Gastritis: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa. It can be acute or chronic and is often caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori or prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Causes

The main cause of chronic gastritis is the infection with Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria is responsible for the majority of chronic gastritis cases and can also lead to more serious conditions such as peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The infection develops slowly over several decades, and while most infected individuals exhibit minimal inflammatory lesions, a minority may develop severe diseases

Classifications

Gastritis can be classified into several types based on etiology and the location of lesions: 2 Acute gastritis: Sudden inflammation often due to irritants like alcohol, NSAIDs, or bacterial infection. 2 Chronic gastritis: Persistent inflammation mainly caused by H. pylori or autoimmune conditions. 2 Atrophic gastritis: A type of chronic gastritis where stomach parietal cells are destroyed, reducing acid and intrinsic factor secretion, essential for vitamin B12 absorption

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastritis can vary, but often include: 2 Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen 2 Nausea and vomiting 2 Loss of appetite 2 Bloating 2 Indigestion 2 Black stools (indicating gastrointestinal bleeding). Gastritis can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency, causing anemia, fatigue, and neurological disorders

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing gastritis include: 2 Infection with Helicobacter pylori 2 Prolonged use of NSAIDs 2 Excessive alcohol consumption 2 Significant stress 2 Autoimmune diseases (such as Biermer's disease) 2 Advanced age 2 Consumption of certain medications (such as proton pump inhibitors and metformin)

Treatments

Treatment of gastritis depends on its cause: 2 Eradication of H. pylori: Usage of a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors to eliminate the infection. 2 Reduction of gastric acidity: Use of antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2-receptor blockers to reduce inflammation. 2 Dietary and lifestyle modifications: Avoid irritants like alcohol and spicy foods, quit smoking, and reduce stress.