Gastritis
Definition:
Gastritis is defined as the inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. This may be caused due to various reasons and the condition has become rampant with today's stressful and modernized life.
Causes:
Any factor that injures the wall (protective lining) of stomach provokes the symptoms of gastritis. Common causes of Gastritis include:
- Infection: Most commonly Bacterial (Helicobacter Pylori) and occasionally due to Fungal, parasitic or viral infection
- Drugs: NSAIDs, Steroids, Aspirin, etc
- Stress
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Backflow of bile into the stomach (Bile reflux)
- Excess of spicy foods
- Radiation
Remarks:
Homoeopathy medicines are prescribed on the basis of presenting complaints while taking into account the physical, emotional and genetic make up that individualizes a person. This constitutional approach encompassing mind and body works at root-level. Hurry and Worry that are at the base of this disease are related to one's nature and tendency, which can be tackled by a constitutional or individualized homoeopathic treatment. Homoeopathy is very effective in managing all the acute as well as chronic expressions of gastritis; it also plays an important role in prevention of relapse of the condition.
Suggestion about homoeopathic treatment: Homoeopathy is very strongly recommended for gastritis (acute as well as chronic). Homoeopathy manages gastritis effectively, gently and safely.
Dietary advices:
After the acute symptoms subside, the patient should adopt an all-fruit diet for further three days. Juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, grapefruits, oranges, pineapples, peaches and melons may be taken during this period at five-hourly intervals.
The patient can, there after, gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of three basic food groups, namely; seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits.
The patient should avoid the use of alcohol, nicotine, pieces and condiments, flesh foods, chillis, sour things, pickles, strong tea and coffee. He should also avoid sweets, pastries, rich cakes and aerated waters. Curds and cottage cheese may be taken freely.
Carrot juice in combination with the juice of spinach is considered highly beneficial in the treatment of gastritis. Six ounces of spinach juice should be mixed with ten ounces of carrot juice in this combination.
Too many different foods should not be mixed at the same meal. Meals should be taken at least two hours before going to bed at night.
Eight to ten glasses of water should be taken daily but water should not be taken with meals as it dilutes the digestive juices and delays digestion. And above all, haste should be avoided while eating and meals should be served in a pleasing and relaxed atmosphere.
From the commencement of the treatment, a warm water enema should be used daily for about a week to cleanse the bowels. If constipation is habitual, all steps should be taken for its eradication. The patient should be given daily dry friction and sponge. Application of heat, through hot compressor or hot water bottle twice a day either on an empty stomach or two hours after meals, will also be beneficial.
The patient should not undertake any hard physical and mental work. He should, however, undertake breathing exercises and other light exercises like walking, swimming and golf. He should avoid worries and mental tension.