Dr. Paul Deglmann
Meghan Feir Walker
If you’ve ever found yourself dealing with unpleasant sensations in your stomach, it doesn’t take a Ph.D. to realize something may be amiss. But it can take some sleuthing to discover why you have symptoms and what condition(s) might be causing them. These distressing stomach problems may be a condition called gastritis. Read on to learn about effective and safe remedies for gastritis and how to heal gastritis naturally.
Key Takeaways:
- Natural remedies for gastritis may help soothe the stomach lining and support digestive comfort.
- Avoiding irritants like alcohol, NSAIDs, and acidic or spicy foods may reduce symptoms.
- An anti-inflammatory diet and probiotics may support gut balance and healing.
- Eating smaller meals and using soothing herbs like DGL or aloe may help ease discomfort.
What is gastritis?
Gastritis simply means “inflammation of the stomach.” In particular, it refers to when the lining of the stomach is inflamed. Gastritis can occur acutely or chronically, meaning you can have a sudden onset of it because of infections or other irritants, or infections or irritants can cause inflammation over time.
While most cases aren’t serious and aren't a major cause for concern, prolonged gastritis can lead to a higher chance of developing ulcers and stomach cancer.
What is the difference between gastritis and an ulcer?
Ulcers and gastritis aren’t one and the same, but one can lead to the other.
An ulcer is an open sore on or in your body that has failed to heal properly. The inflammation of gastritis can lead to an erosion of the lining, which can worsen and lead to stomach ulcers. This is one of the many reasons you should address gastritis proactively.
How do you know if you have gastritis?
Gastritis is usually diagnosed through an endoscopy. Doctors can see whether your lining is inflamed by inserting a small tube with an attached light and camera down your throat and esophagus. During the endoscopy, your esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of your small intestine can be examined. If the lining or other tissue is inflamed, it usually appears red and swollen on imaging.
Some of the warning signs of gastritis include:
- Abdominal pain in the upper GI tract or the center of the abdomen
- Indigestion
- Belching
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- A sense of feeling full during or after a meal or bloated in the upper abdomen
- Weight loss
If you’re experiencing any regular symptoms of gastritis, it’s important to let your medical professional know.
The common causes of gastritis and what to avoid
In order to avoid or heal gastritis, it’s imperative to know what substances and behaviors can lead to its development.
Common causes of gastritis include:
- NSAID use (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Infections (the most common is H. Pylori, but can also come from other bacteria, parasites, yeast/fungi, etc.)
- Dysbiosis (imbalance between the beneficial bacteria/microbes and the inflammatory/pathogenic microbes in the gut)
- Autoimmunity
- Food sensitivities/food allergies
- Chronic smoking (tobacco)
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Gastritis
In addition to avoiding common irritants, focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet may help support the healing of the stomach lining. Certain foods are easier on digestion and may help reduce irritation while providing important nutrients.
Foods that are generally well tolerated include:
- Cooked vegetables
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
- Low-acid fruits such as bananas and melons
- Bone broth and simple, whole foods
Some research suggests that the following foods may support a healthy gastric environment, particularly when H. pylori is involved:
- Broccoli sprouts
- Cabbage
- Berries
- Raw honey, including manuka honey
Because food sensitivities can vary, it may be helpful to pay attention to how your body responds to certain foods and adjust accordingly.
Probiotics and Gut Health
A healthy balance of gut bacteria plays an important role in digestion and overall stomach health. In some cases of gastritis, especially those associated with H. pylori or dysbiosis, supporting the gut microbiome may be beneficial.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that may help:
- Maintain balance in the digestive tract
- Support the body’s natural healing processes
- Limit the growth of harmful bacteria
They are found in foods such as:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
They are also available in supplement form and may be useful alongside conventional treatments when appropriate.
Eating Habits That May Help Reduce Symptoms
In addition to food choices, how and when you eat can influence digestive comfort. Large or heavy meals may place additional strain on the stomach and increase symptoms such as bloating or discomfort.
Helpful habits may include:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Chewing food thoroughly
- Eating in a relaxed environment
It may also help to:
- Avoid eating late at night
- Allow several hours between your last meal and bedtime
These simple adjustments may support easier digestion and reduce irritation.
To help your body heal your stomach lining, it’s important to use pain relievers only when necessary, to limit or avoid drinking alcohol, address infections and autoimmune conditions, avoid common irritants, and quit smoking.
If you suspect you have gastritis, you can avoid some of the following irritants to see if your condition improves at all.
Common irritants to avoid:
- NSAIDs
- Alcohol
- Acidic foods like citrus fruit and tomatoes
- Coffee
- Carbonated drinks
- Spicy food
- Smoking
- Stress
Natural remedies for gastritis
Fortunately, besides avoiding triggers, there are natural remedies for gastritis. Many herbs can be beneficial for conditions like gastritis that can help heal and restore damaged stomach lining and ease digestive troubles.
- DGL: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, has been found to be effective in relieving minor GI discomfort.
- Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root is a traditional soothing herb with a long history of use for coating the gastric lining
- Aloe vera concentrate: Aloe vera concentrate is beneficial to the gastric mucosa due in part to its ability to balance stomach acid levels and promote healthy mucus production. It is also considered a soothing herb. Slippery elm bark: Slippery elm bark is a traditional soothing herb that has been used for centuries.
- Zinc carnosine: Zinc carnosine supports gastrointestinal integrity and permeability, healthy cellular metabolism, and DNA integrity.
Are you concerned you may be experiencing gastritis or a similar digestive issue?
If you’re dealing with ongoing digestive discomfort, addressing the root cause is key. Our gut health specialists take a personalized approach to help you restore balance and support long-term healing.
Explore our Gut Health solutions or request a consultation to get started with a plan tailored to your needs.
NutriRestore’s GI Protect product contains all these gastritis-healing ingredients: DGL, marshmallow root, aloe vera, and slippery elm bark.
