INTRODUCTION

A bad digestion is the root of all diseases. Without good digestion we can't even enjoy our meal. There are various factors which are responsible for this problem like life style, improper eating habits, consumption of alcohol and caffeine intake. Bottom line of this article is "Chronic gastritis" which means inflammation of the lining of stomach.

When this inflammation occurs, your stomach lining produces less acid, pepsin, and protective mucus. If you have this condition, you might feel full after eating just a few bites. This is called early satiety. Chronic gastritis might be painless or cause dull, persistent stomach pain. Chronic gastritis may lead to stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers and also increases the risk of stomach cancer. So, don't ignore the symptoms and visit your doctor.

With the help of various herbs we can manage the problem of chronic gastritis in a natural way. These are herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum), Pippali (Piper longum), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Gotukola (Centella asiatica) which have cooling effects on body and resolve the problem of chronic gastritis. Though herbs take some time to show their effects but their results are long lasting without any adverse effects on health.

Chronic gastritis

WHAT IS CHRONIC GASTRITIS?

Chronic gastritis is defined as the inflammation or irritation of the lining of stomach. This condition occurs due to some bacterial infections, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake and stress.

SYMPTOMS OF GASTRITIS

  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Black stools
  • Weight loss
  • Bloating and gas

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR?

If stomach irritation persists longer than a week, must visit your doctor.

CAUSES ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC GASTRITIS

  • Use of certain medications like aspirin and ibuprofen.
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol.
  • Certain bacterial infections like Helicobacter pylori which lead to stomach ulcers.
  • Viral infections in weakened immunity.
  • Stress.
  • Bile reflux – In this case there is back flow of bile into stomach from bile duct.

CAUSE OF CHRONIC GASTRITIS IN AYURVEDA

According to Ayurveda there are three energies in the body – vata, pitta and kapha. These energies are important for a healthy body. Imbalance of any of three energies results in the health complications. In Ayurveda, chronic gastritis is known as urdhvaga amla pitta which is due to aggravation of pitta dosha. This is due to the consumption spicy foods, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Aggravated pitta dosha weakens the body's digestive fire which leads to production of toxins (ama). Due to the accumulation of ama (toxins) in the body, levels of gases increased in the stomach, causes the condition of gastritis.

From the ayurvedic point of view, chronic gastritis is managed by pacifying the aggravated pitta dosha. This can be achieved by the use of various herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum), Pippali (Piper longum), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Gotukola (Centella asiatica) present in Ayurveda which are cooling in nature and help to pacify the aggravated pitta dosha.