Main Causes of Gastritis
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria – Up to 50% of the world’s population is infected with this bacteria, although most people do not experience symptoms or even know they have it.[1] H. pylori can breakdown the lining of the stomach, causing gastritis and stomach ulcers.
- Conditions related to vitamin B12 deficiency – Vitamin B12 deficiency results when the gastrointestinal tract does not properly absorb vitamin B12, most likely due to chronic inflammation (gastritis). Therefore, the conditions that cause gastritis are the same as those that cause vitamin B12 deficiency: celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), Crohn’s disease, recent stomach surgery, recent infection, poor nutrition, thyroid disease, or pernicious anemia, a form of anemia that occurs when the stomach lacks a naturally-occurring substance called intrinsic factor needed to properly digest vitamin B12.
- Medication use – Sometimes, gastritis symptoms stem from taking medications that cause stomach problems or even stomach bleeding: aspirin, NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen), prednisone, chemotherapy drugs, or others.
- Acidic drinks, spicy foods and other food culprits – Drinks such as coffee, alcohol, juices with citric acids, and spicy foods such as hot peppers can cause exacerbation of gastritis symptoms. But, the real “cause” of gastritis is a consistent diet of food “culprits” (listed below).
- Add 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped ginger root to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey and sip this tea slowly. Drink it 2 or 3 times a day for about a week.
- Alternatively, mix together ½ tablespoon each of ginger juice and honey. Take it before eating your meal 2 times daily for a week.
- You can even chew a small piece of fresh ginger root or take ginger capsules to treat gastritis.
While there are several reasons why a person could develop gastritis – chronic stress, an autoimmune disorder (such as HIV), fungal infections, acid reflux disease, etc. – there are 4 primary causes.
The conventional treatment for gastritis involves taking antacids or other drugs to reduce stomach acid. While these drugs work quickly to ease symptoms, chronic use of these medications can lead to severe problems, such as osteoporosis or a condition called hypchlorhydria (low stomach acid):
Home Remedies for Gastritis
Those who drink too much alcohol, older adults and people suffering from diseases and conditions like HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease and parasitic infections are at a higher risk of getting gastritis. Viral or fungal infections and stress can also be contributing factors.
Mild cases of acute gastritis usually clear up within a few days. Plus, you can try simple home remedies along with lifestyle and diet modifications to prevent and control the problem.
However, if you suffer from chronic gastritis and experience a lot of discomfort, it is advisable to consult your doctor as it can lead to ulcers.
Ginger
Ginger can also effectively treat gastritis due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can reduce inflammation and treat the infection as well as alleviate symptoms like stomach pain, gas, indigestion, nausea and bloating.
Note: Ginger may interfere with blood-thinning and high blood pressure medications.
