Gastritis is a condition that refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. The condition can be caused by several factors, including excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, overuse of painkillers, and bacterial infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. Fortunately, it can be treated through natural home remedies. Though the home remedies do not eliminate the cause of gastritis, they are effective in addressing the symptoms such as stomach pain or discomfort, bloating, indigestion, nausea, and/or vomiting.

The stomach produces strong and corrosive acids (digestive juices) for the process of digestion. However, the stomach is lined by a mucous membrane called the gastric mucosa to protect the stomach from these acids. When this protective layer is weakened or injured, the acids can damage the gastric mucosa and cause gastritis. Research shows that diet plays an important role in both triggering the condition as well as prevention. Certain foods are known to produce more acids and irritate the inflamed stomach lining, while some others reduce inflammation, soothe the lining, and heal the stomach naturally. Apart from dietary changes, it is important to make healthy lifestyle changes for the long-term management of gastritis.

Home Remedies to Ease Gastritis Symptoms

The home remedies for gastritis work towards regulating or inhibiting Helicobacter pylori bacteria, decreasing acid production, and reducing inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

Molecules or compounds that help manage gastritis:

• Antibacterial compounds
• Antioxidants (substances that protect cells from damage and disease caused by free radicals, unstable compounds produced by oxidation during normal metabolism)
• Anti-inflammatory compounds
• Compounds that promote faster digestion.

Food Home Remedies for Gastritis

Some of the common foods that may aid gastritis treatment are: 

• Yoghurt: Yogurt contains probiotics that keep the digestive system healthy. Probiotics are good microorganisms that kill harmful bacteria, improve digestive health and regularize bowel movements. They also inhibit the progression of the stomach infection caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori which is the leading cause of gastritis.
• Garlic: Garlic possesses antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Consuming raw crushed garlic extract helps manage gastritis and reduces gas formation.
• Coconut water: The antiseptic properties of coconut water and coconut milk help in managing gastritis by killing harmful bacteria. Coconut water also helps to strengthen the immune system and improves the healing process of the stomach lining.
• Broccoli: This beneficial vegetable contains a chemical compound known as sulforaphane that has antibacterial properties. The compound is known to help relieve gastritis symptoms.
• Aloe vera: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help combat digestive issues and gastritis by soothing the stomach.
• Papaya: This fruit is loaded with antioxidants and also has an enzyme called papain that helps in the digestion of proteins. Papaya is also known to reduce the formation of gas.
• Ginger: Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has antioxidant properties and is known to soothe the stomach lining. It also helps eliminate gas and relaxes the muscles that move food along the digestive tract.
• Anti-inflammatory diet: This involves the intake of foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. These foods help to lower the inflammation of gastric mucosa relieving the symptoms of gastritis. Anti-inflammatory foods include:
• Fruits and vegetables: The diet must include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin K, present in vegetables and the substance that gives colour to fruits, is known to reduce inflammation. Vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, and leafy greens like spinach while, fruits include raspberries, cherries, and blackberries.
• Whole grains: Whole grains are excellent in helping the body fight inflammation. These promote digestive health and help in managing gastritis. These include oats, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread.
• Beans and nuts: These are high in proteins and also contain lots of fibre that are good for digestive health and eases the symptoms of gastritis.
• Fish: Salmon, sardines, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids also play a key role in producing molecules that resolve inflammatory responses.
• Turmeric: Turmeric contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in gastritis treatment.

Essential Oils for Gastritis

Certain essential oils contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help get rid of gastritis. For example - lemon verbena and lemongrass oil help reduce the impact of the infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. Other essential oils such as peppermint oil, ginger oil, and clove oil aid in the digestion of food. These oils must be used externally by diluting with carrier oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.

Lifestyle Modifications for Gastritis treatment

Long-term lifestyle changes are necessary to help prevent gastritis episodes. These include:

• Eating small and frequent meals
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Avoiding the overuse of painkillers
• Managing stress

According to Dr Arun N, a gastroenterologist associated with Apollo 24|7, “a person suffering from gastritis should try to lose weight, avoid foods known to cause reflux, eat smaller meals, avoid lying immediately after eating, elevate the head of their bed, avoid taking over-the-counter medications, quit smoking & alcohol, exercise 5 to 6 hours a week, wear loose-fitting clothes, and try a gluten-free diet.”

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Conclusion

Gastritis can be a chronic condition and may lead to complications such as stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, and polyps (small outgrowths). Home remedies for managing gastritis include lifestyle modifications and eating a combination of healthy foods while avoiding spicy, acidic, or fried foods. These simple, natural, and effective home remedies can be followed for gastritis treatment. 

Dr Arun N says, “gastritis patients should consult a doctor immediately, if they experience vomiting, nausea, persistent acid reflux, weight loss, anaemia, or any swelling or lump felt in abdomen.”

If the symptoms do not subside, one must consult an expert to diagnose the root cause and identify appropriate treatments.

Consult Dr Arun N

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.