Gastritis

Surviving Gastritis through Ayurveda

Gastritis is a Greek word, meaning gastro- “stomach” and it’s “inflammation which was coined in 1806 by a German scientist. It is an inflammation along with injury to the lining of stomach mucosa causing abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, weight loss, and blood in the stools. It can be short-term or long-term, painful or painless. The pain usually starts at midnight. Acute Gastritis can be sudden with severe pain affecting the complete or part of the stomach usually caused by infections. Chronic gastritis can be due to multiple factors like chemical or autoimmune inflammations, stress, infections, medication, and alcohol which in the long run become progressive leading to tissue damage, vitamin deficiencies, anemia,  malabsorption of micronutrients, and finally cancers.

What’s wrong with my stomach???

The lining of the stomach is protected from acids by mucus secretion. Whenever there is an over secretion of acids or reduction in the production of mucus the normal texture of the stomach lining changes resulting in structural and functional abnormalities. Research studies show that nearly 25% of the total population of the UK is affected by gastritis mainly between the age group 15-50 years with an equal male-female ratio. Painless gastritis can be seen in people who are using aspirin regularly.   Globally more than half of the population is affected by Gastritis of varying severity.

Gastritis is mainly diagnosed with the help of microscopic examination of pathologic cells and endoscopy. Blood tests, urine analysis, and stomach biopsy are other tests that are usually prescribed to diagnose this condition. People with O blood groups are commonly affected as per research studies. Association of gastritis was also seen in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and patients with a history of radiation therapy. Lifestyle and genetic factors contribute the main role in the formation of disease.

Why choose Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic?

Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic supports your total immune system through our holistic touch of herbal preparations and therapeutic interventions. New research reports that the common cause of gastritis and ulcers known as Helicobacter pylori fight the body’s immune system by stopping the production of energy within the cells of the mucosa that helps in combating infections.  We at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic help more comprehensively and naturally to overcome this disease burden which significantly affects the quality of life.  The primary step towards healing is to indulge yourself with expert advice through the Ayurvedic way of diagnosing your problems.

As a person’s lifestyle and diet have an enormous influence on the balance of doshas, the imbalance of doshas hampers Agni resulting in the release of toxic substances. We at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic carefully analyze the intensity of toxic damage to the cells and the amount of repair needed to eliminate the toxins to bring you back to a quality life.

Triphala is a well-researched and promising herb helping impaired Agni with its antioxidant, antiulcer, and gastro-protective action. Tannins present in the Triphala affect the integrity of mucus membranes and prevent ulcer development. Yoga, Herbal baths, Shirodhara (streaming of warm oil at the third eye that offers complete relaxation), and Abhyanga (hot oil massage) are helps in stress-induced gastric ulceration.

Prevention is better than cure

Treatment for Gastritis depends upon the type of gastritis and its severity. Ayurveda considers gastritis as ‘Amlapitta’ where the quality of digestion is highly affected resulting in pain, chest burn, and so on. Vata-Pitta body type is more prone to gastritis. Gastritis is caused mainly by the imbalance of Vata (air factors) and Pitta (fire factors). So the Ayurvedic management of gastritis begins by balancing data and pitta by using warm and lubricating herbs. Then digestion is improved by using Deepana herbs and toxins in the stomach are processed using Pachana herbs. Panchakarma -Ayurvedic detox- may be required in chronic gastritis to eradicate the disease from the root. It’s important to eat the right food and Ayurveda masters in diet recommendations.

Dietary regulations

• Avoid or reduce the use of alcohol, fermented food, drinks, and salted and preserved foods. Avoid smoking and untimely food. Restrict intake of fried and baked items, coffee and tea, and spicy, salty, and sour foods.
• Always have an early dinner which is well chewed before swallowing. Drink adequate amounts of water. Use fresh fruits and vegetables, a fiber-rich diet, prebiotics and probiotics, buttermilk, lean meats, banana, beans, cottage cheese, carrots, snake guard, and whole grains.
• Avoid overeating and untimely fasting. Eat small meals in between.

The efficacy and safety of herbal medicines in the treatment of gastritis and their therapeutic action have been studied in many humans and animal models. Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic cares for you with the effective utilization of these herbs in the best possible way for a healthy tomorrow.