How to treat gastritis involves medications like omeprazole or pantoprazole along with diet changes that help reduce stomach irritation. It is often recommended to eat smaller portions throughout the day and avoid seasonings, sauces, and hard-to-digest foods such as red meat, raw vegetables, and fried foods.
Some at-home remedies may help ease gastritis symptoms by lowering stomach acidity, such as potato juice and aroeira tea. These options should be used only as a complement to the treatment plan recommended by a healthcare provider.
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, indigestion, burning, and frequent belching. It is important to consult a primary care provider or gastroenterologist for proper evaluation and guidance.
Treatment options
The main treatment options for gastritis include:
1. Pharmacy medications
The main medications used for gastritis include:
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Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, or lansoprazole, which lower acid production, allow the stomach lining to heal, and help reduce symptoms like pain, a burning sensation in the stomach, and frequent belching;
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Histamine H2-receptor antagonists, such as cimetidine, nizatidine, or famotidine, which reduce stomach acid production by binding to specific areas of the stomach lining;
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Antacids, which neutralize stomach acid, such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate;
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Antibiotics, mainly when H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) infection is identified, such as clarithromycin combined with amoxicillin or metronidazole.
These medications should be taken only under a healthcare provider’s supervision, as they may cause side effects such as kidney problems, headaches, diarrhea, constipation, or drowsiness.
2. Diet
Diet recommendations for gastritis include:
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Eat smaller portions at a time, about every 3 hours;
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Drink liquids only between meals;
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Choose foods that are baked, grilled, boiled, or steamed;
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Avoid foods that cause gas, such as beans, kale, and cucumber;
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Avoid seasonings, sauces, and flavor enhancers;
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Avoid all types of alcoholic, carbonated, or industrially processed drinks, including packaged juices;
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Avoid raw, high-fiber foods, such as raw vegetables, fruit peels, and whole grains;
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Avoid processed, high-fat foods, such as fatty cuts of red meat, fried foods, or processed meats;
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Avoid coffee, chocolate, black tea, and acidic fruits such as lemon, orange, or pineapple.
Foods that worsen gastritis symptoms can vary from person to person, so it is important to notice which foods trigger discomfort and avoid them.
Also recommended: Gastritis Diet: What to Eat & Avoid If You Have Gastritis or Ulcers tuasaude.com/en/diet-menu-for-gastritis-and-ulcer3. At-home remedies
Home remedies for gastritis are meant to complement medical treatment and help relieve symptoms by reducing stomach acidity and easing discomfort. Some may also support digestion, promote gastric emptying, and help fight H. pylori infection.
Some options for at-home remedies include potato juice, aroeira tea, banana and pear juice, and espinheira santa tea.
Possible complications
Complications of gastritis are more likely to occur in people who do not follow proper treatment, increasing the risk of developing a gastric ulcer. If left untreated, a gastric ulcer can further raise the risk of stomach cancer.
However, when treatment is followed as directed by a healthcare professional, gastritis can be fully cured.