Gastritis, explained simply, is the inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It is accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, pain, acid reflux, nausea and vomiting. If left untreated, it can cause ulcers on the lining of the stomach which are extremely painful and often difficult to treat. Today we will be discussing top home remedies to prevent and relieve gastritis pain fast.
1. Green tea
Drink a cup of decaffeinated green tea daily mixed with juice of half a lemon. This remedy is known to relieve acid reflux and pain. Green tea contains antioxidants and poly-phenols which fight inflammation and can quickly relieve gastritis bloating, pain, nausea and vomiting.
2. Honey
Known as the ‘best gastritis home remedy’, honey helps fight inflammation and soothes the stomach’s lining to give quick relief. Eat a teaspoon of raw organic honey at the first sign of gastritis pain. You can also start your morning with a glass of warm water mixed with a couple of teaspoons of local organic honey and lemon juice. This remedy can get rid of constipation and ease pain of ulcers caused by gastritis.
3. Lemon juice
As seen in both remedies for gastritis above, lemon juice is really beneficial for such patients. It facilitates healing of the ulcers, prevents acidity and fights inflammation. You can take lemon juice with some water post meals or add it to your green tea or take in on your salads etc.
4. Ginger
Ginger is one of the best natural remedies for gastritis and acid reflux. It relieves nausea and vomiting and settles queasy stomach. Include plenty of ginger in your diet. Add it to your teas, soups, broths and stews. To make a ginger tea, boil some water, add ginger root (1 tsp grated), cover and steep for 10 minutes. Sweeten it with a bit of honey or Stevia. Drink two to three times a day or before meals to prevent gas and bloating.
5. Peppermint
Mint leaves and peppermint essential oil are some other natural remedies to cure gastritis fast. You can drink mint tea or a cool mint beverage to relieve gas, inflammation, bloating and sour stomach symptoms. Food grade peppermint essential oil can also be used for quick relief when you feel gastritis symptoms coming on.
6. Chamomile
Chamomile is another popular herb for preventing gastritis pain. Tea made using dried or fresh chamomile leaves and flowers is best, but you can also use a few drops of chamomile essential oil in water for fast relief from gas and bloating. This remedy can also help you sleep better at night.
7. Fennel
Chew some fennel leaves or seeds post meal to aid digestion and prevent gas and bloating. You can also drink fennel tea before meals to improve digestion. It is one of the best foods for gastritis prevention and relief.
8. Catnip
Another powerful herb that aids digestion, catnip is best taken at bedtime post meals. This remedy relaxes upset stomach and can prevent gas and bloating. Catnip is very soothing for the nerves and like chamomile, can aid better sleep.
9. Herbs for gastritis
Apart from catnip, chamomile, fennel and mint, following herbal remedies can aid digestion to prevent gas and acidity symptoms:
- Turmeric– Turmeric is anti-inflammatory as well as antiseptic. It can prevent infections and ulceration in the stomach.
- Slippery elm-This is a gentle, soothing and mucilaginous herb that soothes irritated lining of the stomach. You can take its tea, tincture or capsules.
- Marshmallow root– This is another mucilaginous herb that can soothe the stomach lining and aid digestion. It is best to take it in form of tea or capsule.
- Oregano– Oregano is a wonderful herbal cure for gastritis. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which can prevent ulcer formation in gastritis patients.
10. Foods to avoid
Patients must avoid following foods to prevent painful attacks: fried foods, alcoholic beverages, caffeinated drinks, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, refined, sugary foods and chocolates are known triggers of gastritis. Also curb intake of spicy cheeses, hot beverages, orange and grapefruit juices, chili powder and other spicy seasonings, seasoned meats like salamis and sausages, tomatoes and tomato-based sauces etc.
11. Best foods for gastritis
The best foods for gastritis are whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats like chicken and turkey, fish, eggs, beans and low fat or fat free dairy. Also cook your meals in coconut, olive or canola oils which have good fats. Eat nuts and seeds.
12. Limit alcohol and smoking
Nicotine and alcohol can both aggravate this condition. If you are using these substances, you must take steps to limit them or quit the habit.
13. Some more tips to prevent gastritis attack
Avoid eating immediately before bedtime. Eat 4-6 small frequent meals instead of 3 large meals. Certain drugs can also cause pain and bloating in the stomach. If your prescription medication is causing the problem, do talk to your doctor about an alternative.
Try these 13 home remedies for gastritis and see the difference in your symptoms.