For the past few months I’ve been dealing with gastritis and gastric pain, which has put a real dent in my mood, productivity, and general quality of life. I’m recovering, slowly, but this is one of the tougher health challenges I’ve faced.
My gastritis started after a “tummy bug” … some kind of viral or bacterial infection. The more acute symptoms resolved after a few weeks, but despite dietary changes (giving up coffee, booze, and spicy food), I was left with nagging gastric pain. The pain was rarely severe, but it was constant enough to be distracting. My mood worsened, my anxiety increased, and my sleep was often interrupted by burning or even stabbing sensations in my stomach. I tried a number of natural remedies (including turmeric and black seed, both of which have traditionally been used to treat gastritis and ulcers), but nothing was helping much. I’d had similar bouts of stomach pain after a stomach bug in the past, but they’d resolved on their own within a couple weeks, and the pain hadn’t kept me up at night. Time to see the doc’.
My doctor didn’t think I had ulcers, since I had no signs of bleeding, my appetite was reasonably good, and no severe nausea or vomiting. She diagnosed gastritis (inflammation/irritation of the stomach) and recommended a two-week course of omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid). I took her advice, and the drug helped significantly. But when I stopped taking the omeprazole, the stomach pain gradually returned, eventually becoming worse than before. I tried a number of additional home remedies, including raw cabbage juice, Manuka honey, raw garlic, and Pepto Bismol. Some seemed to help a little, but I was still experiencing significant pain and interrupted sleep.
At that point my doctor recommended an eight-week course of omeprazole, which I was reluctant to try because of possible side effects. Complete suppression of stomach acid can lead to poor absorption of many nutrients (especially calcium, magnesium, and B12) as well as gut dysbiosis and potential gut infections. I requested a blood test for H. pylori (the bacteria often responsible for stomach ulcers and gastritis), but the antibody test came back negative.
I knew the antibody test wasn’t 100% accurate–there was a still a chance that H. pylori was responsible for my stomach problems. But a more likely scenario was that my gastritis was triggered by a combination of factors: the stomach bug, a month of vacation that may have weakened my stomach lining in the first place (timezone changes, lots of rich food, lots of coffee and wine), and a number of stressful situations that I let get to me.
My Healing Approach
I resumed taking the proton pump inhibitor as my doctor recommended, but after a few weeks of feeling only marginally better, I decided to take matters into my own hands and design my own healing regimen. At that point I’d done so much reading on ulcers, gastritis, h. pylori, acid-blocking medications, and prostaglandins that I felt I possibly knew more than my doctor on that particular topic.
I gradually reduced my omeprazole dose to 5mg (a quarter of a pill), taken thirty minutes before dinner, in a vitamin gel capsule to partially serve the function of the enteric coating. Tapering helped prevent the PPI acid rebound I experienced the first time I’d used omeprazole. That, plus 400mg slippery elm right before bed, and I could usually sleep through the night without any stomach pain.
I started taking two chewable DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) tablets twenty minutes before each meal to help soothe and protect my stomach lining.
I drank ginger tea (made with slices of fresh ginger) after meals to reduce stomach acid.
I increased my intake of linoleic acid (from walnuts, sunflower seeds, and low-oleic safflower oil). My diet had previously been very low in this essential fatty acid, which is a precursor to prostaglandin E2 (which protects and rebuilds the stomach lining). Increasing linoleic acid can increase gastric PGE2 expression in human subjects. Lower levels of linoleic acid in adipose tissue are also associated with higher ulcer risk.
I ate a healthful, high nutrient diet, with plenty of vegetables (especially broccoli and cabbage, both of which have gastroprotective properties), protein (mostly from eggs and fish), healthful fats, gluten-free starches, and low-acid fruit.
Though it’s often recommended for gastritis sufferers to avoid acidic foods and beverages, I found that a combination of 100% cranberry juice and 100% pomegranate juice could significantly reduce stomach pain in many cases. I’m not sure why, but it may be that some fruit acids may increase mucin secretion in the stomach, which is protective against stomach acid. I wouldn’t recommend this for GERD sufferers. Acidic juice with or after a meal can increase reflux, and fruit acids may be strong enough to activate any pepsin (a powerful digestive enzyme usually activated by stomach acid) that might have splashed up into the esophagus (some people find that a low-acid diet combined with PPIs for a couple months can heal gastritis).
I took 1000mg of mastic gum on an empty stomach each morning for one month. I’m not sure if this helped or not, but some research supports the use of mastic gum for reducing stomach pain, healing ulcers, and fighting h. pylori infection.
I increased my vitamin/mineral intake, especially vitamin C (buffered, as calcium ascorbate), vitamin A, vitamin D, a high quality multi-vitamin, and zinc carnosine. Not megadoses of anything, but enough to prevent deficiency in case I’ve been absorbing nutrients less efficiently.
I stopped drinking water with meals, but increased water intake first thing in the morning, and in-between meals.
I ate four smaller meals a day instead of three big ones. I also took a break from intermittent fasting.
I added probiotics and kept eating probiotic foods, though I’m not sure they helped.
I tried to reduce stress by doing things I enjoy, not taking on too many extra responsibilities, and meditating more. High levels of stress can irritate the stomach in two ways, both via cortisol:
- Via the production and recycling of bile from the gallbladder (which can wash back into the stomach)
- Via reducing levels of prostaglandins (specifically PGE2) which protect and rebuild the stomach lining
There are many more supplements and cures that I tried. Some may have helped a little, while others may have slowed down my healing process. Many anti-inflammatory foods and supplements which protect the stomach against acute injury in the short-term may actually slow down the healing process in the long-term. The stomach needs the “inflammatory” prostaglandin PGE2 and enzyme COX-2 to heal, as well as the angiogenesis process to rebuild injured tissue. Natural anti-inflammatories such as turmeric, black seed, green tea, and many herbs won’t hurt a healthy stomach (and may reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases), but higher doses of natural anti-inflammatories may slow down tissue repair in the stomach and intestines.
My stomach lining is far from 100% recovered. I’m still taking 5mg omeprazole at night, and I often have a warm or tight sensation in my upper abdomen. But the sharp pain is mostly gone, and at this point I feel like I have my life back. I’ve gained back the weight and muscle I lost, I can eat most foods, I can exercise strenuously, and I can work for fairly long stretches without being distracted by stomach pain. Most nights I sleep pretty well. I’m still abstaining from alcohol except for a sip here and there, and the only coffee I’m drinking is a low-acid decaf variety (from Healthwise–it’s not bad). I’m also feeling calmer, happier, more energetic, and cautiously optimistic about my chances for a full recovery.
If you’ve been through something similar and recovered, please let me know how you did it in the comments.
Wish me luck in my continued healing process!
Laura Bond
J.D., I initially joined your group due to the asthma healing portion of your diet. Though I enjoy reading your blog now for your unique perspective on life in general, especially your honesty. When I couldn’t get any better on my own, I called an ND. I interviewed her on the phone for about 15 minutes to make sure she was familiar with treating my issues. An ND has a doctorate in pure biochemistry, and in my opinion are unmatched when it comes to figuring out labs and gut issues. Mine also had a bachelor’s in botany also. Definitely worth a try. I don’t see her frequently, but I do go to her at least twice a year for various issues. I have genetic issues, MTHFR and COMT methylation issues and high homocysteine that doesn’t want to go away. Part of COMT is asthma. Hope this gives you some ideas. Laura
susandale
thanks for sharing the journey. i will save this info for friends in like circumstances. I appreciate your willingness to mix what the ‘real doc’ suggested and yr own research. i have a lot of respect for homeopathy and even the otc approach to it. calm forte and ignatia amaura are 2 that can help mediate any trigger you have stress wise and also help sleep. I’m a retired DC, and found acupuncture often helps reduce organ inflammation. Acupuncture is where i sent clients who showed slow or little response to chiropractic for gastric and asthmatic ‘stuff’ esp. And ND’s can be amazing. Wishing you well on this path;-)
Molly nicholas
Good luck on your continued healing! Have you spoken to your doctor since deviating from her recommended course of action? I’m asking since I’ve taken my health “into my own hands” a number of times and had significant push-back from healthcare professionals. I wonder how you will / plan to / have handled that. I appreciate the position they’re in, and acknowledge their expertise and training but also balance that with my own expertise (in my body and how I feel) and especially the knowledge that medical infrastructure today often doesn’t support good doctor-patient relationships (I have almost never seen the same doctor twice in a row, and malpractice suits discourage honesty and transparency).
If this hadn’t worked, how would you approach that discussion with your doctor? If it did work, would you update your doctor with the successful treatment, to close loop on your treatment and perhaps inform her for a future patient? How do you navigate this?
J.D. Moyer
I’ll probably loop back with my doctor when I’m fully better (or if I get worse). I’m frustrated with Kaiser right now … they were so great when I broke my foot, but when I requested to see a GI specialist all I got was a ten minute phone appointment that wasn’t very helpful.
Dan
I had similar issues in.the esophagus, mainly with coffee, at night etc… Nicotinamide R. Was making it worse also turmeric.
Finally what worked for me was long fasts, 5 days fasts helped me recover very quickly, the first one helped a lot, with the second one a month after the symptomssymptom nearly disappeared, some omeprazol and I can take my coffee with no issues, I expect to do another lomg fast very soon.
Lozi
Do you think the fasting helps because the stomach has time to rest and heal? Iâm curious because Iâm healing from gastritis.
Jill
I have been diagnosed with gastritis, Gerd and hiatal hernia. I am presently taking Carafate and Pepcid, 20mg twice a day. Any suggestions as after two weeks I have not seen a lot of improvement.
Anonymous
I really liked how you approached your problem. It is very concerning how many people take ppi- often elderly on the – tea and toast diet, in my reading it appears that acid is needed to trigger a hormone that triggers red blood cell production. The risk, therefore is anemia- which is chronic in many elderly
Hardy Stegall
Hey, JD! I have learned a lot reading your blog. Perhaps this is an opportunity for me to offer you something useful. Look in to bladderwrack kelp which is a rich source of fucose sugar which is the antigen marker for type “O” blood,and a necessary component in the protective lining of the stomach and intestinal tract. Hope this helps. And thank you for all your thoughtful, thorough research and personal experimentation, and sharing your results with us!!
Namaste, Hardyman47
J.D. Moyer
Great, thanks for the tip. I’ll increase my seaweed intake!
Sharon
How should I consume the Bladderwrack? Pills? Seaweed from the sea?
Audrey Kalman
This is timely for me–and sounds so familiar. I’m suffering a second bout of reflux in as many years after having no digestive issues for my entire adult life (my theory is midlife hormone changes… I don’t know if those affect men as well as women.)
The first time around, a short course of PPIs seemed to help with the acute symptoms. Then I tapered and found fresh ginger tea helpful, as well as cheweing gum after meals. This time, the “short” course of PPIs has stretched to several months. Things finally seem under control and I’m tapering off. I will definitely look into some of your suggestions, especially the DGL and slippery elm.
It is frustrating how we have to become our own healers. I have a great Kaiser GP but like yours, I don’t think she’s an expert in intestinal issues and I’d bet that if I went to a GI specialist I’d get a pretty traditional medical approach.
One other thing I tried–and I have no idea if this is total nonsense or has had any effect, since I tried it in combination with everything else–is this exercise to heal a hiatal hernia (in case that’s a factor): https://www.drdavidwilliams.com/how-to-fix-hiatal-hernia-naturally.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
J.D. Moyer
Hi Audrey–sorry to hear you’ve been struggling with reflux, but glad you’re starting to feel better. PPI use with reflux is tricky. One the one hand it protects the esophagus and relieves pain, but stomach acid may also be required for proper function of the LES.
A low acid diet may be particularly helpful for reflux/GERD. Any pepsin that splashes into the esophagus can be activated by acids as weak as pH 4, including citrus, tomatoes, and coffee.
D-limonene is helpful for some as a coating/protective agent.
https://fixyourgut.com/the-magic-bullet-treatment-for-gerd-d-limonene/
Gum chewing is probably helpful, but mint can relax the LES (along with chocolate … but you probably already know this).
Best wishes for your continued recovery.
zmajcek
gum chewing on an empty stomach stimulates production of acid (stomach starts expecting food that never comes). not a good thing.
Caren
Hi J. D,
Firstly, I do hope you heal and feel well soon. I have been following your blog for a long time as a silent, distant reader. I especially admire how you delve into details when you feel strongly about things. I am sure you will overcome this as well.
J.D. Moyer
Thanks Caren, and I appreciate the vote of confidence.
Eric Andersen
Your symptoms and solutions have mirrored mine. Same progress. What now pray tell. Patience I guess. Good luck.
J.D. Moyer
Hi Eric. The last few weeks have been going really well. I’ve been off all meds for about six weeks, and I’ve started a few new supplements that have been really helpful. I’m back to eating all foods and most beverages without any pain and only the most minor discomfort. Still staying away from hard liquor, caffeinated coffee, wine, and a few other things,
Here’s the regimen that helped me a lot:
16oz water first thing in morning (and then very little water with or after meals)
S. boulardii (a beneficial yeast) on an empty stomach in the morning
https://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-probiotics-saccharomyces-boulardii-30-veg-drcaps
With larger meals (anything with meat or dairy), 2 caps AcidEase, taken toward the beginning of the meal
https://www.swansonvitamins.com/enzymatic-therapy-acid-ease-180-veg-caps
With 2-3 meals a day, 1 tablet Gastrazyme
https://www.amazon.com/Biotics-Research-Gastrazyme-Tablets/dp/B00FK6RIDQ/
2 caps zinc carnosine or 1 cap Stomach Defense Essentials with meals (3 times/day for a week, then tapering to twice/day)
https://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-ultra-zinc-carnosine-pepzin-gi-60-caps
https://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-condition-specific-formulas-stomach-defense-essentials-60-veg-caps
Also, for one week, I ate a couple cloves of raw garlic each day (chop up finely, let sit for 10 minutes for allicin to form, then mix with a little water or milk and swallow without chewing, with food).
The idea was to modify my gut biome with the garlic and s. boulardii. I was also eating yogurt and kefir to add in some beneficial bacteria. While I didn’t have SIBO symptoms and I tested negative for h, pylori, I thought it might help to reduce bacterial load, at least temporarily, kind of as a reset.
This possibly helped. What I’m pretty sure helped a lot was the gamma oryzanol in the Acid Ease and Gastrazyme, as well as a few of the other ingredients.
http://www.menshealthpro.org/gamma-oryzanol-the-ulcer-healer.html
I also continued with the slippery elm mixed with hot water before bed, ginger tea after big meals, and DGL as needed.
Now I’m in the process of tapering off all these supplements. I’m not sure if I need anything anymore but I’m taking it slow. Currently down to Acid Ease caps with only 1 meal (dinner), and I don’t seem to need the DGL or slippery elm before bed anymore.
I’ll write a long detailed post about all this at some point, but might as well get the info out there now. Let me know if you have questions and I hope you heal up quickly.
Shail
I’m suffering from gastritis since a month and with the exact same situation as yours and it’s making my life worse day by day.Please contact me on shailp848@gmail.com
J.D. Moyer
Hang in there Shail. Feel free to send me a question through my webform.
Kirk
Hi JD. In the past, you mentioned that you are trying an experiment for reducing gray hair. Did you ever try it out? Can you share any details?
J.D. Moyer
Nothing successful. I’ve tried niacinamide, copper-rich foods, and a few other things, but I still have plenty of gray hair.
G.
I realize that your diagnosis and experience of gastritis is different than what I have/had, but I thought I’d mention what has helped me to lessen my problems with acid reflux, bloating, constipation, and bowel pain.
One thing that has helped my acid reflux and digestive discomfort a LOT is taking the single amino acid glutamine, 1 capsule of 500 mg, on an empty stomach upon waking up in the morning with a glass of water, then waiting about half an hour before eating or drinking anything else. Glutamine apparently repairs and soothes the lining of the digestive system. Most instructions are to take 2 capsules of glutamine first thing, but I am sensitive to most things and a half-dose is usually fine for me, plus I err on the side of caution when taking supplements (like you, I’m compound heterozygous for the 2 main MTHFR variants, and have other genetic sensitivity and drug-metabolizing issues).
Another thing that helped was trying to increase the transit time from stomach onward, getting things moving, with the probiotic Al i (g) n — I’ve tried dozens of probiotics, but only that one does the trick of making my bms a daily thing, which seems to help my whole digestive tract normalize (as much as it can). It can be expensive, but I usually buy it from a well-known internet retailer (name redacted in case it caused this comment to be rejected by your commenting system yesterday!) for just 50-60 cents a capsule, which isn’t too bad, and I take it about 5 days out of every 7.
Zinc carnosine had the opposite effect for me than it is supposed to have – making things worse – so I didn’t continue with it. Same with digestive enzymes. Same with apple cider vinegar. And baking soda makes me feel terrible, even the small amount in baked goods.
I have a bad reaction to gelatin and I don’t know if it’s a histamine issue or something like that – but that was out, too, unfortunately.
Upon trying mastic gum, I found out that I was allergic – wow, that was a bad 24 hours for my mouth and tongue!
DGL licorice in capsules (I didn’t like the additives/flavorings/sweeteners in any of the available chewable types) helped soothe my GERD somewhat, especially in the beginning, especially when I’d break open the capsule and swirl around the licorice in my mouth before swallowing (which is recommended to do for soothing the esophagus etc.) – but this did cause my teeth to stain quite a bit. Because of that, I started just swallowing the licorice capsule, and that didn’t help my digestive distress as much as momentarily “chewing” the loose powder did, but that did cut down on the tooth staining. Eventually, I stopped using DGL licorice regularly, but keep a bottle at home in case I want something extra for digestive discomfort.
Making sure not to eat for at least 3 hours before lying down helps a lot.
And always sleeping on my left side makes a big difference, even though I’d prefer to sleep on my right side and did most of my life up to having the GERD.
For about a year, I slept with my upper body elevated about 6 extra inches (via boosting up the mattress), but then it started hurting my back, so I had to lose the elevation. It did help the GERD, though.
My doctors – GP and specialists – pushed acid-reducing medication but I refused to take it – just so many bad effects it can have. For one thing, I already have osteopenia and don’t want to weaken my bones further, which pharmaceutical acid reducers apparently do. Increased risk of dementia, all sorts of stuff, no thanks.
Anyway, for me I don’t think it was about having too much acid – I probably don’t have enough acid generally, and after I pushed for an upper gi scope it was found that I have a hiatal hernia, and having a physically-sometimes-loose opening to the stomach is not cured by reducing the acid the stomach has to digest with, even if it stops the obvious esophagus/mouth symptoms of GERD for a while.
One thing that helped me was cutting back on cinnamon and other spices that are known to slow down gi transit time (apparently that’s one way that cinnamon helps diabetics keep a steadier blood sugar).
I also stopped drinking anything for about an hour and a half after I’d had a meal – even drinking water seemed to upset the delicate balance my digestion was trying to accomplish.
I take my vitamin/mineral/herb supplements right in the middle of a meal, instead of before or immediately after. If I don’t take them during a meal, it makes reflux and distress more likely.
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered the vitamin/mineral/herb supplements I was taking that made my GERD worse, and stopped taking them, or found variants of them that I don’t react to. There are several that I wish I could still take because they are healthy in other ways, but it’s not worth the digestive upset.
Despite having good reasons to take them (and for which my doctors have advised me to take them), because of the damage they do to the digestive system, I haven’t taken any NSAIDS or other painkillers in about 2 years since I first developed GERD. I think this has helped my digestive tract a lot.
Last year I developed (seemingly unconnected, but maybe not) lower-gi symptoms of bloating, cramping, bowel pain, plus joint and tendon aches and headaches and brain-fog, etc. which might indicate gluten intolerance and/or other sorts of sensitivities to a number of foods, so after finding that it made a significant difference, I have eliminated most gluten-containing grains (and also unfortunately oats, because even the certified gluten-free type gives me problems), a number of spices and all types of pepper (fresh and dried), most types of beans most of the time, peanuts, etc. This has definitely reduced my digestive system distress.
JudyLissette (@judylissette)
My naturopath has me on a specific protocol. Just started today. It begins with 1 gram of mastica gum every twelve hours for 20 days, then the mastica will be increased and bismuth added to it. In addition, using colostrum IgG and a special digestive lining strengthening homemade juice.
Hoping this all works. I have tried zinc carnosine in the past and felt that helped too, but it wasn’t suggested for this protocol. I had h. pylori in 2012 and I think I either still have it or it is returning, since nausea has been knocking at my door for many months now.
Jessica
J.D., I am so thankful to have stumbled upon this post about your gastritis experience. I hope you are feeling better by now! I too think that my gastritis started with a bout of the stomach bug or food poisoning. The doctor prescribed a PPI but I am very reluctant to take it. I just started doing ginger tea with a teaspoon of slippery elm added and already starting to feel some relief which I have not felt in 2 months! I am also drinking licorice root tea, but might pick up the DGL pills since those seem to help. Normally I do not have any food sensitivities but learning with the gastritis I can NOT tolerate bell peppers (was horribly sick from those the other night) and tomatoes also bother me. Hoping I’ll be able to tolerate them in the future but first I must concentrate on repairing this inflamed stomach lining!
J.D. Moyer
Hi Jessica,
After a year and a half I am mostly better, but it has been a very slow recovery. The one remaining symptom is heat or coolness around my sides or back if I go too long without food or eat very acidic or very spicy foods. If I’m careful with my diet I’m generally ok. No more regular coffee unfortunately, but small amounts of alcohol seem fine.
Ultimately I was diagnosed via endoscopy with chemical gastropathy, consistent with NSAID use. Since I don’t take anti-inflammatories, I suspect that I may have suppressed my natural prostaglandin production with “natural” anti-inflammatories that suppress PGE2, COX2, etc. (fish oil, turmeric, etc.). That (along with a few very high stress months) left me more vulnerable to gastric injury from stomach bugs, alcohol, a round of antibiotics, etc.
Good luck with your recovery process. There is good evidence that antioxidants such as C, E, and CoQ10 help protect the stomach lining (use buffered C such as sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate). Licorice tea or black licorice is helpful too but it can raise blood pressure (see my recent post). DGL seems to help a little. Zinc carnosine may be helpful, and possibly additional l-carnosine (up to 1000mg/day). L-glutamine can help heal leaky gut and accelerate healing, but start with small doses (<500mg) and watch out for any sleep disruptions. Hydrolyzed collagen is mostly tasteless and provides free amino acids that nourish the stomach lining (I put a scoop in my decaf coffee every morning).
Ginger and turmeric both reduce acid secretion and can be soothing, but I don't think they're ideal remedies because they inhibit COX2, which is important for stomach protection.
In terms of herbal tea, fennel seed and chamomile are both soothing and safe for long-term use. And slippery elm too, as long as you're not sensitive to oxalates.
If you can I think it's wise to stay off the PPIs unless you have a bleeding ulcer or serious erosions. But don't hesitate to use ranitidine/Zantac for short term relief if you need it. My understanding of H2 blockers is that if you use them for more than a few days, your stomach will try to compensate by trying to produce more acid (thus the rebound when you stop). But to get over a flare I think it's a fairly safe drug.
And the usual disclaimer -- I'm not a doctor or medical professional, these are just my thoughts as a layperson, not medical advice.
I hope you have a swift recovery! Be patient -- progress can be very slow, but if you take care of yourself you'll eventually start to feel better.
Anonymous
Hey JD,
Were you extremely tired and anxious when you had this? I was diagnosed with the same thing a couple weeks ago and other than the burning stomach at times those are my main symptoms. Thanks
J.D. Moyer
Not especially tired, but I did have higher anxiety. Though that could have been a cause of the stomach issues as much as an effect. Please see my most recent post on this topic, and I hope you heal up quickly!
https://www.jdmoyer.com/2021/06/06/gastritis-healing-protocol/
Selman
It is great that you are sharing your experience in treating this injury. I call it injury because it is mostly due to stress if it is not H.pylori. Stress is injuring many parts of our body and unfortunately it is part of our lives.
I faced this issue 4 years ago for the first time after an extremely stressful period. First, we did ultrasound scanning on the whole abdomen and there were 2 small polips in my gall bladder which needs to be tracked every year but nothing to do with my stomach issue. The Ultrasound Specialist told me that there is extreme gas in my abdomen.
I also did blood tests and LDL cholosterol level was surprisingly high.
The doctor told me that it is chronic inflamation of the antral portion of the stomach after endoscopy and prescribed a PPI and pankreoflat for digestion. Luckily I didnât have pain issue or maybe my pain threshold is high but it was very uncomfortable for me especially when I was standing or walking. I was ok when sitting, laying in bed or sleeping. It is probably the gas causing the discomfort.
I took this as a wake up call and decided to change all my life style. I was a diet coke guy and had weight issues due to unhealthy eating. I stopped having acid drinks and no fast food anymore. It was water and variety of herbal teas in my life mostly green tea, ginger, chamomile and linden. The food was all greens and fish, walnuts, coconut oil, no other meat or sugar. I also started to walk everyday. I believe these are the basics to have a healthy stomach but the main issue is managing stress. Nothing will help if we cannot do that.
I had like almost 4 years without any problem but last week it is back again after a very stressful period. The LDL level in my blood is higher than ever, so I believe it is definetly related with Gastridis because it was normal a year ago. I am really upset because I was kind of keeping my healthy lifestyle with small escapes. I admit those escapes were high last month but the major trigger was the stress.
The doctor gave me same prescription. I donât use the drugs for more than a month. I try to heal it by myself afterwards.
The things that I am doing which I believe help are;
– Drinking warm water in the morning
– One tea spoon of Manuka honey after the water,
– very light breakfast, just a slice of low fat cheese
– drinking kefir in between
– banana and strawberry
– herbal teas with a tea spoon of chestnut honey
– tried mastiha capsules from mastihashop.com and believe it helps
– crude levant storax and bitter melon also helps
No need to mention that taking Vitamin C, B12, D and folic acid is important.
Never leave your stomach empty.
Hope we all recover quickly from this injury…
Fingers crossed
J.D. Moyer
Thanks for sharing Selman. I hope you have a swift and full recovery. Recently I’ve resumed my nightly meditation practice and it does really help me control stress levels and clear my mind. When I was in constant pain it was hard to sit still, so I got out of the habit.
Susan
This was so full of useful information and very similar to what I’m going through currently, I could have written it myself.
Thank you for writing it and putting it out there. I hope you have since recovered some more. I will take some of your advice and use it gladly. The only thing I would add would be to perhaps try Accupuncture for inflammation, massage and essential oils for inflammation are useful too. I also found glycine to be a good stomach soother and taken at night can help you sleep more soundly.
Thank you and good luck.
SjT
Kate
Hi J.D, I’m so happy I found this blog! I’m going through reactive gastritis as well, I’ve actually had very low-grade chronic inflammation in my stomach for 2 years, when it flares up and goes away very quickly, but after a month of constant drinking very hot tea with half-and-half it escalated to something way worse. I’m too trying to deal with it naturally, but sometimes taking PPIs, I’ve been off them already for like couple weeks but ate wrong foods and provoked it again. The DIET is crucial.
I’ll share what might be helpful apart from everything that was already mentioned: Sucralfate – it’s an Rx drug which coats the stomach lining, it acts almost like DGL but somewhat stronger. It is helpful, although has side effects like gas. I try using it only once a day.
Another thing that works for me is Bee Propolis powder, it soothes my stomach incredibly well. I try taking supplements like Slippery Elm and Propolis powder on empty stomach before bed, because if I take them even a couple hours before a meal they tend to suppress my stomach acid so much that I get severe indigestion and heartburn.
It’s so good to know that somebody else had the same problem I’m currently having and successfully recovered from it. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
J.D. Moyer
I hope you have a swift recovery! I’ve never tried bee propolis before … interesting. I wrote about some other supplements that helped me in this post:
https://www.jdmoyer.com/2019/01/15/no-more-fish-oil/
Christopher Iengo
I recently had a gastritis attack so painful in my stomach n in my back couldnt even sleep so I called my doc rite away he said to take charco (made frm charcoal) rite away it took like 2 hrs cause I was already in pain then it finally worked had too continue pills for 4 days straight twice a day 2 pills till I felt better n it worked felt back too myself he also said certain fruit,broccoli n avocado which seals n heals stomach. I’ve been social drinking alot n had recently balsmic vinegar on food my doc said I got such a bad attack cause of alcohol mostly too much of it n the balsmic vinegar is no good neither they all have too much acid for stomach lining. I’m a healthy guy n with this condition n reflux n my heavy weekend drinking I know now too fix the problem n feel better n stop alcohol n cont eating n drinking correctly. I now even feel better n stronger I’m 46 guess time for change. Also cranberry juice, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peach,almond milk ,chamomile n green teas with honey only,no caffeine n ull start doing better .
Anonymous
Hi J.D.,
Thanks for your article – just stumbled across it and very helpful!
I am going through the same thing as you did – very similar symptoms. I have mild gastritis and acid reflux. Can you share what you normally ate on a daily basis. I am keen to know what your diet was like. Was there anything you ate every day which helped and was there anything you avoided (apart from spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, highly acidic foods).
Cheers
Mel