What is Gastritis - Health Conditions

What is Gastritis?

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What is gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, which can cause a great deal of irritation and discomfort.

Gastritis can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (occurs gradually over time), but the effects are basically the same - an irritated stomach lining that causes pain, sometimes quite severe. Severe pain normally indicates that there is quite a lot of damage of the stomach lining and this needs to be treated quickly to prevent further damage and complications.

If gastritis becomes too severe or does not heal properly, it can cause ulceration of the stomach lining, which eventually can erode the lining and cause a peptic (or gastric) ulcer, which is a more serious condition.

Facts about gastritis

Recurrent, long-term gastritis can develop into stomach cancer in some people
Gastritis can lead to severe ulceration and erosion of the stomach lining from the stomach acid if it is not treated
Sometimes gastritis can lead to the development of a peptic ulcer (an ulcer in the stomach)
It is estimated that around 50% of the world's population could be infected with higher than normal levels of the helicobacter pylori bacterium
Slippery elm powder, an excellent herb for gastritis, can interfere with the absorption of some medications so ensure the herb and medication are taken at least 2 hours apart
Many vitamins and minerals may not absorbed properly in people with gastritis so supplementation may be required
Mild gastritis may not even produce any symptoms, but it still needs to be treated

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Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 27 January 2009

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Slippery elm (glossary)
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Vitamin A (vitamins)
Vitamin B12 (vitamins)
Vitamin C (vitamins)
Vitamin E (vitamins)
Zinc (minerals)

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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