So you’ve got gastritis (or something like it) and you are wondering if there are any supplements you can take that may help you to alleviate those pesky symptoms. We’ve got you covered.
In this article we’ll discuss gastritis causes, and then we’ll take a look at the best supplements you can take to help gastritis symptoms.
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). The primary symptom of gastritis is a gnawing or burning or pain in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating. Nausea and vomiting are also symptoms, although these are less common.
What causes gastritis?
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 and the resulting pain and bloating can be really uncomfortable, and it can last anywhere from a few days to several months or longer. It’s usually caused by excessive stomach acid, often as a result of eating too much spicy food or drinking too much alcohol, but it can also occur from taking certain medications, like NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin It may also be caused by an 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.
Best Supplements For Gastritis
Ok, so if you think you are experiencing the symptoms of gastritis, you may be wondering if there are any supplements you can safely take to help alleviate symptoms. Below is a list of supplements you can try.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a powerful supplement that can help with gastritis symptoms. It may help relieve muscle cramps, which many people experience while suffering from gastritis, and may also reduce inflammation in your intestines.
Magnesium is a powerful muscle relaxant. It may also help relieve diarrhea and reduce inflammation of your intestinal tract. It is safe to take up to 400 milligrams a day, and many people find that they feel relief after taking as little as 200 milligrams.
As always, make sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplement—particularly if you are also using medication. Be aware that certain medications can interact with magnesium, leading to serious consequences.
Probiotics
Another great supplement that may help relieve symptoms of gastritis is probiotics. Probiotics are bacteria we ingest to aid digestion and boost overall health. they may help with gastritis, particularly if your gastritis is caused by an imbalance of the bad bacteria and good bacteria in your gut flora. Popular choices include Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Lactobacillus casei GG (LGG), and Saccharomyces boulardii.
Omega 3
Omega 3s can also be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of gastritis. A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that people who eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids have more bacterial diversity in the gut, which promotes better overall stomach health. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, may also help decrease inflammation in the stomach and gut.
It’s recommended to take 2g a day of fish oil, an omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in salmon and other types of fish, along with food. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 1 tablespoon once a day. It should be noted that people with heart disease shouldn’t take cod liver oil because it contains omega 3 fatty acids derived from fish, which could further aggravate any existing problems they may have with their heart.
B Vitamins
B Vitamins are a powerful supplement that may also help in reducing gastritis symptoms. A recent study found that atrophic gastritis was more common in individuals with B12 deficiency. Your digestive system needs vitamin B’s to create red blood cells and gain energy from food, and it is primarily vitamin B12 that is useful in boosting your gut health. If you experience digestive issues such as diarrhea, gastritis, nausea and/or cramping there is a good chance you may have a B12 deficiency.
It’s good to consume between 3 and 4 mg of B12 per day, which can be found in most high-quality multivitamins. Be sure to talk with your doctor about which dosage is right for you, especially if you take other supplements or medications regularly. Other B vitamins like folate and vitamin B6 have also been shown to reduce gastric acid secretion. Studies show both helped increase stomach mucus production, though it remains unclear how effective they really are as supplements for gastritis on their own.
Rooibos tea and Gastritis
Rooibos tea can also help alleviate symptoms of gastritis. Rooibos tee is a powerful antioxidant. And the number of antioxidants in a cup of rooibos tea can significantly reduce inflammation of the stomach lining and digestive track. Another way rooibos tea can help is that it acts as a powerful pain reliever. When it comes to pain relief, rooibos tea is far superior to acetaminophen, which can irritate your stomach lining and liver. If you’re suffering from gastritis, you should consider drinking more rooibos tea and taking less acetaminophen and ibuprofen, both of which are known to cause inflammation of the gut lining.
Conclusion
There is no single supplement that works for everyone. However, it is great to know that at least some supplements can help treat gastritis. If you continue to experience gastritis symptoms, consider speaking with your primary care physician. Thank you for reading this article, we hope you found it to be helpful.
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