An inflammation of the stomach lining, gastritis is usually signaled by indigestion, either with or without bleeding in the digestive tract. Acute gastritis, often develops when people are subjected to sudden stress, such as from extensive burns or other severe injury or illness; it may also develop after surgery, leading to stress ulcers and severe intestinal bleeding.

Gastritis is not a disease on its own but a symptom of abnormal digestion. It is characterized by inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach. It affects millions of people worldwide. It can be divided into 3 categories: (1) erosive and hemorrhagic gastritis (2) non erosive and nonspecific gastritis (3) specific gastritis indicative of a disorder.

The presence of the gastric juices help in digesting the food. If the hydrochloric acid present in the stomach increases in quantity, the condition is known as hyperacidity.

Treatment:

1.    Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) The Indian gooseberry, or amla, is very beneficial in the treatment of several stomach ailments, gastritis included. The other digestive ailments it is used for dyspepsia, burning sensation, anorexia, vomiting and hemorrhage.

2.    Eating a light or soft diet provides a lot of assistance. Cessation of smoking and relaxation therapy can also help. Eating a diet high in fiber may not only cut your risk of developing gastritis and ulcers in half, but fiber-rich foods may also speed the healing of ulcers. Vegetables are particularly protective sources of fiber and seem to reduce the amount of inflammation in the lining of the stomach.

3.    Ginger (Zingiber officinale) The extract of ginger is effective in treating the acid dyspepsia that is associated with gastritis. It is especially useful for people who consume more of a non-vegetarian food.

4.    Should avoid fatty foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, beverages containing caffeine, decaffeinated tea and coffee, peppermint, and alcohol. These foods relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus and make it easier for the stomach contents to back up into the esophagus, causing further irritation.

5.    Although foods are not the cause of gastritis, people with symptoms should avoid spicy or highly acidic foods, which can irritate the stomach lining. They should also avoid fatty foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, beverages containing caffeine, decaffeinated tea and coffee, peppermint, and alcohol. These foods relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus and make it easier for the stomach contents to back up into the esophagus, causing further irritation.

6.    For temporary, mild gastritis, taking an antacid such as Maalox and Tylenol, then eating no solid foods for a day is often enough to solve it. This gives the stomach a chance to rest and recuperate. After a day of liquids only, add mild, bland food such as bananas, rice and toast to your diet. If the gastritis symptoms persist, however, it may be time to see a doctor. Hopefully this article answered the question what is gastritis.

7.    There is a list of other Ayurvedic preparations that are useful in the treatment of gastritis. Some of these are Dhaatri loha, Sukumara ghrita, Sootashekhara rasa, Kaamadudha rasa, Leela Vilas rasa, Chandrakala rasa and Amalapittantaka rasa.