#258 Heartburn, Gastritis, Reflux Disease; How food and lifestyle can help manage symptoms and treat the underlying cause with Dr Rupy Aujla
Jul 31, 2024
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Dr. Rupy Aujla, an expert in integrative health, dives into the world of gastritis and its management through food and lifestyle changes. He explains the symptoms and causes of gastritis, emphasizing the role of Helicobacter pylori and dietary choices. Listeners learn about protective eating habits and specific foods to avoid, along with alternative therapies like herbal remedies. Dr. Aujla also shares valuable strategies, including stress-reduction techniques and personal routines to alleviate heartburn and reflux symptoms.
Understanding the causes and symptoms of gastritis, including potential serious conditions, is crucial for effective management and intervention.
Lifestyle choices, such as avoiding irritants and practicing protective eating habits, significantly impact gastritis management and overall digestive health.
Combining medications with herbal remedies and establishing a tailored daily routine can lead to better symptom control and improved well-being.
Deep dives
Understanding Gastritis
Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, which can present in both acute and chronic forms. Acute gastritis may occur suddenly and last for a short time, while chronic gastritis can develop over longer periods and frequently features symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite. Various factors can contribute to gastritis, including infections from Helicobacter pylori bacteria, prolonged use of irritant medications like NSAIDs, and excessive alcohol consumption. Consequently, recognizing gastritis symptoms and understanding their potential underlying causes is crucial for effective management.
Red Flag Symptoms to Watch For
Certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition beyond gastritis that warrants immediate medical attention. Red flags include severe or persistent stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and the presence of blood in stool or vomit. These symptoms should prompt a consultation with a healthcare professional, as they may signal issues like tumors or ulcers that require intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and protect the digestive system's health.
Lifestyle Factors Impacting Gastritis
Lifestyle choices play a significant role in managing gastritis symptoms and promoting overall digestive health. Some potential irritants include smoking, spicy or fried foods, alcohol, and irregular eating habits, such as late-night meals or rapid eating. Adopting protective habits, like allowing sufficient time between meals and engaging in light post-meal walks, can help alleviate symptoms. By identifying and mitigating triggers, individuals can create a conducive environment for their stomach lining to heal and reduce inflammation.
Approaches to Medication and Herbal Remedies
While various medications can provide relief from gastritis symptoms, it is important to address the root causes rather than solely relying on short-term solutions. Common treatments include antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but these should not be used long-term due to potential side effects and complications. Herbal remedies, such as ginger, turmeric, and probiotics, can also offer benefits for gastrointestinal health, but evidence supporting their effectiveness is still emerging. Combining lifestyle changes with medication and herbal treatments can create a comprehensive approach for managing gastritis.
Creating a Gastritis-Friendly Routine
Establishing a daily routine tailored for gastritis can significantly improve symptoms and overall well-being. Prioritizing hydration, consuming fiber-rich foods, and engaging in stress-reduction activities like diaphragmatic breathing can support digestive health. Additionally, keeping a food diary to track symptoms and dietary triggers can guide dietary adjustments. Integrating gradual lifestyle changes, such as mindful eating practices and regular meal patterns, empowers individuals to take control of their gastritis management and enhance their quality of life.
If you’ve suffered heartburn, reflux, bloating, indigestion, stomach pain or nausea, this is the episode for you. Today we’re giving you an integrative approach to help with gastritis – combining pharmaceuticals with lifestyle and alternative tools.
I’ll be talking though
Causes, symptoms and medications for gastritis and when to see a doctor
What specific lifestyle factors can influence gastritis
Foods to eat and avoid
Protective eating habits
Herbal/alternative therapies
And my gastritis routine i.e. what I would do every day if I had symptoms and wanted to control them
A special thanks to our research team at Doctor’s Kitchen, our science writer Sakina Okoko and GP and CEO of Culinary Medicine, Dr Sumi Baruah helped out hugely with this episode. My sincere thanks to them both for helping review multiple sources of information including patient information websites, NHS clinical summaries and academic papers reviewing lifestyle and herbal remedies.
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