Gastritis is a medical term for inflammation of the stomach lining. It means that white blood cells move into the stomach wall in response to some type of injury. Gastritis is not gastroenteritis and does not mean that there is a peptic ulcer or cancer. It is simply an inflammation – either acute or chronic.
Possible signs and symptoms
Nausea; abdominal bloating; vomiting (blood or coffee ground-like material); indigestion; hiccups; loss of appetite; black, tarry stool.
Possible causes
- Irritation of the stomach lining due to alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress or the use of certain medication such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Excessive bacteria (helicobacter pylori) in the mucus lining of the stomach. Without treatment, the infection can lead to ulcers and possibly stomach cancer.
- Pernicious anaemia – a form of anaemia that occurs when the stomach lacks a naturally occurring substance needed to properly absorb and digest vitamin B12.
- Bile reflux – a backflow of bile back into the stomach.
- Infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Other auto-immune disorders.
Applied nutrition
- Keep hydrated with purified water.
- Use royal jelly or active honey high in pantothenic acid as a soothing anti-inflammatory agent.
| Supplement | Benefit | Suggested Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Protein + multivitamins + multi-minerals + phytonutrients | Needed for repair of digestive system tissues. Provides support for lost nutrients. | 1 scoop, 2x daily + as indicated on packaging |
| B Complex | Needed for proper digestion of food | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| Calcium & magnesium | These minerals have an alkalizing effect that binds up stomach acids. Take between meals. | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| Multi-carotene | Anti-inflammatory. Repairs and builds digestive system lining | 1 tab, 2x daily |
| Omega 3 | Maintains proper digestive function. Repairs the cells along the stomach membranes and assists in the proper utilisation of fats | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| Garlic | Aids digestion and promotes healing of the digestive tract | 2 tabs, 3x daily |