Gastritis -
Inflammation
of the stomach
Gastritis is of several
types depending upon the nature of the inflammation, the condition
of the mucous membrane and glands. Hydrochloric acid and some other
digestive enzymes are secreted by the glands of the stomach.
Inflammation of the stomach thus results in the impairment of these
secretions leading to indigestion. In ayurveda, this condition is
known as urdhvaga amlapitta.
Causes
and Symptoms:
The main symptoms of gastritis are
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. There is
pain and discomfort in the region of the stomach Other symptoms are
coated tongue, foul breath, bad taste in the mouth, increased flow
of saliva, scanty urination, a general feeling of uneasiness and
mental depression. In more chronic cases the patients’ complaints
of heartburn and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, especially
after meals. Often there is constipation; occasionally there may be
diarrhea due to intestinal catarrh.
The
most frequent cause of gastritis is a dietetic indiscretion such as
habitual overeating of badly combined or improperly cooked foods,
excessive intake of strong tea, coffee or alcoholic drinks or
habitual use of large quantities of condiments and sauses. Other
causes include worry, anxiety, grief, and prolonged tension, use of
certain drugs, strong acids and caustic substances.
Herbal
Remedies
Coconut
:
Coconut
water is an excellent remedy for gastritis .It gives the stomach the
necessary rest and provide vitamins and minerals. The stomach is
greatly helped in returning to the normal condition if nothing but
coconut water is given during the first twenty-four hours.
Rice:
Rice
gruel is another excellent remedy for acute cases of gastritis .One cup of rice
gruel twice daily is recommended .In chronic cases where the flow of gastritis
juice is meager, such foods as require prolonged vigorous mastication are
beneficial as they induce a greater flow of gastric juice.
Potato:
Potato juice has been found valuable in relieving gastritis. The recommended dose is
half a cup of the juice, two or three times daily, half an hour before meal.
Marigold:
The herb marigold is also considered beneficial in the treatment of gastritis.
An infusion of the herb in doses of a tablespoon may be taken twice daily
Diet:
The
patient should undertake a fast for two or three days or more,
depending on the severity of the condition. He should be given only
warm water to drink during this period. This will give rest to the
stomach and allow the toxic condition causing the inflammation to
subside. After the acute symptoms subside the patients should adopt
an all fruit diet for the next three days and take juicy fruits like
apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches and
melons. He may thereafter gradually embark upon a balanced diet
consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruit.
The
patient should avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco, spices and
condiments, meat, red pepper, sour foods, pickles, strong tea and
coffee. He should also avoid sweets, pastries, rich cakes and
aerated waters. Curds and cottage cheese should be used freely.
Ayurvedic
supplements:
Life
style:
The patient should not expose himself to hard mental or physical
work. He should avoid anxiety, worry and anger. He should be given
complete rest. A walk in the early morning for about a mile is very useful.
Patient should try to avoid hot drinks and foods. It's better not to
take spicy and oily foods.
Yoga
to cure Gastritis:
Special
Note:
The
patient should be given dry frictions and a sponge daily application
of heat with a hot compress or hot water bottle, twice a day, either
on an empty stomach or two hours after meals will also be
beneficial.
|
