Natural remedies for gastritis
GREEN HEALTH
Gastritis is a condition that affects a person’s stomach lining, causing it to become inflamed. Some cases of gastritis can be treated at home with simple remedies.
There are many factors that can cause a gastritis flare-up. These include: excessive alcohol consumption, using pain medication for an extended period. Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) bacteria, infections or stress.
While there are instances where medical treatment is necessary to treat gastritis, many people find they can manage the symptoms at home.
Eight best home remedies for gastritis
Not all remedies will work for everyone, so a person may need to try several of these before finding what works best for their case.
1. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet
A diet to prevent gastritis should include broccoli, olive oil and dark green vegetables.
2. Take a garlic extract supplement
Some research suggests that garlic extract can help reduce the symptoms of gastritis. Crushing raw garlic and eating it can also work well.
3. Try probiotics
Probiotics can help improve digestion and encourage regular bowel movements. Probiotic supplements introduce good bacteria into a person’s digestive tract, which may help stop the spread of H. pylori.
Eating foods that contain probiotics may also improve the symptoms of gastritis. These foods include:
yogurt
kimchi
kombucha
sauerkraut
kefir
4. Drink green tea with manuka honey
Green tea and manuka honey may help to soothe the stomach.
One study showed that drinking green or black tea at least once a week could significantly reduce the prevalence of H. pylori in the digestive tract.
Manuka honey may also be beneficial, as it contains antibacterial properties that help fight infection.
5. Use essential oils
Essential oils, such as lemongrass and lemon verbena, were found to help increase resistance to H. pylori in laboratory tests.
Other oils that can have a positive effect on the digestive system include peppermint, ginger, and clove.
Essential oils should not be ingested and should always be diluted with a carrier oil if applied to the skin.
People may wish to use the oils in a diffuser or consult a doctor on how to use them safely to help relieve gastritis.
It is important to note that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate essential oils or alternative medicine.
6. Eat lighter meals
Eating large, carbohydrate-heavy meals can put a strain on a person’s digestive system and aggravate gastritis.
Eating small meals regularly over the course of the day can help ease the digestive process and reduce the symptoms of gastritis.
7. Avoid smoking and overuse of painkillers
Smoking can damage a person’s stomach lining and also increases a person’s risk of developing stomach cancer.
Taking too many over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can also damage the stomach lining and make gastritis worse.
8. Reduce stress
Stress can cause gastritis flare-ups, so reducing stress levels is an important way to help manage the condition.
Stress management techniques include:
massage
meditation
yoga
breathing exercises
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