Understanding and Managing Gastritis: Natural Ways to Soothe Your Stomach

Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can lead to substantial discomfort and impact daily life. Often caused by the erosion of the stomach’s protective mucosal layer, this condition shares similarities with peptic ulcers but is confined to the stomach.

What Are Some Common Causes?

A common cause of gastritis is a bacterial infection known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium can be detected through specific tests. Other contributing factors include the overuse of NSAIDs like ibuprofen and Advil, excessive consumption of antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, high alcohol or caffeine intake, and stress also play a significant role.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Tips

Dallas nutritionist Gabrielle Grandell offers the following tips to manage your gastritis:

1. Be Mindful About Eating Habits

Avoid overeating to reduce the strain on your stomach, and limit liquid intake during meals to prevent diluting stomach acids.

2. Choose Healing Foods

Be gentle to your stomach with the following:

• Bone Broth: Rich in amino acids like proline, glycine, and glutamine, bone broth helps repair the stomach lining.
• Fennel and Licorice: Chewing fennel seeds or drinking fennel/licorice tea can soothe the stomach.
• Aloe Vera Juice: Known for its healing properties, aloe vera can reduce inflammation when consumed in its pure form.
• Cooked Vegetables: Opt for cooked over raw vegetables to avoid irritating the stomach lining. Cabbage, in particular, has healing sulfur compounds and fermented cabbage (sauerkraut) offers additional probiotic benefits.

3. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

Avoiding certain foods and drinks can help manage stomach issues. Spicy and acidic foods, such as hot spices, citrus fruits, and tomatoes, should be limited as they can aggravate the stomach lining. Alcohol and caffeine can also cause irritation and should be consumed in moderation or avoided. Additionally, dairy products may increase stomach acid and worsen symptoms, so it’s best to be cautious with their intake.

4. Manage Stress

Stress and anxiety can induce gastritis, so it’s important to tame tension. Gabrielle recommends Epsom salt baths with a few drops of lavender oil, which can be beneficial. ( you can order high quality lavender oil through Gabrielle’s link here.)

5. Consider Supplements

Licorice Root (DGL) is a beneficial supplement that helps heal the stomach lining, relieving those suffering from gastritis. However, it should be avoided if you have high blood pressure due to potential side effects. Additionally, incorporating probiotics and digestive enzymes can be beneficial for some. Gabrielle can help determine the best type of probiotics and digestive enzymes for your specific needs, ensuring optimal digestive health and relief from your symptoms.