TO YOUR HEALTH Managing Gastritis BY HELENA AMOS, M.AC., L.AC., EURO. PHYSICIAN
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With the impulse to indulge in comfort foods combined with the ex- cesses that come with holiday eating, the winter season is a good time to talk about gastritis. Gastritis is the inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which is the lin - ing of the stomach. This condition can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or develop gradually and linger over time (chronic gastritis). It can be a very painful and frustrating condition for individuals because of the varying degrees of discomfort they can experience from any number of triggers, namely eating, drinking, and hunger pain. However, as with all health concerns, the first step to managing gastritis is with greater understanding about its causes, symptoms and treatment options. To start, there are a variety of reasons gastritis may develop, includ- ing: ● SIBO small intestine bacterial overgrowth - The most common cause is Helicobacter pylori bacteria, also known as H. pylori. ● Alcohol or drug use - Excessive consumption of alcohol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain other medications can irritate the stomach lining. ● Autoimmune disorders - The immune system may mis- takenly attack the stomach lining. ● Stress - Physical stress from surgery, injury, or severe illness can also contribute. ● Other medical conditions - Certain diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, can affect the stomach lining. Despite how it manifests, gastritis is characterized by a set of symp - toms primarily targeting the body’s stomach and bowels. Symptoms can occur intermittently and might worsen during periods of stress or after certain foods or drinks. In cases of chronic gastritis, symptoms may be less pronounced, but can still lead to complications such as ulcers or increased risk for stomach cancer. Common symptoms of gastritis include: 1. Abdominal Pain - A dull ache or a sharp pain in the upper abdomen; may be more pronounced on an empty stomach. 2. Nausea and Vomiting - Sometimes with blood or material resembling coffee grounds. 3. Bloating - A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. 4. Indigestion - Discomfort or a burning sensation in the stom - ach, often after eating. 5. Loss of Appetite - May be due to discomfort or nausea. 6. Dark or Tarry Stools - This can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding and should be addressed promptly. 7. Fatigue - Chronic gastritis may lead to anemia due to pro- longed blood loss, which can cause fatigue or weakness. 8. Hiccups - Persistent hiccups may be a less common symp- tom. Gastric Pain: Where, When and How In cases of gastritis, pain is typically felt in the upper abdominal area, specifically in the region known as the epigastric area, which is located just below the ribcage in the center of the abdomen. The pain may be sharp, a dull ache, or a burning sensation. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the back, or be felt in the upper left or right parts of the abdomen; but it is primarily localized in the epigastric region. Pain symptoms can often be aggravated by certain foods or by eating
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Dr. Gennaro is a double board-certified physician with over 30 years of experience who is committed to providing both adults and children personalized, holistic care for those who wish to participate in their own health care. Dr. Gennaro combines cutting-edge medical expertise with warmth and compassion. She utilizes the following modalities to allow the body to naturally heal itself: ✽ herbs ✽ nutrients ✽ acupressure ✽ spiritual growth ✽ homeopathic detox ✽ mind-body techniques [Emotional Freedom Technique, Tapas Acupressure Technique, and The Emotion Code]
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20—PATHWAYS—Winter 24-25
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