Gastritis is a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Acute gastritis occurs suddenly, and will frequently respond to appropriate therapy while chronic gastritis develops slowly. The inflammation of the stomach lining is most frequently caused by a bacterium called H. pylori. Gastritis can vary greatly from mild gastritis to severe gastritis. Symptoms might not always be correlated with the severity of the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals, and in many people there are no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
• Hiccups
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
• Black, tarry stools

Causes

A major cause of both acute and chronic gastritis is infection of the stomach mucosa by a bacterial species named Helicobacter pylori. Usually, this bacterium first infects the stomach antrum (stomach mucosa without acid-producing cells) acutely and may progress to infect most or all of the stomach’s mucosa over time (chronic gastritis) and remain there for years. This infection generates an initial strong inflammatory response and eventually, a long-term chronic inflammation with intestinal cell changes may develop. Another major cause of acute and chronic gastritis is the use (and overuse) of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

However, there are many other causes of gastritis; the following is a list of common causes of both acute and chronic gastritis; chronic gastritis may occur with repeated or continual presence of most of these causes:

• Bacterial, viral and parasitic infections
• Certain drugs (cocaine)
• Alcohol
• Bile reflux
• Fungal infections
• Allergic reactions
• Stress reaction
• Radiation
• Certain food poisonings (infectious and chemical)
• Trauma

In general, infectious agents, especially Helicobacter pylori, and NSAIDs are responsible for the majority of people with gastritis.

Treatment

Treatment for gastritis usually involves:

• Taking antacids and other drugs (such as proton pump inhibitors or H-2 blockers) to reduce stomach acid
• Avoiding hot and spicy foods
• For gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe a regimen of several antibiotics plus an acid blocking drug (used for heartburn)
• If the gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia, B12 vitamin shots will be given.
• Eliminating irritating foods from your diet such as lactose from dairy or gluten from wheat
• Once the underlying problem disappears, the gastritis usually does, too.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies for gastritis include eating a combination of healthy foods while simultaneously avoiding the food “culprits” on a daily basis. This is the key for permanent treatment for gastritis.

Coconut water

Coconut water has a lot of minerals and compounds which are soothing for digestive system. It is very beneficial in removing toxic radicals from the body. It also helps maintain normal body temperature which assists in normalizing body digestive functions. Coconut water can be given to patient as frequently as possible in a day, for relief from gastritis.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is especially beneficial in treating gastritis caused by bacterial infection. It also forms a protective layer on the stomach and intestinal lining.  Take a bowl of yoghurt daily for effectively treating gastritis.  It is an excellent way to get rid of gastritis problems.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera juice is extremely soothing for the irritated stomach. It also reduces the inflammation of the stomach lining with its anti-inflammatory activity. Being an antiseptic agent, it can also inhibit the infection-causing bacteria.

Cabbage Juice

Cabbage contains the ulcer healing factor known as vitamin U, that can heal the stomach lining and get rid of gastritis within a few days. This juice also has a cleansing effect on the stomach and intestines.

Foods to be avoided

• Meat and meat products
• Alcohol and tobacco products
• Coffee, tea and aerated drinks
• Spicy, fried or junk foods
• Cakes and pastries,
• Pickles and sour foods
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (under guidance of doctors)