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Manuka Honey for IBS: 9 Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Help Relieve Gastritis Symptoms
Gastritis is a condition that refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) that infects the stomach and small bowel. However, there are other factors that can cause a flare-up of gastritis symptoms, including heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, overusing pain relievers, and infections.
Home Remedies for Gastritis
Not all remedies will work for everyone, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you. Here are nine home remedies and lifestyle changes that may help relieve gastritis symptoms:
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Identify Trigger Foods: While studies have not conclusively shown that eating a certain diet causes or prevents gastritis, some people may find that certain foods trigger their symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help you identify these trigger foods, and you can then reduce your intake of them or avoid them altogether.
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Garlic Extract: Some research suggests that garlic extract supplements can help reduce gastritis symptoms caused by H. pylori bacteria. You can also try crushing raw garlic and eating it, or chopping garlic and eating it with a spoonful of peanut butter or wrapped with a date to mask the taste.
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Probiotics: Probiotic supplements introduce good bacteria into your digestive tract, which may help stop the spread of H. pylori. Eating foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, may also help relieve gastritis symptoms.
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Green Tea with Manuka Honey: Drinking green tea or manuka honey at least once a week has been shown to significantly reduce the presence of H. pylori bacteria in the digestive tract. Manuka honey may also be beneficial, as it contains antibacterial properties that help fight infection.
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Aromatherapy: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, ginger, and chamomile, may have properties that positively affect the symptoms of gastritis. You can use these oils in a diffuser or consult a doctor on how to use them safely to help relieve symptoms.
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Eat Small Meals Regularly: Eating large, heavy meals can overwhelm your digestive system and aggravate gastritis symptoms. A study also showed that having irregular mealtimes may cause a flare-up in gastritis symptoms. Eating small meals regularly throughout the day can help ease the digestive process and reduce symptoms.
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Quit Smoking: Smoking can irritate your stomach lining and increase your risk of developing gastritis. Quitting smoking may decrease the irritation to your stomach lining, allowing it to heal and helping alleviate symptoms.
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Avoid NSAIDs: Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can increase your risk of developing gastritis and gastrointestinal complications. Avoiding NSAIDs may eliminate a cause of gastritis, and stopping their use during a flare-up may help avoid irritating the stomach lining.
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Manage Stress: Stress can trigger gastritis flare-ups, so finding ways to reduce your stress levels is important for managing the condition. Stress management techniques include practicing yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies or activities that help you relax.
When to See a Doctor
Although gastritis is usually not considered a serious condition, it is important to contact a doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen over time. Additionally, you should consult a doctor if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss
A doctor will ask questions, perform a physical examination, and may recommend certain tests to diagnose gastritis. Treatment options for gastritis include:
- Antibiotics to clear up H. pylori infection
- Medications to reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers
- Medications to relieve symptoms, such as antacids or sucralfate
Conclusion
Home remedies and lifestyle changes can help many people manage gastritis symptoms. However, if your symptoms do not go away or become worse, it is essential to speak with a doctor. Seek medical advice if you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black, tarry stools, difficulty swallowing, or unintentional weight loss. Remember to take care of your health and make the necessary lifestyle changes to manage your condition effectively.
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