herbs and diet control prescribed for
peptic ulcer. It has been observed that 1 in 20 gastritis sufferers
eventually develop ulcers.
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Burning sensation at the top of the stomach |
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This sensation or pain may go upwards causing heartburn |
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Nausea along with vomiting, spasms of the empty stomach |
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Blood in vomit or/and stools |
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Blood in sputum is not rare |
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Anemia due to blood loss |
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Flatulence |
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Loss of appetite and weight loss |
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In chronic gastritis, there is a general feeling of
fullness in the abdomen after the meals. This condition
is in conjunction with constipation or even diarrhea at
times |
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A coated tongue along with bad breadth during the
periods of discomfort |
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Bad taste in mouth with increased flow of saliva |
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Infrequent urination which is also less in quantity |
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Depression, actually a feeling of physical as well as
mental uneasiness |
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Headache and dizziness |
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In gastric erosion, there is dark red or black blood in
the stools and bright red colored blood in the vomit.
These are accompanied by abdominal pain |
Gastritis is usually known to be due to excessive or insufficient
gastric acids in the intestine. But there are other reasons also
that are attributed to this problem. The usual suspects are
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Excessive alcohol consumption |
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Certain drugs like aspirin, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory (like ibuprofen) and adrenal
corticosteroids may irritate the stomach lining and
cause inflammation. Usually, only a high quantity of
these drugs has the effect |
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Acute gastritis usually stems from an infection in the
gut caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori |
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Rich or spicy (condiments and sauces) food eaten late at
night |
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Sour foods – salt is supposed to irritate the stomach
lining as well as increase the susceptibility to various
forms of gastritis, most importantly H. pylori infection |
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Diet deficient in vitamins and minerals, more
specifically vitamin B12 and iron |
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Irregular eating habits including overeating |
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Improper cooking of foods along with indiscriminate
combination of them |
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Food allergies – some people have been reported to get
gastritis symptoms after eating certain foods |
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Stress and trauma have been seen as major disruptive
agents. This includes physical stress like that in a flu |
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Excessive tobacco consumption |
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Caffeine, in particular coffee although strong tea (both
black and green), soft drinks and chocolate are equally
culpable |
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Some surgery or exposure to certain kind of radiation,
or severe burns or an injury |
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Endocrine problems are mainly linked with the chronic
condition. Endocrine glands are responsible for putting
hormones directly into the blood |
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Another typical cause of chronic gastritis is backwash
of alkaline secretions from the duodenum |
Many
herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific
ingredients to provide a stable foundation for upset stomachs.
Ginger has long been regarded as a gentle natural remedy for
relieving the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, indigestion and stomach
ache. Nat. Sulph. is a homeopathic remedy used to help prevent
nausea as well as calm and soothe the stomach and alleviate
abdominal cramps and digestion problems during gastritis.
Matricaria recutita, also known as German Chamomile, is a medicinal
herb that has been used by European naturopaths for centuries for
its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and calming properties –
making it an effective choice for the treatment for digestive
disorders.
In
adults:
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Zingiber officinale (Ginger) - Ginger’s medicinal
(and culinary too as it is extensively used as a spice
and for its aroma) uses are found in its rhizome, i.e.
the rootstock. The aromatic oils present in ginger
rhizome are the active constituents medically. They are
the ones responsible for the characteristic aroma and
flavor. They include sesquiterpenes, specifically
zingiberene, as also aldehydes and monoterpenes. Gingerols are another components present which
give ginger its pungent characteristics and thus make
ginger a fantastic remedy as an anti nausea agent. Its
effects are comparable to the best conventional
medicines, like metoclopramide. It is an antispasmodic and generally good for
digestion. It helps in period pains and digestive cramps
as also flatulence and diarrhea. |
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Mentha piperita is one of the most effective of
the mint herbs, has been used for centuries to relieve
indigestion, nausea and heartburn. Modern research has
demonstrated its effectiveness in soothing the symptoms
of diverticulosis, IBS and other digestive disorders.
Mentha piperita is widely cultivated for medicinal uses
and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic
properties. It relaxes the muscles of the digestive
tract and stimulates the flow of natural digestive
juices and bile, thereby assisting healthy digestion. |
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Pelargoneum graveolens ('maagpyn bossie' or
stomach pain bush) is a traditional medicinal herb used by
indigenous people of South Africa. It has a wide variety
of uses and is an effective calmative and anti-spasmodic
herb, reducing stomach cramps and pain. |
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Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) - With its
daisy like flowers throwing aromatic scents everywhere,
this wild herb is found throughout Europe. The essential
oil of German chamomile flower contains bisabols,
flavonoids and azulenes that give this herb its
anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and muscle relaxing
properties. This makes it an excellent remedy for
digestive disorders. Bisabol which gives German
chamomile anti-inflammatory properties, helps relieve
inflammation on the mucous membranes and promotes
healing. It’s a good remedy for stomach pains and
flatulence. |
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Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) was a favorite herb
in medieval times and was used to stop stomach rumbles
and colic. It was commonly used after meals to prevent
flatulence, indigestion, colic and other digestive
problems. Fennel has strong calmative and
anti-inflammatory properties. |
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Ulmus fulva (Slippery Elm) is one of the most
effective herbs used in reducing digestive pain and
irritation, and also protects and soothes the lining of
the stomach and digestive tract due to its high mucilage
content. Only bark from top quality Slippery Elm is used
in Gastronic Dr. |
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Calcium phosphate (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt
that assists the body in its natural function of
creating new cells. Effective blood cell production is
important to ensure good blood circulation. The cells in
our body are continually dying and being replaced every
day. As we grow older, it is important to keep cellular
production happening as fast as cellular deterioration.
Calcium phosphate (also called Calc. phos.) promotes
nutritional health; it is a vital component for
effective digestion, cell growth and energy levels. It
is an excellent general tonic for people of all ages. |
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Natrium phosphate (D6) is known as the ‘biochemic
antacid’, Nat. phos. is widely used to address digestive
comfort, especially after meals and is of great benefit
for people who tend to suffer from common indigestion
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In children (usually in addition to the above herbs and tissue
salts):
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Alpinia galangal, a relative of Ginger, is a
South East Asian spice with a long history of
therapeutic and culinary use. By toning the tissues and
supporting normal digestive processes, Alpinia is an
effective remedy for maintaining digestive balance. |
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Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony) has a long history
of use and was even used by the Ancient Greeks as a
digestive tonic. Agrimony is an effective herb for the
promotion of normal bowel activity and healthy firm
stools. |
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Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle) is an
astringent herb (decreases secretions) that has been
used since the Middle Ages for maintaining healthy
stools and bowel functioning. |
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Gastronic Dr.
Promote healthy digestion and comfort
after meals
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KiddiVom Sprinkles
Aids in digestive support, and helps
relieve nausea and vomiting in children.
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Digestion Tonic
Promotes healthy and trouble-free
digestion and digestive balance.
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Gasolve Relief
To support normal levels of gas in the
bowels and support healthy digestion.
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Tummy Trumbles
Natural tummy tonic for healthy bowel
activity in children.
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In the
diet regarding gastritis, incorporating certain foods is very
important, but more important is avoiding a lot many, to help your stomach
get rid of the toxins and at the same time soothe the gastric
mucosa.
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Although the below mentioned foods may form a part of
your regular diet, they are extremely important in
the very beginning of the treatment to subside the
symptoms as soon as possible.
You should actually start with fasting by consuming only
lukewarm water to give rest to your stomach and relieve
the mucus lining of toxins. Although, thriving only on
this for as long as 48 hours is also recommended (of
course depending upon the severity), some mild foods can
be taken. They include
- bananas for energy and potassium which helps in
keeping good balance of fluid in the body
- low-fiber carbohydrates in the form of plain boiled
rice
- apples as they have an excellent cleansing agent
property which is helpful in washing the toxins away
- coconut water along with normal water as it also
provides vital minerals and vitamins
- dry white toast to settle the stomach and give energy
(due to the carbohydrates present)
Once the condition improves, some other foods like
potato or potato juice, cooked vegetables like carrot
that are easy on the tummy and egg may be taken.
Actually, an all fruit diet has also been recommended by
doctors, but it may not (and usually it is not) be to the taste of the
patient.
Fluid intake has to be increased (a minimum of 10
glasses of water a day) but care should be taken that
water is not consumed along with the meals otherwise it
will wash away the stomach acids which are so very vital
for the digestion, thereby delaying digestion.
Finally, you can fall back to the required balanced diet
containing fruits, vegetables and grains. |
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If the real cause of gastritis in your case is the
bacterium Helicobactor pylori (or H.pylori), there are
certain foods that are helpful and certain others which
are best avoided. The free radicals that are released
due to H.pylori get curbed by eating vitamin C and beta
carotene rich food (both are antioxidants that kill free
radical molecules) and moderate consumption of alcohol
(alcohol eliminates H.pylori). But follow restrain in
consuming alcohol as excessive alcohol consumption may
worsen your condition. |
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Some typical foods that are to be avoided, any which way,
if you are diagnosed with gastritis are
- rich (including pastries and cakes) and spicy
(condiments and sauces), especially late in the night
- strong tea or coffee, soft drinks, chocolate (all
caffeine containing products)
- excessive alcohol
- meat extracts
- sour foods: salt is considered a major irritant for
the stomach lining |
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There are certain eating habits which one should follow
religiously if gastritis is to be avoided. They are
- take properly cooked food to soothe your gastric
mucosa
- eat slowly while chewing the food well
- try and eat little and more often
- never leave your stomach empty for prolonged periods
- avoid going to bed immediately after meals, a gap of
at least 2 hours after dinner is extremely important
- always take meals in a relaxed mood; stress and hurry
will ruin the digestion of foods
- don’t take water with meals as it dilutes the
digestive juices |
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Vitamin B12 – large amount of vitamin B12 becomes
important in case pernicious anemia develops due to atropic gastritis, which is not so uncommon in the
elderly. Liver, fish, milk, lean meat, poultry, seafood,
eggs, fortified soya drink are all quite rich in vitamin
B12 but their intake should be properly administered due
to the very types of food involved here. All of these
foods are normally very rich, heavy and possibly
allergic and only a doctor can recommend after going
through your details. Sometimes use of supplements
becomes imperative, so better check with your doc as to
the requirement of your body with regards to vitamin
B12. |
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De-stress – Well, it is easy said than done, but one
has to bear this in mind that stress is a major reason
for gastritis and, for that matter, many a diseases. There
are quite a few ways to achieve it like
yoga, walking,
leisure games, certain breathing exercises etc. and one
or some of them should be incorporated in your routine
to avoid mental worries. Even too much of physical
exertion (stress) can be a precursor of this disease. |
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Warm water enema is very useful and a must at the
initial stage of treatment to cleanse the bowels of any
toxins. |
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In case of gastric erosion, medicines like aspirins
should be changed for better alternatives like Alka –
Seltzer or enteric coated aspirin (it bypasses the
stomach and dissolves in the intestines thereby reducing
the chances of erosion) and even these should be take
with plenty of water and not on empty stomach. Off
course, there are natural alternatives available to
aspirin.
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Gastronic Dr.
Promote healthy digestion and comfort
after meals
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KiddiVom Sprinkles
Aids in digestive support, and helps
relieve nausea and vomiting in children.
|
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|
Digestion Tonic
Promotes healthy and trouble-free
digestion and digestive balance.
|
|
|
Gasolve Relief
To support normal levels of gas in the
bowels and support healthy digestion.
|
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Tummy Trumbles
Natural tummy tonic for healthy bowel
activity in children.
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