"Gastritis: The Trio of Hurry, Worry and Curry"

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. In some cases, the stomach lining may be "eaten away," leading to sores (peptic ulcers) in the stomach or first part of the small intestine. Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis). The major cause of Gastritis is lifestyle related‐Hurry, Worry and of course the Indian Curry!!

Signs and Symptoms:

·         Indigestion (dyspepsia)

·         Heartburn

·         Abdominal pain

·         Hiccups

·         Loss of appetite

·         Nausea

·         Vomiting

·         Blood stained vomit/stools is an alarming condition that may be indicative of a bleeding ulcer.

Causes:

·         Infections: Bacteria (usually Helicobacter pylori) and rarely other viruses, parasites and fungi.

·         Long‐term use of NSAIDs (pain killers), aspirins, steroids

·         Stress

·         Alcohol use

·         Cigarette smoking

·         Coffee and acidic beverages

·         Eating or drinking caustic or corrosive substances (such as poisons)

·         Trauma (for example, radiation treatments or having swallowed a foreign object)

·         Other systemic disease (for example, Crohn's disease) and Sarcoidosis are rare causes.

Diagnosis:

Several tests can be used to make a diagnosis. These include endoscopy of the stomach, where a thin tube with a light and a camera on the end is inserted down your throat to your stomach. This allows the doctor to see into your stomach and take samples (called a biopsy) from the lining if needed. The laboratory tests you may need will depend on the cause of your gastritis. A stool test may be used to check for the presence of blood.

Treatment:

Treatment of gastritis depends on the cause of the problem. Some cases of gastritis may resolve by themselves over time, or be relieved when you stop drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or taking NSAIDs. Modern medicine doctors usually prescribe Antacids, H2blockers and proton pump inhibitors.

1 Healing touch with Homeopathy

Homeopathy for Gastritis:

Whether the condition is acute or chronic in nature, homeopathy can effectively soothe the burning pain and other associated symptoms of gastritis. Arresting the progress of the condition is another important step that can be achieved with homeopathic treatment.

Hurry and Worry that form the base of this disease are related to one's nature and tendency which can be tackled with an individualized homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic treatment heals the patients and empowers them to deal with "stress: one of the common triggers" for this condition.

Lifestyle:

In order to control and cure gastritis only medicines are not enough. Certain lifestyle changes need to be adopted. Following are the certain and dos and don'ts that are essential to be followed so that your doctor can help you

Do's

·         Eat a fiber‐rich diet: e.g. green leafy vegetables, fruits, cabbage etc

·         Foods containing flavonoids, like apples, celery, onions, garlic, and tea may stop the growth of H. pylori

·         Always take small quantities of food with each meal. You may divide your meals‐eat every 2‐3 hours but little at a time.

·         Keep your stomach 25% empty at all times.

·         Prefer heavy breakfast and light and early dinners

·         Drink 1‐2 liters of filtered water daily.

Don'ts

·         Alcohol

·         Tobacco

·         Acidic beverages such as coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), carbonated beverages

·         NSAIDS, such as aspirin and ibuprofen ‐‐ switch to other pain relievers (like acetaminophen)

·         Oily, spicy food and high‐fat foods.

·         Overeating

·         Sleeping or reclinin