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Home remedies for gastritis address the pain, bloating, and nausea and put you on a healthy path of eating and exercising.
Like the camel with its nose under the tent, left to its own devices, you soon have an uncomfortable roommate.
Whether it’s mild gastritis or erosive gastritis, gastritis is one of those internal hurts that you decide to “tough it out” or “go away soon.”
When survival depends on being at your best, nip that minor stomach ache in the bud.
Let’s take a look at the cause and symptoms of gastritis and our most effective home remedies to prevent it.
Overview
What is Gastritis?
At its simplest, gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Gastric disruption leads to an imbalance between acidic digestion and self-protection.
As inflammation takes hold, the entire system breaks down. The consequences of this include bacteria growth (we will talk about H. Pylori soon), ulcers, bile reflux, and a host of secondary infections.
These manifestations will distract you during a critical time or remove you from the fight completely.
Concerns When SHTF
Awww. You have a “Tummy Ache.” Embrace the sucking and move on!
Well, it isn’t quite that simple. During an emergency, you need to be at 100% all the time. That nagging burn in your gut may be that distraction that is the difference between life and death.
The pain and burn of gastritis can gnaw at you and sour your mood. This will affect your decision-making ability as well as your relationship with those closest to you. Neither is optimal when every decision counts.
Left untreated gastritis can lead to ulcers or even stomach cancer in chronic cases. Ulcers force you to eat low-fat and bland food – another potential source of misery.
I don’t think I need to explain the hazards of stomach cancer. Regardless of the type, cancer is awful. Cancer with no ability to treat it is hell.
When to Head to the Doctor
I don’t know about you, but I’m guilty of “manning up” more often than I should have. According to my wife, this “isn’t smart” and is “going to get me in trouble.” I may agree with her on these points. Occasionally. Ok, less often than I should.
During normal times, see a doctor. They are the experts in all things internal. While it may take them a while to nail down the root cause of your aches and pains, they have years of education in determining what hurts and the most effective cures.
Internal pain of any sort is nothing to trifle with. It may be a touch of a bug that will clear itself up in a few hours, or it may be worse. Much, much worse. Are you skilled in making the determination?
While the grid is up, make the call and make an appointment. Don’t neglect your insides, and get the proper care.
If, and only if, the balloon goes up, go to the cupboard and mix up a home remedy for gastritis pain. Until then, make use of all the tools available, including doctors.
Gastritis Causes
The root causes of gastritis include bacterial balance, toxicity, and autoimmune malfunction.
Let’s fill your internal library with a few of these home remedies for gastritis. Likewise, allow this library to help you identify the causes of gastritis and develop home remedy plans.
H. Pylori Bacteria
Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the number one cause of gastritis.
Many causes allow the rise of H. Pylori. Once it takes hold, these bacteria infect the lining of the stomach, weakening the protective mucus layer. Once it has deteriorated, an entire host of gastritis symptoms and signs appear.
We will talk about these in the following sections.
Toxic Gastritis
Life is best traveled in balance and without debt. “All things in moderation” is not only a good saying, but it is also one of the best decisions for how to live your life.
The occasional drink or celebratory cigar brings spice to life. Overindulgence or being a slave to addiction tips the balance of life in the wrong direction.
Excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse (illicit or prescription, especially OTC pain medications), and excessive tobacco use all affect your stomach lining.
Years of abuse may ultimately lead to gastritis or worse.
Autoimmune Gastritis
Sometimes life deals us a poor hand of cards. Autoimmune gastritis falls into this category.
Passed from generation to generation, this inherited disorder sets the body’s own immune system against the gastrointestinal system.
Gastritis Symptoms
So, what are gastritis symptoms? The good news is that there are a few gastritis symptoms that set it apart from normal stomach discomfort.
Gastritis symptoms and signs vary from individual to individual; however, the most common are:
- Bloated feeling in the upper stomach
- Burning indigestion leads to abdominal pain
- Hiccups
- Loss of appetite
Severe gastritis signs can include:
- Frequent or constant upset stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- Black tarry bowel movements
- Note: blackness in your stools is an indicator of blood
Having a few of the minor symptoms or one or more of the severe symptoms should take you immediately to your doctor.
If that course of action is not available, immediately start on your home remedies for gastritis.
19 Home Remedies for Gastritis
The good news is that there are many home remedies for gastritis pain.
You may not be able to completely eliminate the cause of your gastritis but you will be able to address the symptoms.
Likewise, for H. pylori bacteria, you may be able to slow the growth of the infection and therefore provide an additional level of comfort to yourself.
Try my ‘Simple Bone Broth’ home remedy recipe below and let me know if it helps!
1. Garlic
My favorite superfood, garlic, is good for almost anything that ails you. Gastritis is no different. The antibacterial properties of garlic work at the root of one of the causes of gastritis, H. pylori.
Crush one clove and allow it to sit on the counter to activate (oxidize) for 30 minutes. Consume the garlic with a full glass of water.
If the associated burning sensation is too much, add a crushed clove to one of the savory teas listed below and steep with the other ingredients.
Probiotics
I honestly believe that the makeup of our gut flora/biome will be one of the next nutrition and health revolutions.
By comparison, scientists estimate the microbiome of people living in industrialized vs developing countries is about 40 percent less diverse.
Current research is finding that the diversity of these bacteria contributes to a healthy body and mind. Keep your eyes on this both here for addressing the symptoms of gastritis as well as for future discoveries.
2. Yogurt
Long touted by doctors as the best food to accompany a course of antibiotics, yogurt is among the most well-known probiotics.
Yogurt has seen a renaissance in the past few years. This now includes multiple specialty probiotic brands. Add one to two servings to your daily gastritis diet to achieve the full benefit.
3. Sauerkraut and Kimchi
Lacto-fermentation is the process of fermenting a vegetable in saltwater brine. The fermentation process pre-digests the cabbage in sauerkraut and kimchi.
This provides two benefits. The food is easier to process by your stomach. Likewise, fermentation frees up a multitude of micronutrients.
Like yogurt, add one or two small helpings to your daily diet.
4. Kombucha
Kombucha is the king of fermented drinks. It can be store-bought or made at home if you can get a good starter and have a little patience. Loaded with probiotics, have at least one small glass a day.
Warning! Kombucha is lightly carbonated and can have a small amount of alcohol. If either one of these causes you issues, seek out a different probiotic.
5. Lacto-Fermented Veggies
Not too different from sauerkraut. Lacto-fermented vegetables are a wonderful and healthy snack. Easy to make on your own, my favorites are cauliflower and carrots.
Add a small side of fermented veggies to your lunch and dinner plates.
Drinks
The easiest way to combat gastritis fatigue is to add a few specialty drinks to your diet. Make in advance and drink throughout the week. These gastritis home remedies are a snap to make and use.
6. Green Tea with Manuka Honey
Green tea is great for soothing your stomach and is easy to process.
When bees pollinate the manuka tree (or ‘tee tree’) of New Zealand and Australia, Manuka honey is the result. Added to tea its antibiotic, antiviral, and antioxidant properties soothe both the esophagus and stomach.
Add 1 teaspoon to a mug of tea and drink warm.
7. Ginger Tea
Ginger is another wonder herb in the class of garlic and turmeric.
Add one slice in 1 cup of boiling water, allowing it to steep for 10 minutes.
For an added benefit, dip in a teaspoon of Manuka honey!
8. Chamomile Tea
Best known as a sleep and anxiety aid, chamomile tea can also soothe the stomach. Its ability to lower stress extends to the stomach. As an anti-inflammatory, it has a similar effect as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Drink 1-2 cups per day (especially in the evening).
9. Licorice Root Tea
Licorice is useful for both the upper respiratory system and the treatment of ulcers related to erosive gastritis. Finally, it is good for acid reflux and indigestion.
Mix 1 teaspoon of powdered licorice root with hot water and steep for 10 minutes. Take 2-3 times per day.
For an added punch, add ginger root!
10. ACV Tea
Another rediscovered superfood is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). As a micronutrient fermented food, ACV provides both nutrition and beneficial healing.
Add 1 tablespoon of ACV plus 1 tablespoon of honey to 1 cup of water. Warm and drink as a tonic 1-2 times per day.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
One of the side effects of gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. The best non-pharmaceutical way to combat this is via an anti-inflammatory diet. This diet removes daily sources of inflammation.
Add the following items to your gastritis diet menu as foods that help with gastritis:
11. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as Kale and Spinach are a great source of nutrients and fiber. Dark greens also supply the body with Vitamin B and Calcium.
12. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are antioxidant powerhouses. Also loaded with vitamins and fiber, they promote a healthy digestive system from end to end.
Eat raw or simply prepared (steamed; hold the cheese sauce, please).
13. Fruits and Berries
Apples, bananas, strawberries, other dark berries are all loaded with antioxidants. Eat them with every meal and as sweet snacks.
Better yet, learn how to dehydrate fruit for a tasty snack that can be stored long-term.
Mix fruits and berries into your probiotic yogurt for a double boost.
14. BRAT Diet
When I was sick, my mom, the former nurse, would always introduce a BRAT diet after a bout of intestinal distress.
This was right after suffering several days with flat ginger ale and saltine crackers.
Bananas,
Rice,
Applesauce, and
Toast…
are all simple foods that are easy to digest.
They ease a sour stomach with nutrients that are simple to process.
15. Oatmeal
What prepper doesn’t have a few pounds of oatmeal in the basement? These whole grains promote digestive health without going overboard on gluten like other processed grains.
16. Beans
Simple proteins, lots of good fiber, and delicious. Like whole grains, they are good for digestive health and are easy for the stomach to process.
Likewise, they are low in fat, unlike beef and some poultry.
17. Healthy Fats
There is no need to avoid all fats when gastritis symptoms flare. Healthy fats such as avocado, coconut, and olive oil host high levels of antioxidants.
These provide much-needed calories without the risk of those in red meats.
18. Cold Water Fish
Salmon and sardines are a great addition to your diet. If you like them also add herring, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. I love nothing more than a fresh salmon fillet quickly grilled with a savory crust.
19. Bone Broth
For the last several years, there has been much discussion about the benefits of bone broth.
Bone broth is extracted from bones, connective tissue, marrow, collagen, and fascia (the fibrous coating around muscles). As a result, it inherits all the wonderful nutrients of these components.
Bone broth is an easy-to-digest food that warms, energizes, and makes a great meal addition or substitute.
Simple Bone Broth Home Remedy Recipe
A savory broth that is good for recovery after a bout of intestinal distress or as an easy meal with a stressed stomach.
Ingredients
- 2-4 lbs beef or poultry bones
- 1 gallon water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (ACV)
- 1 large onion chopped roughly
- 2 large carrots chopped roughly
- 2 large stalks celery or 1 celery heart chopped roughly
- 1 small bunch of parsley or 2 tablespoons dry parsley
- 2-4 cloves of garlic
- Herbs to taste (rosemary, thyme, sage, etc.)
- Salt, pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast beef bones or poultry carcass for 30 minutes at 350°
- Remove bones from the oven and add to a pot (be sure to scrape up any brown bits from the pan)
- Add water (cold) and ACV to the pot, add more if needed to cover the bones
- Allow to soak without heating for 30-60 minutes
- Add all remaining ingredients
- Bring pot to a boil
- Reduce to a simmer and let simmer, covered, for 7-8 hours
- Skim any foam from the top of the pot
- Optional: Add a fresh batch of herbs during the final 15-30 minutes of simmering
- Strain into glass jars or a pitcher
- Stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days
Notes
Feel free to simmer longer, 24 hours for poultry and up to 36 hours for beef to extract the maximum nutrients from the bones.
The broth can be frozen for up to 6 months. Make in bulk to ensure that you have enough on hand.
Healing
Gastritis has no distinct on or off switch.
The pain associated with it comes from the inflammation of the stomach lining. Pain is also associated with erosions or ulcers in the lining. The healing of these issues will take time.
So, how long does it take for gastritis to heal? As inferred from above, it depends.
Acute Gastritis Healing Time
If you have sudden-onset or acute gastritis, the healing time should be relatively short. With acute gastritis, the damage is usually minor and heals easily.
Once started, the home remedy takes one to two weeks to provide recovery.
Erosive Gastritis: Healing Time
If you have ulcers associated with your gastritis, then it may take many weeks or a few months to heal. You will first need to get the growth of H. Pylori under control (a doctor will prescribe appropriate antibiotics for this).
Once under control, your anti-inflammatory diet and other home remedies will take time. During recovery, the stomach lining regenerates and ulcers heal.
Again, there is no set erosive gastritis healing time. Stick with the remedy and you will slowly but surely see improvement.
Prevention of Gastritis
If you have gastritis and don’t want to go back, or you are at risk and don’t want to risk gastritis, then take up these preventative habits.
Gastritis prevention starts with good eating habits and healthy living habits.
Foods to Eat
Make sure to eat plenty of foods that help gastritis. Add many from the anti-inflammatory list.
Make sure your diet is high in leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, fresh fruits, and richly colored dark berries.
Secondly, add to your diet probiotic snacks such as fermented foods and yogurts. These items promote good gut flora.
Remember, diversity in your gut is the key. Promote this with plenty of raw foods and exposure to the environment (walk around barefoot, get a little dirty, dig in the garden).
Foods to Avoid
The second key to the prevention of gastritis is avoiding a toxic lifestyle. Avoid acidic foods and avoid alcohol. Both negatively affect the lining of the stomach, as do smoking and tobacco use.
Healthy Habits for Gastritis
Finally, seek and incorporate healthy habits into your life. If you could stand to lose a few pounds, then now is the time to lose weight!
Exercise daily and reduce stress. Nothing relaxes the body and soul like a few minutes in the woods—take a walk.
Wrap Up
We all have stomach issues from time to time. Be it from a rough night or a rough life, from acute gastritis to erosive gastritis, pain is a distraction. In times of crisis, the last thing we need is a distraction.
Eat a preventative diet and live a healthy diet and you will do your best to avoid this particular stomach discomfort.
If happens to get ahead of you and the doctor no longer tries these home remedies for gastritis in an effort to get back on track.
References
- Helicobacter pylori: Physiology and Genetics
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