Gastritis - What helps with inflamed gastric mucosa

April 12, 2025
Posted by Anna Röll

April 12, 2025

Gastritis, the inflammation of the stomach lining, is a health issue that affects many people. It can lead to discomfort, pain, and other unpleasant symptoms. But what exactly causes gastritis and how can it be treated? Read on to learn more about this condition, including the role dietary changes can play in alleviating symptoms.

What is gastritis?
Acute gastritis
Chronic gastritis
What are the symptoms of gastritis?
How is gastritis diagnosed?
How is gastritis treated?
Summary

What is gastritis?

Gastritis is a general term that describes inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining. This mucous membrane serves as a barrier against the strong acids the stomach produces to digest food. When the stomach lining becomes inflamed, it can no longer function effectively, which may result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Gastritis can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-lasting) (NHS, 2022).

Acute gastritis

Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation that often causes severe symptoms. Risk factors for acute gastritis include advanced age, which makes the stomach more susceptible to damage, regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain conditions such as autoimmune or chronic diseases, and the presence of other stomach disorders such as ulcers or polyps. Everyday risk factors for acute gastritis also include an unhealthy diet, high stress levels, alcohol abuse, smoking, and lack of sleep (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

Chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis is a form of gastritis that persists over a longer period. Unlike acute gastritis, which occurs suddenly and typically causes intense symptoms, chronic gastritis can cause more subtle symptoms that last for weeks or even months.

The causes of chronic gastritis can vary:

Type A or autoimmune gastritis: In this form, the body's immune system attacks the cells of the stomach lining, leading to damage and reduced stomach acid production. One of the complications of type A gastritis is a vitamin B12 deficiency. The stomach lining cells targeted by the immune system produce a protein necessary for absorbing vitamin B12 from food. Therefore, a lack of these cells can lead to a B12 deficiency, which may cause anemia and other health issues.
Type B or H. pylori gastritis: This type is caused by an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Infection with Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common causes of gastritis worldwide (Azer & Akhondi, 2023). This bacterium damages the protective mucus layer of the stomach, allowing stomach acid to erode the lining.
Type C or chemical gastritis: Type C gastritis is caused by chemical irritants such as alcohol, certain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and bile (a fluid produced by the liver to digest fats) that irritate the stomach and cause inflammation.

Source: Steinbuss et al., 2020; Azer & Akhondi, 2023

Do you often feel tired and fatigued, experience weakness, have memory issues or even mood swings?

These could all be symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Gastritis, particularly type A, can impair your ability to absorb vitamin B12, leading to these symptoms. The Homed-IQ Vitamin B12 Test allows you to conveniently check your vitamin B12 levels from home. This test can help you monitor your B12 levels and take early action if needed to correct a deficiency.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

Whether acute or chronic, gastritis can cause various symptoms, depending on the individual's health, the type of gastritis, and the severity of the inflammation. However, the following symptoms are common in both forms:

Stomach pain: Acute gastritis often causes sharp, stabbing, or burning pain, while chronic gastritis may lead to mild, dull pain or general discomfort.
Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms occur in both forms, though they are usually more pronounced in acute gastritis.
Loss of appetite: Both acute and chronic gastritis can cause a loss of appetite, often accompanied by discomfort after eating.
Bloating and belching: Especially in acute gastritis, bloating and unpleasant belching may occur.
Weight loss: This symptom is more common in chronic gastritis due to ongoing appetite loss and reduced food intake.

Source: NIDDK, 2019

For persistent or recurring symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment of gastritis can help prevent long-term complications and improve well-being.

How is gastritis diagnosed?

Diagnosing gastritis begins with a careful examination of your symptoms, diet, and medical history. Your doctor may order various tests, including blood tests to identify possible infections and anemia. A breath or stool test can detect an H. pylori infection, and an endoscopy can directly assess the condition of the stomach lining, with a biopsy taken for further testing if necessary. These steps help determine the exact cause of your gastritis and develop an effective treatment strategy (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

How is gastritis treated?

Treatment for gastritis depends on the specific cause of the condition. In many cases, lifestyle and dietary changes can help reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and promote healing. Additionally, medications to reduce stomach acid or treat an H. pylori infection may be helpful.

General measures

General measures for treating gastritis mainly involve lifestyle changes. Here are some practical tips:

Quit smoking: Smoking can increase stomach acid production and reduce the production of mucus that protects the stomach lining. Quitting smoking can support the healing process.
Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can directly irritate the stomach lining and worsen inflammation. It's advisable to limit or avoid alcohol until the stomach lining has healed.
Review medications: Some medications, such as aspirin, can cause or worsen gastritis. Consult your doctor about possible alternatives.
Manage stress: Stress management is an essential part of gastritis treatment, as stress-induced gastritis can occur. Excessive stress can damage the stomach lining and trigger symptoms like stomach pain, discomfort, and inflammation. Managing stress is crucial to maintaining stomach health and reducing inflammation (Megha et al., 2023).
Get enough sleep: Good sleep helps the body recover and supports the healing process.

Source: Cadman, 2022

Nutrition for gastritis

Nutrition plays a crucial role in treating and preventing gastritis. Here are some dietary guidelines that can help relieve your symptoms:

Anti-inflammatory diet: A helpful anti-inflammatory diet for gastritis should include nutrient-rich foods. These include vitamin A (found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens), vitamin B12 (found in meat, fish, and eggs, especially important in chronic gastritis), and vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, kiwis, bell peppers, and strawberries). Zinc, found in meat, shellfish, nuts, and seeds, supports immune health and helps protect the stomach lining.
Avoid irritating foods and drinks: Inflammatory foods and beverages that can irritate the stomach should be avoided. These include coffee, alcohol, spicy spices, fried and fatty foods.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants: Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation. Foods like berries, dark leafy greens, carrots, and pumpkin are rich in antioxidants.
Probiotics: These healthy bacteria can help balance the microorganisms in the digestive tract and reduce symptoms like bloating and nausea. Probiotics are found in yogurt, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of three large meals per day, try eating five or six smaller meals. This can reduce the pressure on your stomach and ease symptoms.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to keep the mucous membranes healthy and support digestion.
Follow a high-fiber diet: Fiber can help maintain a healthy digestive system and promote healing from gastritis. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fiber.

Source: Richards, 2023; Duque-Buitrago et al., 2023

Remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Keeping a food diary can help identify which foods worsen or improve your symptoms. For persistent or severe symptoms, always consult a doctor or nutritionist.

Medication treatment

Medication for gastritis primarily aims to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces and treat any H. pyloriinfection. These medications may include:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, pantoprazole, or esomeprazole. These medications reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.
H2-receptor antagonists, also known as H2 blockers, work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that stimulates stomach acid production.
Antacids, which help neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from symptoms.
Antibiotics to treat an H. pylori infection.

Source: NIDDK, 2019; Mayo Clinic, 2022

It is important to note that the treatment of gastritis should be tailored to the individual based on the specific cause, symptoms, and overall health.

Summary

Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can have many causes and result in a variety of symptoms, including stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn. Diagnosis is often based on a combination of symptoms, examinations, and medical tests. Treatment may include dietary and lifestyle changes, medications to control stomach acid, and antibiotics to treat H. pylori infections.

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About the author

Anna Röll

Anna is a trained nurse and health economist with a focus on epidemiology and combines her medical and scientific interests. Her goal is to raise awareness of medical content and to communicate it in an understandable way. What she appreciates most about living in Amsterdam is the open-minded, active attitude of the people, the markets and the great nature in the area.