Gastritis
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.
Symptoms
-
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,
headache and dizziness.
-
There is pain and discomfort in the
region of the stomach
-
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.
Root Causes
-
Dietetic indiscretion
-
Habitual overeating of badly combined or
improperly cooked foods
-
Excessive intake of strong tea, coffee or
alcoholic drinks.
-
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.
Healing Options
|
Herbs
|
-
Coconut
-
Rice
-
Merigold
-
Potato
|
|
Ayurvedic Suppliments
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Lifestyle
|
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
|
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.
|
Back to Ailments
|
