Help for gastritis - Your Community Health Forum - Brief Article

LENA MOSSUTO from Pomona, Calif., asked about natural ways to relieve her gastritis.

LYNNE LILLIE from Kansas City, Mo., responded via email: For most stomach disorders, including those like gastritis that involve inflammation, I use slippery elm (Ulmus rubra). I take a teaspoon of the powdered herb dissolved in a cup of warm water as needed (sometimes several times a day). Its gelatinous properties coat my tender stomach lining, and the relief is almost immediate.

PAULA ZEVIN from Branchburg, N.J., responded via email: I was diagnosed with gastritis as a young adult, and my physician recommended that I give up raw foods and generally lower the fiber content of my meals. I've followed this doctor's advice for several years now. I cook or lightly cook all my fruits and vegetables. If I have a flare-up, I stop eating high-fiber foods like bell peppers and that usually calms the attack.

VIDA TRIVELPIECE from Clarks Summit, Pa., responded: Chewable licorice tablets (Glycyrrhiza glabra) work for me. I chew two tablets about 20 minutes before I eat and notice a difference immediately.

DEBRA MILNER from Sherman Oaks, Calif., responded via email: I would suggest drinking aloe juice (Aloe vets) to soothe the inflammation of your stomach lining. In addition, I would suggest DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), which will protect your stomach from harmful acids. Probiotics (found in yogurt and other fermented foods and in probiotic supplements) have also worked for me.

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