Alternative Therapies for Gastritis and Stomach Ulcers

At one time, alternative therapies were the only treatments available to patients with gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or ulcers. When an ulcer was discovered, the patient immediately was placed on a bland diet (no spices, no salts), and drank an ounce of cream or milk every 30-60 minutes during the emergent phase of ulcer therapy.

After the immediate hospitalization was over, patients were told to continue their bland diets, along with not drinking any alcohol or caffeinated products. Anxiety was also something which contributed to the diagnosis of ulcers, so the patient was advised to relax and take it easy--not get excited about the small things. Golf may have been picked up at this time as a national pasttime, to provide a stress free environment and give the ulcer a chance to heal.

However, scientists now believe that the greater majority of ulcers and the concomittant gastritis is due to a bacteria: H. Pylori. Therefore, antibiotics are the treatment of choice.

Therefore, alternative therapies should not be the main thrust of treatment anymore, but used as an adjunct with traditional Medicine, to enhance the patient's over-all health.

What are those alternatives?

Diet:

Diet remains an adjunctive therapy. Limiting foods high in acids, such as coffee and/or other spices may enhance a protective environment. Additionally, alcohol needs to be limited as it irritates the stomach lining.

Ayurvedic Medicine:

Ayurvedic Medicine involves meditation. There are many forms of exercise which incorporates meditation, from Yoga, Tai Chi, Relaxation Exercises, to Prayer. This therapy probably works, as it inhibits the intrinsic nerve regulators such as adrenaline and acetylcholine which make or reduce stomach acid.

Nutritional Supplements and Herbs:

Zinc, Vitamin A and beta-carotene are felt by some to aid the stomach in repairing and rejuvenating the stomach lining. There are also many herbs though to stimulate the immune system, such as echinacea. When the immune system is strong, the body's own natural defense mechanicsm will help cells to repair and rejuvenate themselves. A caveat with supplements and herbs; please let your physician know, as some supplements and herbs may make the condition worse, or may interact with other medications your physician prescribes.

Over-all prognosis for ulcers/gastritis caused by H. Pylori is very good since the advent of H. Pylori's discovery. Traditional Medicine and Alternative Therapies both have a useful place in the over-all treatment plan.