Many people suffer from gastritis. There are two main types of gastritis: acute (sudden and severe) and chronic (long-lasting). Gastritis specifically refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, as opposed to inflammation further down the digestive “tube” – the intestines.
Most of the time, acute inflammatory gastritis is caused by irritants such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), alcohol, coffee, severe stress (usually from surgery or injury) and some authorities add infections to this category. Symptoms include sudden pain, nausea, vomiting and indigestion.
Chronic gastritis is long-lasting inflammation or inflammation that develops over a period of time, and persists. It is primarily caused by the same things as acute gastritis, but could also be due to autoimmune diseases. Some say it can be caused by H. pylori – a bacteria that can cause inflammation, ulcers and potentially cancer. Others say it does not cause the infection, but is a byproduct of breakdown of the gastric mucosa and is the body’s way of cleaning up the damage. Either way, it hurts!
Chronic gastritis can also develop into an autoimmune situation where the body is trying to turn off the inflammation by attacking cells in the stomach lining, leading to more inflammation and damage. If the stomach lining thins (atrophic gastritis), then it reduces normal stomach acid production that is necessary for nutrient breakdown for absorption. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and eventually stomach cancer.
There are other causes of gastritis such as medication-induced, radiation-induced, stress-induced and granulomas due to other digestive diseases. Dietary factors, such as consumption of highly acidic or spicy foods, and processed foods high in preservatives, additives, and other irritants can exacerbate the condition. So can smoking. Irritation, thinning, or erosion of the gut lining is bad, and can become severe, leading to stomach pain, ulcers and bleeding.
Managing this condition early on is key, however, if in a chronic or erosive state, there is still much that can be done to stop the damage.
Herbs and foods with mucilaginous qualities to it will help coat the lining of the stomach and create a barrier while the stomach heals. Proper enzyme therapies can help as well.
Acupuncture, as expected, is my favorite go to for both acute and chronic gastritis. It helps by reducing inflammation, calming the burning and pain, regulating acid production, regulating stomach/digestive function, improving the condition of the gastric mucosa, stimulating blood flow to the stomach which aids in healing, regulating gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters which influence digestion, calms the nervous system and stress, a key for triggering gastritis, relieving pain, improving the gastric immune system, stimulating healing and improving symptoms.
While gastritis can be very uncomfortable, there are therapies available to help and reverse this condition. There is hope.
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©2024 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
