Gastritis

Gastritis is a symptom I have seen in the clinic lately. It would have to be one of the more painful symptoms I see - clients speak of:

Burning pain in the upper abdomen, usually right between the ribs below the sternum (in some cases, it can take their breath away):

• Nausea

• Burping

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

Sometimes food makes it better, and sometimes it makes it worse. Water can even make it worse at times.

Stress is always a factor, always!

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Considering the acid levels in the stomach, any inflammation that results in a thinning or decrease in the mucus lining will be pretty painful. So much so that many people will be evaluated for heart issues (feels like a heart attack) due to the pain and sometimes palpitations that arise.

Gastritis is most commonly caused by:

• Food

• Alcohol – excessive drinking will erode the protective stomach lining, exposing the delicate underlying tissue to the stomach acid

• Pharmaceutical drugs, especially NSAIDs, as they increase the gastric juices in the stomach

• Infections, commonly Helicobacter pylori

• Stress

• Other medical conditions such as Crohn’s and diabetes

Treatment requires a multi-pronged approach, like most other gut issues

First is symptom management with soothing agents like slippery elm, marshmallow (the herb, not the lolly), meadowsweet and zinc carnosine. Decreasing alcohol consumption and (heaven forbid) avoiding coffee is needed.

Next, we need to understand the cause, starting with food (acidity, inflammatory or intolerances) and stress, then looking to infections.

If someone has been treated for H.pylori, I recommend undergoing treatment again. Fortunately, many of the above soothing agents help along with mastic gum.

Sometimes, decreasing the acid level in the stomach is needed only in the short term, especially in cases of infections or ulceration. I prefer to use herbs like meadowsweet that balance acid levels that allow for healing whilst also supporting digestive processes. We need nutrients to heal, and many healing nutrients need stomach acid levels to be activated for absorption.

As with any gut issue, especially chronic, gastritis can be tricky as it is rarely just one thing. A systematic, consistent approach, adjusting as needed, is critical. Get in touch if you want to explore and be supported through such an approach.