If you’re dealing with gastritis, you know how uncomfortable it can be. The good news is that several home remedies may help reduce inflammation and ease your symptoms.

While these remedies can complement medical treatment, they shouldn’t replace proper medical care. Always talk to your doctor before trying new treatments, especially if you have severe symptoms.

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is inflammation of your stomach lining. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Common symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, bloating, and indigestion.

Many factors can cause gastritis. These include H. pylori bacteria, certain medications, excessive alcohol use, and stress. The right treatment depends on what’s causing your gastritis.

Food-Based Remedies

Certain foods have shown promise in helping manage gastritis symptoms.

Papaya and Oats

A combination of papaya and oats may help reduce gastritis pain. Papaya contains digestive enzymes, while oats provide beneficial fibers and anti-inflammatory compounds (1).

In a study of 60 people with mild chronic gastritis, those who took a papaya-oat preparation twice daily for 30 days experienced significant pain reduction. The natural enzymes in papaya support digestive function and may help heal the stomach lining.

Oat Beta-Glucans

Pure oat beta-glucans can improve gastritis symptoms. These special fibers have been shown to reduce stomach damage and support healthy gut bacteria (2).

High molecular weight oat beta-glucans appear to work best. They help improve the body’s antioxidant defenses and may promote healing of the stomach lining.

Wheat Peptides and Fucoidan

A combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan (from seaweed) has been shown to help with chronic superficial gastritis. This combination can reduce stomach pain, bloating, and other symptoms (3).

This remedy may work by reducing inflammation and supporting beneficial gut bacteria. About 70% of people who tried this combination saw improvements in their gastric health.

Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound that can fight H. pylori bacteria. Regular consumption of broccoli sprouts may help reduce bacterial levels and stomach inflammation (4).

Eating 70 grams of broccoli sprouts daily for 8 weeks has been shown to decrease H. pylori levels. The effects were temporary, returning to baseline after stopping consumption.

Tip
You can find broccoli sprouts at health food stores or grow your own at home. Add them to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies for an easy way to include them in your diet.

Vitamin Supplements

Several vitamins may help manage gastritis symptoms and promote healing.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C supplementation may help some people with H. pylori-related gastritis. High doses of vitamin C (5 grams daily) have been shown to eradicate H. pylori in about 30% of cases (5).

However, results are mixed. Some studies found no benefit, suggesting vitamin C works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than alone (6).

Vitamin E

Vitamin E supplementation may help prevent progression of precancerous stomach changes. High doses of vitamin E (400 units daily) can reduce harmful enzyme activity in the stomach (7).

This vitamin appears to work by protecting stomach cells from oxidative damage. It may be particularly helpful for people with atrophic gastritis.

Antioxidant Combinations

Combining different antioxidants may provide better results than single vitamins. Studies have shown that vitamin C and beta-carotene combinations can help gastric precancerous lesions regress (8).

Note
High-dose vitamin supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. Too much of certain vitamins can cause side effects or interact with medications.

Herbal Remedies

Many herbs have traditional uses for stomach problems, and some have scientific support.

Turmeric/Curcumin

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with standard gastritis treatment, curcumin can improve symptoms and reduce oxidative stress (9).

Curcumin may also increase H. pylori eradication rates when added to antibiotic therapy. However, curcumin alone has limited antibacterial effects (10).

Garlic and Allicin

Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antibacterial properties that can help fight H. pylori. When combined with standard treatment, allicin has been shown to achieve 90% eradication rates (11).

Even when used alone, allicin can help reduce H. pylori levels in some people. You can consume fresh crushed garlic or take aged garlic extract supplements. The typical dose used in studies is 1200 micrograms of allicin daily.

Licorice

Licorice root has been shown to enhance H. pylori eradication when added to standard treatment. Adding licorice to triple therapy can increase success rates, especially in people with peptic ulcers (12).

Licorice contains compounds that may protect the stomach lining and have antibacterial properties. Use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to avoid potential blood pressure effects.

Chili Peppers

Surprisingly, chili peppers may protect against stomach damage. Capsaicin, the compound that makes chilis hot, has been shown to have gastroprotective effects (13).

Eating chili before taking aspirin can reduce stomach damage. This protective effect may extend to other causes of gastritis as well.

Portulaca oleracea (Purslane)

Purslane is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive problems. It contains flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other compounds that may help with gastritis (14).

The plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help reduce stomach inflammation and protect against progression to more serious conditions.

Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Beneficial bacteria can help restore balance to your digestive system.

Lactobacillus johnsonii

Specific probiotic strains can help manage H. pylori gastritis. Lactobacillus johnsonii has been shown to reduce H. pylori density and inflammation (15).

Regular consumption of fermented milk containing this probiotic for 16 weeks can reduce bacterial levels and improve stomach lining health.

Multiple Probiotic Strains

Combinations of different probiotic strains may work better than single strains. Multi-strain probiotics can improve H. pylori eradication rates when combined with antibiotics (16).

Probiotics may also reduce antibiotic side effects. Look for products containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.

Tip
Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi in your diet. These foods provide beneficial bacteria naturally.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Several traditional Chinese herbal formulas have shown promise for gastritis treatment.

Shen-ling-bai-zhu-san

This traditional formula is widely used for chronic gastritis in China. Studies suggest it can improve symptoms and be more effective than conventional treatments (17).

Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction

This decoction has been shown to improve cure rates and reduce recurrence of chronic gastritis. It may work by strengthening digestive function (18).

Other Formulas

Several other traditional formulas show benefits:

  • Banxia Xiexin decoction for chronic atrophic gastritis
  • Chaihu-Shugan-San for various types of chronic gastritis
  • Herbal pairs customized to individual symptoms
Warning
Traditional Chinese medicine should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner. Some herbs can interact with medications or have side effects.

Other Natural Approaches

Beyond foods and supplements, other natural therapies may help.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to improve chronic gastritis symptoms. It may work better than conventional medications for some people (19).

Regular acupuncture sessions can reduce symptoms and may help heal stomach tissue. Effects appear to last longer than medication benefits.

Moxibustion

This traditional therapy involves burning herbs near acupuncture points. Mild moxibustion has been shown to have long-term benefits for gastritis with spleen-stomach deficiency patterns (20).

Creating Your Treatment Plan

When using home remedies for gastritis, consider these guidelines:

Start Slowly

Don’t try everything at once. Start with one or two remedies and see how your body responds. Add others gradually if needed.

Be Consistent

Most natural remedies take time to work. Give each remedy at least 4-8 weeks before deciding if it’s helpful.

Track Your Symptoms

Keep a diary of what you try and how you feel. This helps identify what works best for you.

Combine Approaches

Many remedies work better together. For example:

  • Probiotics plus standard treatment improves H. pylori eradication
  • Antioxidant combinations may work better than single vitamins
  • Diet changes plus stress management address multiple causes

Can I use home remedies instead of prescription medications?

Home remedies can complement medical treatment but shouldn’t replace it, especially for severe gastritis or H. pylori infection. Always consult your doctor before stopping prescribed medications.

How long do home remedies take to work?

Most natural remedies need at least 4-8 weeks of consistent use to show benefits. Some, like probiotics, may provide relief sooner, while others take longer.

Are these remedies safe for everyone?

While generally safe, some remedies may not suit everyone. High-dose vitamins, certain herbs, and supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects. Pregnant women, children, and people with health conditions should consult healthcare providers first.

When to See a Doctor

Home remedies can help manage mild to moderate gastritis, but see a doctor if you have:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Symptoms lasting more than a week

These could signal serious conditions needing immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Many home remedies can help manage gastritis symptoms and support healing. From foods like papaya and broccoli sprouts to supplements like probiotics and vitamins, you have many options to explore.

Remember that what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to find the right combination for your specific situation. Work with your healthcare provider to create a comprehensive treatment plan that includes both conventional medicine and supportive home remedies.

With patience and the right approach, you can reduce gastritis symptoms and improve your digestive health naturally.

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