Gastritis: Symptoms and Ways of Treatment

If you've ever felt that familiar "burning" in your stomach, a weight after eating or bloating that won't go away, you're not alone. Gastritis, although it sounds like something strictly medical, is a condition that affects many of us and often has its roots in our daily lives: stress, fast food, coffee on the go and poor sleep. But we don't have to get used to it or accept it as "normal". In this article, we will explore what gastritis is, the signals our body gives us, and most importantly, how we can incorporate simple and natural methods to alleviate its symptoms and effectively manage it in our daily lives.

Gastritis: Symptoms and Ways of Treatment

What is gastritis?

Gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa and comes in two forms: acute (with sudden, severe symptoms) and chronic (progresses gradually, often without initial symptoms). The main cause of gastritis is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, but other contributing factors include alcohol, smoking, unbalanced diet, frequent use of medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and, most importantly, stress. If left untreated, it can lead to ulcers, stomach atrophy or impaired absorption of vitamins such as B12.

Types of Gastritis and Symptoms

Gastritis manifests in various forms, depending on its underlying cause. Let's explore the primary types and their impact on the body.

Atrophic gastritis

Atrophic gastritis typically develops as a result of chronic Helicobacter pylori infection or due to autoimmune processes. It is characterised by the gradual destruction of the gastric glands, which reduces the production of acid and pepsin. In its more advanced stages it can lead to intestinal metaplasia and increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Common symptoms:

Chronic fatigue
Weight loss
Dyspepsia and abdominal discomfort
Deficiency of vitamin B12 or iron

Nutritional support:

Prioritize foods rich in B12 and iron, such as eggs, fish, lentils, green leafy vegetables and fruits with antioxidant activity. Probiotics can help maintain microflora balance.

Autoimmune gastritis

In autoimmune gastritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach's own cells, causing atrophy and significantly reducing gastric acid production. Vitamin B12 deficiency and malignant anaemia are common consequences.

Common symptoms:

Nausea
Decreased appetite
Weight loss
Dark stools
Difficulty absorbing vitamin B12

Nutritional approach:

The emphasis is on replenishing B12 and iron, either through diet or supplementation. Avoid foods that can aggravate the stomach, such as coffee, alcohol and spicy foods.

Erosive gastritis

Erosive gastritis develops when the stomach lining is eroded, often due to the use of NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen), excessive alcohol consumption or severe stress. It can cause bleeding and needs immediate attention.

Common symptoms:

Severe pain in the upper abdomen
Nausea
Vomiting (often with traces of blood)
Black stools

Nutritional care:

Absolutely avoid ingredients that aggravate the symptoms (alcohol, NSAIDs, spicy foods). We follow a mild diet (rice, boiled vegetables, bananas) and always with medical guidance.

Mild Gastritis Antrum

It is an inflammation in the lower part of the stomach (antrum), usually due to H. pylori infection. It often goes unnoticed or has mild symptoms.

Common symptoms:

Mild indigestion
Feeling of heaviness or pain in the abdomen

Treatment:

Includes antibiotic treatment to eliminate H. pylori and monitoring by a doctor.

Stress gastritis

Stress can directly affect our stomach! Through the brain-gut axis, chronic stress boosts acid production and weakens mucosal defenses.

Common symptoms:

Pain or weight in the stomach
Bloating and nausea
Dyspepsia, dizziness
Palpitations or fatigue

Stress management is essential: relaxation techniques, psychotherapy, exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep are important.

In conclusion, understanding the type of gastritis we are experiencing is the first step to treating it properly. With proper nutrition, support from natural supplements and guidance from health professionals, we can significantly improve our daily lives.

Diet and Gastritis: What to Prefer and What to Avoid

Diet plays a key role in managing gastritis and relieving its symptoms. By choosing foods that are easily digestible and friendly to the gastric mucosa, we can help reduce inflammation and restore the lining of the stomach.

Here's what to prefer and what to avoid to feel better:

Prefer more	Prefer less
Whole grains: oats, brown rice, quinoa and wholemeal bread are rich in fibre, help regulate digestion and protect the stomach from irritation.	Over-processed foods: sweets, biscuits, ready-made desserts and soft drinks can cause heartburn and bloating.
Fruits and vegetables: apples (ideally without the skin), bananas, bananas, carrots, pumpkin, potatoes and sweet potatoes are easily digestible, mild and rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.	Fatty and fried foods: French fries, fried meat, and deli meats contain saturated fats that put a strain on the stomach and increase inflammation.
Lean protein sources: chicken, turkey and fish such as monkfish or salmon that contain omega-3 fats that have anti-inflammatory properties.	Caffeinated drinks and alcohol: coffee, energy drinks and alcohol irritate the gastric mucosa and can aggravate gastritis.
Vegetable sources of protein: lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu and quinoa are easily digestible and help gut function without putting a strain on the stomach.	Acidic fruits and acidic juices: citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwi fruit and their juices have a high acidity that can cause irritation.
Good fats: olive oil, avocados, nuts (e.g. walnuts) and flaxseed offer good fats that have anti-inflammatory properties.	Salty or spicy foods: spices, prepared sauces, pickles and foods with too much salt or spicy taste are likely to irritate the stomach.
Foods rich in probiotics: yoghurt with live cultures and kefir help to restore the balance of the intestinal flora.
Herbal drinks: chamomile, peppermint, ginger and Chios mastic have soothing properties and can help reduce gastric discomfort when consumed at a mild frequency.

Tips for the Daily Diet

Small and frequent meals: Avoid large and heavy meals. Large and heavy meals.
Adequate hydration: drink plenty of water in small sips and avoid drinks that are too hot or too cold.
Avoid smoking: Smoking irritates the stomach and can increase inflammation.
Gradual changes: Any change in diet should be done gradually to allow the body to adjust smoothly. In addition to medical treatment, certain natural dietary supplements can support symptom management and gastric mucosal health.

Supplements for gastritis: What are my options?

Glutamine enhances healing of the gastric epithelium, protects gastric cells and reduces inflammation, particularly in cases of Helicobacter pylori infection. It also participates in the synthesis of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress.
Chios mastic has antimicrobial activity against H. pylori and helps reduce inflammation and stomach discomfort. It is natural, safe and well tolerated by the body.
Licorice, thanks to its flavonoids, enhances the production of protective mucus and contributes to the restoration of the gastric mucosa. It can also help to balance the intestinal microflora.
Probiotics, in particular Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, have been shown to reduce gastric inflammation and help to restore the balance of the microbiome, enhancing the stomach's natural defences.

Conclusion

By taking care of our diet and lifestyle, we can significantly reduce the annoying symptoms of gastritis. Awareness, prevention and good choices are the key to a better quality of life.

Scientific Reports

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