Gastritis (Holistic)

About This Condition

A dull ache in your belly may be a sign of gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining. First uncover the cause. Then control the discomfort. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Get to know gamma oryzanol

    Take 300 mg a day of this supplement to improve gastritis symptoms

  • Steer clear of irritants

    Help with the healing process and prevent recurrences by reducing your intake of salt, caffeine, decaf coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods

  • Say no to smoking

    Reduce your risks by kicking the habit

  • Get a checkup

    Visit your doctor to find out if your gastritis is due to a treatable medical condition and whether you should avoid taking certain irritating medications

About

About This Condition

Gastritis is a broad term for inflammation of the stomach lining, also called the gastric mucosa.

This condition can be caused by many factors and, in some cases, may lead to an ulcer. For that reason, many of the same nutrients, herbs, and lifestyle changes for a peptic ulcer might also help someone with gastritis.

Bacterial infection, most notably with Helicobacter pylori,1 is a major cause of gastritis. H. pylori is the same bacterium responsible for most cases of peptic ulcer. When considering treatments for gastritis, many researchers now look for substances that eradicate H. pylori, including bismuth2 and antibiotics.3

Other causes of gastritis include intake of caustic poisons, alcohol, and some medications (such as aspirin or adrenal corticosteroids), as well as physical stress from the flu, major surgery, severe burns, or injuries. For some people, a drug allergy or food poisoning can cause gastritis. Atrophic gastritis is a form of gastritis found particularly in the elderly, where stomach cells are destroyed, potentially leading to pernicious anemia.

Symptoms

Acute gastritis is typically characterized by nonspecific abdominal pain. Since gastritis often occurs in severely ill, hospitalized people, its symptoms may be eclipsed by other, more severe symptoms. Gastritis that is caused by H. pylori eventually leads to peptic ulcers, which are characterized by a dull ache in the upper abdomen that usually occurs two to three hours after a meal; the ache is typically relieved by eating.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Gastritis is common among alcoholics.4 Both heavy smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known causes of acute gastritis.5 While heavy alcohol intake is clearly damaging to the stomach lining, preliminary evidence suggests that moderate alcohol consumption (generally defined as two drinks per day in women or three drinks per day in men) may actually protect against the development of gastritis by facilitating the elimination of H. pylori.6 When alcohol is consumed in greater than moderate amounts, it causes a wide variety of health problems.

Many medications, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen), can induce or aggravate stomach irritation.7 People with a history of gastritis should never take aspirin or related drugs without first discussing the matter with their doctor.

Eating Right

The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.

Recommendation Why
Try a low-salt diet
Salt can irritate the stomach lining, so eat foods low in salt to avoid irritation.

Salt can irritate the stomach lining. Some research suggests that eating salty foods increases the risk of developing a H. pylori infection. Researchers have speculated that increased salt intake may also increase the risk of other forms of gastritis.
Try some cayenne or chili pepper
Doctors commonly recommend avoiding spicy foods, but cayenne or chili pepper may be beneficial: the active ingredient in these foods, capsaicin, has been shown to protect against gastritis.

Doctors commonly suggest that people with gastritis avoid spicy foods. However, one study found that capsaicin, the pungent ingredient in cayenne or chili pepper, protected against aspirin-induced gastritis in healthy persons. When people ate chili pepper followed by 600 mg of aspirin, stomach injury was considerably less than in people who took only aspirin. The researchers of this study speculate that chili pepper helps by increasing blood flow to the stomach. Capsaicin has also been shown to protect against alcohol-induced gastritis in rats, though this has yet to be tested in humans.
Avoid caffeine
Caffeine found in coffee, black tea, green tea, some soft drinks, chocolate, and many medications increases stomach acid. Avoiding these substances should help heal gastritis.

Caffeine found in coffee, black tea, green tea, some soft drinks, chocolate, and many medications increases stomach acid, as does decaffeinated coffee. Avoiding these substances should therefore aid in the healing of gastritis.
Uncover food allergies
Work with a knowledgeable professional to see whether food allergies are triggering your gastritis.

Some researchers have suggested that food allergies or intolerance may cause gastritis. In one double-blind trial, people with proven food sensitivities showed clear evidence of irritation of the stomach lining (including swelling, bleeding, and erosions) when given foods to which they were known to react. However, most of these people did not have abnormal results from standard blood tests for allergies. People suspecting food sensitivities or allergies should consider discussing an allergy elimination program with a healthcare professional.

Supplements

What Are Star Ratings?
Supplement Why
2 Stars
Astaxanthin
4 to 12 mg per day
The carotenoid astaxanthin may inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori and reduce related gastric inflammation.
Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family that has an inhibitory effect on the growth of Helicobacter pylori, and reduces gastric inflammation related to this organism, according to animal studies. In a double-blind trial of people with functional dyspepsia, those who were infected with H. pylori had reduced symptoms of acid reflux when they took 40 mg per day of astaxanthin, but a lower amount of 16 mg per day was not helpful, and neither amount of astaxanthin improved other symptoms of dyspepsia. In subjects who were not infected with Helicobacter pylori, neither amount of astaxanthin was effective.
2 Stars
Gamma Oryzanol
300 mg daily
Supplementing with gamma oryzanol may improve improve gastritis symptoms.

The results of several clinical trials suggest that gamma oryzanol supplementation can help people with gastritis and other gastrointestinal complaints. In one study, people with chronic gastritis were given 300 mg of gamma oryzanol per day. After two weeks, 23% of people taking gamma oryzanol reported that it was “extremely effective” and 55% rated it as “moderately effective.” Another study produced similar results: People with various types of gastritis received 300 mg of gamma oryzanol per day. After two weeks, more than 62% of those with superficial gastritis, more than 87% of those with atrophic gastritis, and all people with erosive gastritis experienced improvement. These results were confirmed in a large study involving approximately 2,000 people with various gastrointestinal complaints, including several forms of gastritis. Some of these people required as much as 600 mg per day for symptoms to improve. People with gastritis wishing to take gamma oryzanol for more than six months, or in amounts exceeding 300 mg per day, should first consult with a physician.
2 Stars
N-Acetyl Cysteine
1 gram daily
In one study, people with atrophic gastritis given NAC saw increased healing.

Various amino acids have shown promise for people with gastritis. In a double-blind trial, taking 200 mg of cysteine four times daily provided significant benefit for people with bleeding gastritis caused by NSAIDs (such as aspirin). Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that stimulates healing of gastritis. In a preliminary trial, 1–4 grams per day of NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) given to people with atrophic gastritis for four weeks appeared to increase healing.Glutamine, another amino acid is a main energy source for cells in the stomach and supplementation may increase blood flow to this region. Patients in surgical intensive care units often develop gastrointestinal problems related to a glutamine deficiency. When burn victims were supplemented with glutamine, they did not develop stress ulcers, even after several operations. Nevertheless, it remains unclear to what extent glutamine supplementation might prevent or help existing gastritis. Preliminary evidence suggests the amino acid arginine may both protect the stomach and increase its blood flow, but research has yet to investigate the effects of arginine supplementation in people with gastritis.
2 Stars
Vitamin C
5 grams daily
Vitamin C may reduce free radical damage in the stomach lining in the case of gastritis caused by the bacteriaH. pylori.

When H. pylori causes gastritis, free radical levels rise in the stomach lining. These unstable molecules contribute to inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps quench free radical molecules, is low in the stomach juice of people with chronic gastritis. This deficiency may be the link between chronic gastritis and the increased risk of stomach cancer. When people with gastritis took 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day, vitamin C levels in their gastric juice rose, though not to normal levels. In another trial, vitamin C supplementation (5 grams per day divided into several doses for four weeks) appeared to eliminate H. pylori infection. While no direct evidence proves that taking vitamin C reduces gastritis symptoms, scientists widely believe that any agent capable of knocking out H. pylori should help people with this condition.
1 Star
Arginine
Refer to label instructions
The amino acid arginine may both protect the stomach and increase its blood flow.

Various amino acids have shown promise for people with gastritis. In a double-blind trial, taking 200 mg of cysteine four times daily provided significant benefit for people with bleeding gastritis caused by NSAIDs (such as aspirin). Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that stimulates healing of gastritis. In a preliminary trial, 1–4 grams per day of NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) given to people with atrophic gastritis for four weeks appeared to increase healing.Glutamine, another amino acid is a main energy source for cells in the stomach and supplementation may increase blood flow to this region. Patients in surgical intensive care units often develop gastrointestinal problems related to a glutamine deficiency. When burn victims were supplemented with glutamine, they did not develop stress ulcers, even after several operations. Nevertheless, it remains unclear to what extent glutamine supplementation might prevent or help existing gastritis. Preliminary evidence suggests the amino acid arginine may both protect the stomach and increase its blood flow, but research has yet to investigate the effects of arginine supplementation in people with gastritis.
1 Star
Beta-Carotene
Refer to label instructions
The antioxidant beta-carotene may reduce free radical damage in the stomach, and supplementing with it has led to improvements in people with gastritis in some studies.

Caution: Synthetic beta-carotene has been linked to increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Until more is known, smokers should avoid all beta-carotene supplements.

The antioxidant beta-carotene may reduce free radical damage in the stomach, and eating foods high in beta-carotene has been linked to a decreased risk of developing chronic atrophic gastritis. Moreover, people with active gastritis have been reported to have low levels of beta-carotene in their stomachs. In a preliminary trial, giving 30,000 IU of beta-carotene per day to people with ulcers or gastritis led to the disappearance of gastric erosions. In another study, combining vitamin C and beta-carotene also led to improvement in most people with chronic atrophic gastritis.

1 Star
Bladderwrack
Refer to label instructions
Bladderwrack is high in mucilage, which may be advantageous for people with gastritis because its slippery nature soothes irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract.

Demulcent herbs, such as marshmallow, slippery elm, and bladderwrack, are high in mucilage. Mucilage might be advantageous for people with gastritis because its slippery nature soothes irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract. Marshmallow is used for mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

1 Star
Chamomile
Refer to label instructions
Chamomile may soothe injured and inflamed mucous membranes. Active ingredients in chamomile appears to inhibit H. pylori and reduce free radical activity.

Chamomile , high in the flavonoid apigenin, may soothe injured and inflamed mucous membranes. In addition, a test tube study has shown that apigenin inhibits H. pylori, and chamazulene, another active ingredient in chamomile, reduces free radical activity, both potential advantages for people with gastritis. Human clinical trials are needed to confirm chamomile’s effectiveness for treating gastritis.
1 Star
Glutamine
Refer to label instructions
The amino acid glutamine is a main energy source for cells in the stomach and may increase blood flow to this region.

Various amino acids have shown promise for people with gastritis. In a double-blind trial, taking 200 mg of cysteine four times daily provided significant benefit for people with bleeding gastritis caused by NSAIDs (such as aspirin). Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that stimulates healing of gastritis. In a preliminary trial, 1–4 grams per day of NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) given to people with atrophic gastritis for four weeks appeared to increase healing.Glutamine, another amino acid is a main energy source for cells in the stomach and supplementation may increase blood flow to this region. Patients in surgical intensive care units often develop gastrointestinal problems related to a glutamine deficiency. When burn victims were supplemented with glutamine, they did not develop stress ulcers, even after several operations. Nevertheless, it remains unclear to what extent glutamine supplementation might prevent or help existing gastritis. Preliminary evidence suggests the amino acid arginine may both protect the stomach and increase its blood flow, but research has yet to investigate the effects of arginine supplementation in people with gastritis.
1 Star
Goldenseal
Refer to label instructions
Goldenseal is considered an herbal antibiotic and has been traditionally used for infections of the mucous membranes. One of its active ingredients appears to slow H. pylori growth.

Goldenseal is regarded as an herbal antibiotic and has been traditionally used for infections of the mucous membranes. While no specific research points to goldenseal as a treatment for gastritis, there is some evidence from test tube studies that berberine, an active ingredient in goldenseal, slows growth of H. pylori. Modern herbal practitioners now prefer alternatives to goldenseal, since the plant is threatened with extinction due to overharvesting.
1 Star
Licorice
Refer to label instructions
Licorice root has been traditionally used to soothe stomach inflammation and injury. Its flavonoid constituents have been found to stall the growth of H. pylori in test tube studies.

Many of the same herbs that are helpful for peptic ulcers may also aid people with gastritis. Licorice root, for example, has been traditionally used to soothe inflammation and injury in the stomach. Its flavonoid constituents have been found to stall the growth of H. pylori in test tube studies. However, there have been no clinical trials using licorice to treat gastritis. To avoid potential side effects, such as increasing blood pressure and water weight gain, many physicians recommend deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). This form of licorice retains its healing qualities by removing the glycyrrhizin that causes problems in some people.
1 Star
Marshmallow
Refer to label instructions
Marshmallow is high in mucilage, which may be advantageous for people with gastritis because its slippery nature soothes irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract.

Demulcent herbs, such as marshmallow, slippery elm, and bladderwrack, are high in mucilage. Mucilage might be advantageous for people with gastritis because its slippery nature soothes irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract. Marshmallow is used for mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
1 Star
Slippery Elm
Refer to label instructions
Slippery elm is high in mucilage, which may be advantageous for people with gastritis because its slippery nature soothes irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract.

Demulcent herbs, such as marshmallow, slippery elm, and bladderwrack, are high in mucilage. Mucilage might be advantageous for people with gastritis because its slippery nature soothes irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract. Marshmallow is used for mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
1 Star
Vitamin A
Refer to label instructions
Vitamin A appears to reduce ulcer size and pain in people with ulcers and may help treat gastritis.

Zinc and vitamin A, nutrients that aid in healing, are commonly used to help people with peptic ulcers. For example, the ulcers of people taking 50 mg of zinc three times per day healed three times faster than those of people who took placebo. Since some types of gastritis can progress to peptic ulcer, it is possible that taking it may be useful. Nevertheless, the research does not yet show that zinc specifically helps people with gastritis. The amount of zinc used in this study is very high compared with what most people take (15–40 mg per day). Even at these lower levels, it is necessary to take 1–3 mg of copper per day to avoid a zinc-induced copper deficiency.
1 Star
Wood Betony
Refer to label instructions
Wood betony has been used in European traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of heartburn and gastritis.

Wood betony (Stachys betonica) has been used in European traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of heartburn and gastritis.
1 Star
Zinc
Refer to label instructions
Zinc is helpful in healing peptic ulcers, which can occur in some types of gastritis.

Zinc and vitamin A, nutrients that aid in healing, are commonly used to help people with peptic ulcers. For example, the ulcers of people taking 50 mg of zinc three times per day healed three times faster than those of people who took placebo. Since some types of gastritis can progress to peptic ulcer, it is possible that taking it may be useful. Nevertheless, the research does not yet show that zinc specifically helps people with gastritis. The amount of zinc used in this study is very high compared with what most people take (15–40 mg per day). Even at these lower levels, it is necessary to take 1–3 mg of copper per day to avoid a zinc-induced copper deficiency.

References

1. Kelly DJ. The physiology and metabolism of the human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Adv Micro Physiol 1998;40:137–89 [review].

2. Kumar M, Yachha SK, Aggarwal R, et al. Healing of chronic antral gastritis: effect of sucralfate and colloidal bismuth subcitrate. Indian J Gastroenterol 1996;15(3):90–3.

3. Lieber CS. Gastric ethanol metabolism and gastritis: interactions with other drugs, Helicobacter pylori, and antibiotic therapy (1957–1997)–a review. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1997;21:1360–6 [review].

4. Altman C, Ladouch A, Briantais MJ, et al. Antral gastritis in chronic alcoholism. Role of cirrhosis and Helicobacter pylori. Presse Med 1995;24(15):708-10 [in French].

5. Robbins SL, Cotran RS, Kumar V. Pathologic Basis of Disease 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co, 1984, 809-14.

6. Brenner H, Berg G, Lappus N, et al. Alcohol consumption and Helicobacter pylori infection: results from the German National Health and Nutrition Survey. Epidemiology 1999;10:214-8.

7. Scheiman JM. NSAIDs, gastrointestinal injury, and cytoprotection. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America 1996;25(2):279-98 [review].

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