According to Ayurvedic texts, gastritis is a disease of the stomach lining. It can be either acute or chronic. It happens due to the inflammation of the stomach lining due to various factors. The most common symptoms of gastritis are pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, bloating of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, sour taste in the mouth etc.
Gastritis is often described in terms of an imbalance in the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) which are the three biological energies found throughout the human body and mind. If we talk about Gastritis, it is linked primarily to an aggravation of Pitta Dosha, which is associated with fire and heat in the body.
As a disease of the stomach lining, gastritis has various types, each of which is distinct in its symptoms and treatment.
Acute Gastritis: Acute inflammation or swelling of the lining of the stomach.
Chronic Gastritis: If there is an evolving chronic inflammation that takes many years to subside when it stays untreated.
Autoimmune Gastritis: An autoimmune condition whereby the immune system attacks an individual’s stomach lining, causing inflammation.
Erosive Gastritis: In this type, there are shallow sores which perforate the walls of the stomach and the intestines, causing bleeding.
When pitta dosha is high it can create pain and tenderness in the stomach due to high levels of heat and acidity caused by it. This pain generally indicates excessive heat accumulated in the stomach, which irritates and inflames gastric mucosa.
Such symptoms are perceived as obstructions to proper movement of food to the stomach, leading to nausea and disturbed digestion due to Kapha dosha. To restore equilibrium in the body, vomiting supports the evacuation of excessive kapha and ama overloaded (toxins) in the system.
Indigestion or poor digestion is seen as a weakness or imbalance in one's digestive fire (agni). Ayurveda explains that when agni is weak, foods are not sufficiently transformed, leading to the development of ama, which in turn makes Gastritis symptoms worse.
This type of feeling is normally connected with the inability of the digestive system (agni) to work efficiently and is also a form of Vata imbalance. When Vata is out of balance, it can give rise to feelings of fullness and stomach distension with very little food intake.
In Ayurveda this may be quite a severe indication that is viewed as an aggravation of Pitta dosha for too long. The burning discomfort and the acid may get so intense that it causes perforations and tearing away of the stomach walls, hence causing bleeding.
Gastritis is typically caused due to an escalation of Pitta dosha, which can cause inflammation, heat, and irritation in the stomach lining. Because of the nature of Pitta, the fire element is always present. The consumption of hot, spicy, sour and acidic foods only worsens the situation.
Erratic dietary eating patterns, binge eating, or disorderly food combinations can encourage ama formations or the formation of toxins. This toxic buildup can further irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate gastritis.
Emotional stress and anxiety are also considered contributing factors in the development of gastritis, as they can increase Pitta and disrupt digestive function.
Ayurvedic medicine also takes into account dietary considerations, noting that excessive intake of spicy, sour, salty foods and alcohol can lead to an imbalance of Pitta.
When gastritis is ignored and not treated on time, it can lead to many serious risks and complications that can be harmful to your health, as described below:
As a result of an inflammatory reaction in the stomach, ulcers tend to develop in the chronic sufferers of gastritis. These ulcers may result in extreme discomfort as well as blood loss.
Chronic gastritis, especially due to an extended Helicobacter pylori infection, is a succulent risk factor for stomach cancer.
Erosive gastritis may result in incessant loss of blood due to stomach lining erosion, which in the end may result in iron deficiency anaemia, which is associated with excessive fatigue.
Both erosive gastritis and ulcerable conditions can initiate the copses of blood that are alarming and need immediate medical attention.
Autoimmune gastritis is the most common form of pernicious where the destruction of the stomach cells leads to an inability to absorb vitamin B12.
It’s important to consult a certified Ayurveda doctor if you experience the above-stated signs and gastritis symptoms that persist for more than a week. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
In Ayurveda, the main focus is on diet, lifestyle and herbs to treat gastritis. Here's how Ayurvedic treatment for Gastritis works:
Herbs: Licorice root, amla and ginger are widely used in the treatment of inflamed stomach walls, soothing the stomach.
Food recommendations: Patients are particularly advised to eat food that is non-irritating, warm, well cooked and thus avoid hot, spicy and oily food, which can irritate the existing inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Behavioural Changes: Stress management strategies such as yoga and meditation relieve symptoms and have a positive impact on health throughout your life.
Panchakarma therapy: Ayurvedic cleansing procedures which help detoxify the body and renew the normal functioning of the stomach and intestines.
Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, crucial for diagnosing Gastritis accurately.
Understanding your unique physical and psychological make-up allows us to tailor a Gastritis treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.
In our investigations, we examine the if and how Gastritis is progressing by the dietary, lifestyle, and psychosocial aspects, identifying individual factors for customised intervention and pinpointing specific triggers for targeted treatment.
After that, we create a detailed Gastritis treatment plan, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha balance and enhance digestive health.
Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised Gastritis treatment plan with Jiva's ongoing support.
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Rice gruel, cooked vegetables as well as taking light soup is suggested by Ayurveda.
Yes, stress can aggravate or even be a risk factor in the development of gastritis.
Aloe vera juice, coconut water, and ginger tea are effective home remedies for soothing gastritis.
It varies from case to case, though one can generally expect to notice some improvement within weeks.
Though milk might relieve discomfort for a while, in the end, it will enhance the secretion of acid and worsen the condition.
Yes, bananas are beneficial for gastritis as they are bland, stomach-soothing, and help restore gut health.
Generally, the Ayurvedic approach is safe as long as it’s supervised by an expert, though the appropriate remedies for a given body constitution need to be employed.
Avoiding known irritants and stressors while maintaining balance in the diet will help in the prevention of Gastritis.
Abdominal pain or discomfort, Indigestion, Nausea and vomiting, Loss of appetite, Heartburn, Bloating and Belching are some of the common signs that show you have gastritis.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking, and managing stress can help prevent gastritis. Regular check-ups: If you have a family history of gastritis or risk factors, regular check-ups with your doctor can be beneficial.
Ayurveda considers gastritis as an imbalance of the doshas, often Vata and Pitta.
According to Ayurveda, gastritis can be caused by improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle, and emotional stress.
