Gastritis: Definition, Causes, Risk Factors, and Preventive Measures

 

Gastritis is a general term for a group of conditions with one thing in common: inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The inflammation of gastritis is most often the result of infection with the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers. Regular use of certain pain relievers and drinking too much alcohol also can contribute to gastritis. 

Gastritis may occur suddenly (acute gastritis), or appear slowly over time (chronic gastritis). In some cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. For most people, however, gastritis isn't serious and improves quickly with treatment. 

 

Risk factors 

Factors that increase your risk of gastritis include: 

• Bacterial infection 

• Regular use of pain relievers 

• Older age 

• Excessive alcohol use 

• Stress 

• Your own body attacking cells in your stomach 

• Other diseases and conditions 

 
 

Lifestyle modifications for gastritis: 

• Avoid spicy and foods. 

• Avoid fatty foods. 

• Avoid alcoholic drinks and caffeine. 

• Avoid smoking. 

• Eating smaller and frequent meals is recommended 

• Avoid stressful events 

• Drink green tea or replace milk tea/coffee by green tea. 

• Eat fiber rich foods to improve digestion. 

• Avoid excess medication intake like pain killers if unnecessary. 

• Avoid citrus fruits. 

• Practice good eating habits. 

• Get plenty of exercise at least 30 minutes per day. 

• Avoid wearing tight fittings clothes or belts. 

• Avoid pickled foods. 

• Avoid half-cooked, roasted foods. 

• Eat freshly cooked foods. 

• Pay attention on personal hygiene by washing hands before meals (prevents bacterial infection). 

• Avoid chocolates, foods that irritates your digestive system. 

• Drink plenty of water especially at morning. 

• Don’t skip breakfast at morning. 

• Eat 6 meals instead of 3 meals per day. 

• Avoid eating late nights and close to bed time. 

• Avoid milk (specially on empty stomach and bed time). 

• Avoid processed foods. 

• Avoid tomatoes because they are naturally acidic in nature. 

• Coconut water reduces burning sensation and helps digestion. 

• Papaya reduces infections in the stomach. 

• Broccoli is anti-inflammatory food and effective in gastritis management. 

• Stay emotionally healthy. 

 

By Binita Khatiwada