Gastritis

Description
Gastritis is a broad term describing changes in the stomach lining. Before a diagnosis can be established, symptoms may necessitate a microscopic study of an individual’s stomach lining. Often related to lifestyle, gastritis may be chronic or acute.

Chronic or severe gastritis may be indicative of a more serious underlying disorder. The treatment of chronic gastritis first includes treatment of any underlying conditions. Other courses of action include avoidance of irritating foods and drugs, symptomatic control of excessive intestinal gas, excess acidity and mild Pain.

Treatments for acute gastritis include abstinence from offending substances (alcohol and drugs), and fluid/electrolyte replacement in the event of excessive Vomiting or Diarrhoea.

Herbs
Slippery Elm (2)

Nutritional Supplements
Calcium
Evening Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Magnesium (4)
Vitamin A (1)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E (3)

References
1. Mozsik G, Hunyady B, Garamszegi M, et al. Dynamism of cytoprotective and antisecretory drugs in patients with unhealed gastric and duodenal Ulcers. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1994;9 suppl 1:S88-92.
2. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al, eds. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 167.
3. Beno I, et al: The activity of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and catalase of gastric mucosa in chronic gastritis, and the effect of alpha-tocopherol, Bratisl Lek Listy, 95(1), Jan 1994, p 9-14.
4. Sue YJ, et al: Efficacy of Magnesium citrate cathartic in pediatric toxic ingestions, Annals Emerg Med, 24(4), Oct 1994, p 709-712.