Gastritis: Understanding Stomach Inflammation & Ayurvedic Healing

That persistent burning in your upper abdomen, nausea after meals, and feeling of fullness after eating very little — these are classic signs of gastritis, a condition where your stomach lining becomes inflamed. While antacids provide temporary relief, they don't heal the inflammation or address what's causing it.

• H. pylori Gastritis: The most common cause globally — this bacterium burrows into the stomach lining and triggers chronic inflammation
• NSAID-induced Gastritis: Regular use of pain relievers (ibuprofen, aspirin) damages the protective mucosal barrier
• Autoimmune Gastritis: The immune system attacks parietal cells, reducing acid and intrinsic factor (leading to B12 deficiency)
• Stress Gastritis: Chronic psychological stress and acute physical stress both can trigger inflammation
• Bile Reflux Gastritis: Bile flowing back from the small intestine irritates the stomach lining

Ayurveda treats gastritis as a Pitta aggravation in the Annavaha Srotas (digestive channel). The approach is systematic:

Yashtimadhu (Licorice), Shatavari, and Amalaki form the foundation — these herbs have been shown to increase mucus production, promote cell regeneration in the stomach lining, and reduce inflammation.

Identifying and removing individual triggers — whether H. pylori, food intolerances, medication-induced damage, or stress-related factors.

Once the inflammation subsides, gradually restoring strong digestive capacity through carefully chosen Deepana (appetizing) and Pachana (digestive) herbs.

An Ayurvedic gastritis diet emphasizes cooling, soothing foods — rice kanji, moong dal, coconut water, tender coconut, and foods cooked with ghee and cooling spices like fennel and coriander.