Gastritis is a common name for
all kinds of inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach, which is known as
the mucosa. It is characterized by severe stomach ailments like cramps in the
stomach, diarrhea and constipation and even blood with the stools.
Gastritis is a common condition today, affecting those of all ages.
H. pylori are a common
gastric pathogen that causes gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric
adenocarcinoma, and low-grade gastric lymphoma. Infection may be asymptomatic
or result in varying degrees of dyspepsia. The main cause of gastritis is
unhealthy food, which include junk foods, food cooked in adulterated oil and in
unhygienic condition. Other causes of gastritis are excess consumption of
caffeine, alcohol. Stress, depression, sorrow, pain, side effects of some
drugs, etc., are some other reasons. Certain diseases, such as pernicious
anemia, autoimmune disorders, and chronic bile reflux, can cause gastritis as
well.
Tests for gastritis are guided by the suspected cause of the
disorder and as suggested by the history, symptoms, and pattern of symptom
development. They may include various tests like Upper gastrointestinal
endoscopy, blood test, stool test etc. Gastric pathogen i.e. H. Pylori is
diagnosed by urea breathe test and testing of endoscopic biopsy samples.
Management of
Gastritis:
Ayurveda helps to prevent attacks by dietary regulations, daily
regimens, yoga that includes Asana, Pranayama and Meditation and a complete
Panchakarma (detoxification) i.e. The Panchakarma program will help you in
removing the toxins from your body and helps to improve your metabolism and
rejuvenation treatments to recover one self.
The following yoga asanas are just a few of the many poses that
can affect stomach problems, such as ulcers, by massaging the internal organs,
improving glandular functions, decreasing acid production, and reducing stress.
A regular hatha yoga practice (asana) in addition to a regular practice of deep
yogic breathing (pranayama) will promote faster healing of stomach ulcers and
general gastritis. Postures should be restorative or passive with emphasis on
the breath.
Asanas for Gastritis:
·
Lying Twists to Cleanse
the Digestive System and Improve Functioning
·
Markatasana (Spinal
Twist in lying position)
It is easiest to maintain an aligned and open spine in a supine
posture. There are many variations of lying twists: one or both knees may be
bent at a time, the legs may remain straight, or even be bound. Regardless of
the position of the legs, the chest should remain relaxed and open and the head
should turn in the opposite direction of the hips. Twists cleanse and massage
the stomach, releasing excess toxins, acidity, bile, and gas in the digestive
system.
When twisting so that the hips move to the left and gaze to the
right, the stomach is stretched open, increasing blood flow and healing energy
to the organ. When the hips move to the right and the gaze to the left in the
twist, the stomach is compressed and massaged; toxicity is released, acid
production is slowed, and cell regeneration is encouraged.
Inversions to Restore
Hormone Balance:
Inversions are wonderful for restoring the body's overall
hormonal balance and for toning all the internal organs by reversing the flow
of gravity. They also have a calming effect on the mind and can relieve anxiety
and stress. Except for cases of dangerous high blood pressure, physical
injuries of the head and spine, or menstruation, inversions are good for almost
any condition caused by stress or hormonal imbalance.
Headstand (Sirsasana):
Perform yoga headstand against a wall, with spotters, or alone
if proficient. Do a full headstand only if the body can relax in the posture and
the breath is not hindered or quickened.
A half headstand (ardha sirsasana) can be performed from a
tripod position (see image) with the knees resting on the elbows or with the
legs resting on a chair with the arms in a position most comfortable to the practitioner.
Half headstands are more restorative and are actually preferred for treatment
of peptic ulcers. What is important about the posture in regards to the stomach
is that the abdomen is inverted; the position of the legs has little effect.
Ardha Halasana/Sukha
Halasana (Half Plough/Easy Plough Pose):
Half Plough is preferred to a full plough in the case of gastric
problems as a deep forward fold sometimes stimulates the production of gastric
fluids, by stimulating the fire element in the body. In a shoulder stand with
the legs resting on a prop placed behind the head such as a chair, block, or
several bolsters, the abdomen remains relaxed, while the benefits of an
inversion and a gentle stretch along the vertebral column are still
experienced.
Passive Backbends Calm
the Nervous System and Increase Circulation in the Abdomen
Passive or supported backbends have the effect of:
1. Stretching and soothing the vagus nerve, which
controls peristaltic movement in the stomach, decreasing acid production
2. Increasing blood flow to the digestive organs.
They can be done on a full or empty stomach.
Supta Virasana
(Reclined Hero's Pose):
This pose, sometimes called the healing pose, has many
variations to accommodate the flexibility and joint conditions of the practitioner
(see image). Essentially, this is a backbend done with bent legs. The student
may be sitting on or between the heels and the pose may be done with back lying
on the floor or draped over pillows, bolsters, or blankets. The entire body
should be relaxed and comfortable. The low belly stretches open as well as the
area below and underneath the rib cage. The breath creates a deep massage in
this pose as the movement of the diaphragm and lungs is exaggerated. One may
place his hands over the sternum in anjali mudra (prayer) to stimulate the
thyroid gland in order to strengthen the body's immune system.
Supported Setu Bandha
Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose in Shoulder stand):
This is a bridge pose from the shoulders. This asana will have
similar affects as supta virasana, but without excessive pressure on the joints
and with the added benefits of a gentle inversion. Use a chair or prop of a
certain height and length such that the shoulders and the back of the head rest
comfortably on the floor and the torso rests on the chair or prop from the top
of the thoracic spine to the sacrum. Let the belly be relaxed an open with the
legs extended across props of equal height to the prop under the back. Breathe
deeply and fully from the belly to the collar bones. Spend five minutes or more
in this pose as long as it is comfortable.
Therapeutic yoga often speeds up the process of healing
initiated by medication and surgery. With continued practice, yoga can maintain
digestive balance and health, restoring and reinforcing the mind-body
connection
Pranayamas for
Gastritis:
·
Kapalabhati
·
Bhastrika
·
Anuloma viloma
Gastritis Diet:
Unhealthy food habit, lack of nutritional food is the major
cause of gastritis. Patient suffering from gastritis should keep fast for 3-4
days. He may be given warm water during these days. The main idea behind
keeping him abstain from food is the inflammation in the stomach will decrease
as all the toxic material inside the stomach will diminish.
Patient can also be given juicy fruits like grapes, apples,
oranges, water melons, etc., 2-3 times a day. Patient should survive on these
juicy fruits only, at least for 2-3 days. This fruit-diet gives fast relief and
detoxifies the stomach. Patient should realize very well that unhealthy food
habit, excess intake of alcohol and other drugs are the main cause of
gastritis, and they should not forget this.
Once patient start showing improvement, he can be given balanced
gastritis diet containing cereals, grams, green leafy vegetable, juicy fruits,
etc.
The diet for ulcers and gastritis is more or less similar. In
fact you should have foods that do not irritate the stomach lining when
suffering from the disorders of the stomach. Acidic and fried foods top the
list in foods that need to be avoided diet for gastritis sufferers. The
following is detail information on gastritis: foods to avoid and foods to eat.
Foods to Eat:
As mentioned above, foods containing acid is not allowed in the
gastritis diet. There are several natural foods that can be safely eaten when
suffering from this condition. One should note that these foods should be eaten
without frying, marinating; simply in their natural forms if possible.
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·
Fresh fruits
·
Wheat bran
·
Whole grain products
·
Unpolished rice
·
Pasta/macaroni
·
Noodles
·
Eggs
·
Fish/lean meat
·
Tofu
·
Herbal tea
·
Coconut water
·
Carrot/fruit juice
Foods to avoid:
Unfortunately the list of foods to avoid in the gastric diet is
a longer one. However, following this diet quickly is going to help you get rid
of this disease and recover earlier. Therefore, you need to avoid the following
foods:
·
Fatty and greasy foods
·
Tomatoes, tomato
juice, and other tomato based products
·
Cabbage, broccoli,
beans, fried meat and fried eggs
·
Peppermint,
chocolates, ice cream, cream, chips
·
Milk, butter, cream, cheese
and other dairy products
·
Cranberry juice and
other citrus juice
·
Alcohol, coffee and
other caffeine containing foods
·
Milk shakes, oils,
vegetable oils
In the liquid diet for gastritis, you need to include only plain
drinking water, herbal tea, coconut water, etc. and completely avoid coffee,
sodas and other soft drinks. Apart from this gastritis diet menu, you also need
to follow certain dietary habits that will help get rid of the symptoms of this
disease immediately. Firstly, you should have smaller meals rather than going
for the large ones as having excess foods can lead to indigestion. Secondly,
you should eat food slowly for proper digestion. Lastly, you should completely
stay away from hot, spicy and fried foods (especially at night). These foods
tend to irritate the stomach and cause indigestion and gastritis. One should
also note that it is essential to continue with these proper diet and food
habits even after you recover from the disease to prevent its recurrence.