Gastritis is a condition indicating a strong imbalance between the stomach lining and acid. This results in several complications like ulcers, nutrient deficiencies, or even increases the risk of stomach cancer in advanced stages. Modern lifestyles, like alcohol consumption, stress, and especially heavy emphasis on deep-fried, acid-causing, and spicy foods have contributed to this condition in many individuals. In recent years, it’s become a growing health concern, mainly among urban populations.
The treatment of gastritis with allopathic medicines aims to provide symptomatic relief through antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or antibiotics (in cases involving H. pylori). Although these may be effective, they can potentially result in a range of long-term side effects like kidney issues, hampered gut flora, nutrient deficiencies, increased fracture risk, and certain infections. This has led many individuals to turn towards Ayurveda for holistic healing and enhanced health. Keep reading to know how!
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Gastritis
- Ayurvedic Perspective on Gastritis (Amlapitta)
- Ayurvedic Remedies for Gastritis
- Why Choose Tarunveda for Gastritis Treatment?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Gastritis
Gastritis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the stomach’s inner lining, which can worsen over time if left untreated.
Main causes include:
- Infection by H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori)
- Long-term use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- Autoimmune disorders attacking the stomach lining
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Bile reflux from the small intestine into the stomach
- Emotional or physical stress in the body
- Smoking
- Excessive spicy or acidic food
Common symptoms to watch out for:
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort, described as burning or gnawing
- Bloating or fullness right after eating
- Nausea or vomiting with a bitter taste
- Indigestion (Dyspepsia)
- Belching or burping, either frequent or persistent
- Dark or black stools (indicating internal bleeding in the stomach)
The different stages of gastritis are detected via an OLGA (Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment) system, evaluating the degree of granular loss and its overall distribution.
Stage 1. Acute Gastritis
This is characterised by the sudden, short-term inflammation of the stomach lining.
Stage 2. Chronic Gastritis
At this stage, the inflammation becomes persistent, often lasting for several months or even years. Over time, if left untreated, continuous irritation can slowly degrade the protective lining of the stomach, potentially leading to structural changes and impaired digestive function.
Stage 3. Atrophic Gastritis
This is an advanced form of Chronic Gastritis where the stomach lining thins (atrophies) and loses its function, resulting in malabsorption of vitamin B12, iron, and folate.
Stage 4. Intestinal Metaplasia
This is a pre-cancerous change where stomach lining cells are replaced with intestine-like cells, increasing the risk of gastric cancer.
Stage 5. Gastric Dysplasia and Carcinoma
Abnormal cell changes that can lead to stomach cancer.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Gastritis (Amlapitta)
In Ayurveda, gastritis is also known as Amlapitta, meaning “sourness in digestion” or “excess acid”. As the name suggests, gastritis mainly develops due to a pronounced imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which in Ayurveda is responsible for regulating heat, metabolism, and digestion within the body.
Pitta usually aggravates due to excessive intake of spicy food, paired with factors like stress, lifestyle choices, late-night meals, and even irregular routines. This not only results in the excess acid production in the body, but can even potentially harm the internal lining of the stomach, weakening digestive fire (Agni), and resulting in symptoms such as heartburn, acidity, nausea, and indigestion.
Amlapitta clearly indicates a systemic imbalance within the body, which demands prompt healing; otherwise, improper digestion (Ajirna) can cause the accumulation of toxins (ama), further impacting gut function.
In Ayurveda, the treatment revolves around balancing Pitta, restoring healthy digestion, and detoxifying the body. Here’s how it’s done.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Gastritis
The Ayurvedic treatment for gastritis mainly focuses on calming the aggravated Pitta dosha via the following natural remedies:
1. Intake of Herbal Medicines
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry), rich in Vitamin C to reduce acidity and promote healing of the gastric mucosa.
- Guduchi (Giloy)- a potent anti-inflammatory drink to support digestive health.
- Avipattikar Churna to neutralise excess acid and support digestion.
- Shatavari and neem for their cooling effects and support of gut healing.
- Yashtimadhu (Liquorice Root) to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and safeguard the stomach lining.
2. Panchkarma Therapies
For chronic cases, the following Panchakarma therapies are performed to regulate the body’s internal cycle and promote overall well-being.
- Virechana (Purgation) to help remove accumulated Pitta toxins.
- Snehapana (Internal oleation) to prime the digestive system for the detoxification process.
- Takra Dhara involves pouring medicated buttermilk on the forehead to reduce stress and balance the Pitta dosha.
3. Supportive Practices
In Ayurvedic treatment of gastritis, several supportive practices are also conducted using Abhyanga (oil massage) to reduce stress and Shirodhara to calm the nervous system and manage stress-related acidity.
For the best results, the treatment also includes an Ayurvedic diet for gastritis, a Pitta pacifying diet to cool and heal the body from within. It focuses on:
- Cooked vegetables like bottle gourd, ash gourd, ridge gourd, and pumpkin.
- Grains like barley, oats, rice, and more, preferably soft and well-cooked.
- Diary products like ghee, buttermilk (diluted and spiced with cumin powder), and cow’s milk.
- Herbal teas, including cumin, coriander, fennel, and licorice teas
- Fruits like pears, pomegranate, sweet apples, and ripe bananas.
Please note: Individuals with Gastritis should immediately stop consuming spicy, oily, and deep-fried food, sour items like vinegar and lemon, and reduce the intake of salt, caffeine, alcohol, and aerated drinks.
Why Choose Tarunveda for Gastritis Treatment?
If you have been dealing with gastritis issues for a long time and couldn’t find an effective solution in the allopathic field. It’s time you gave Ayurveda a try! At Tarunveda Ayurveda Hospital, our experienced practitioners will thoroughly evaluate your body’s prakriti, assess dosha imbalance, and curate personalised treatment paths for your highest well-being.
Why Wait? Book an Appointment with Tarunveda Today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ayurvedic Treatment For Gastritis
Q1. Are there any lifestyle tips to manage gastritis?
Ans. Yes, to effectively manage gastritis alongside treatment, you can practise chewing food slowly, eating at regular intervals, consuming freshly prepared meals, and avoiding overeating or eating under stress.
Q2. Can gastritis recur?
Ans. Yes, gastritis can recur if the underlying causes, such as H. pylori infection, poor diet, stress, or prolonged NSAID use, are not addressed.
Q3. Can Ayurvedic treatment for gastritis be taken alongside allopathic medication?
Ans. Yes, Ayurvedic treatment for Gastritis can be taken along with allopathic medications. However, the supervision of the Ayurvedic practitioner and conventional healthcare provider is a must.
