Gastritis is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that involve inflammation of the protective lining in the stomach.  This inflammation is commonly attributed to an infection or some bacterium that causes stomach ulcers.  It is common for excessive the excessive use of pain medication and alcohol consumption to contribute to Gastritis.  This condition can appear suddenly or take time to develop.  Certain cases can lead to stomach ulcers or increase one's risk of stomach cancer, but Gastritis isn't lethal and it is possible to overcome quickly.  

People with Gastritis typically don't experience noticeable symptoms.  Some people may misinterpret a couple symptoms of Gastritis for other conditions or attribute them to viruses that are circulating.  If one experiences symptoms, the most common ones include:

• Nausea 
• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• A feeling of fullness in upper abdomen (especially after eating)
• Belching
• Bloating

When the stomach lining is weak, digestive juices can inflame or damage the lining, increasing your risk of developing Gastritis.  Gastrointestinal infections, the most common bacterial infection being Helicobacter pylori, also compromise the stomach lining.  If Gastritis is not caused by a bacterial infection, it is commonly caused by the excessive use of medications, alcoholism, prescription steroids, and occasionally chemotherapy treatments.  Other common causes can include:

• Drug use
• Age (because the stomach lining thins as you get older)
• Tobacco use
• High stress levels
• Digestive disorders (like Crohn's Disease)
• Viral infections
• Autoimmune disorders
• Swallowing chemicals or objects

• One of the best ways to naturally remedy Gastritis is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet.  The reason for this is to minimize the inflammation of the stomach lining and promote swifter recovery.  Certain foods that people eat can also worsen the condition and increase inflammation.  These foods include gluten, processed foods, sugary foods, dairy products, acidic foods, spicy foods, and alcohol.  Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods include flaxseeds, arugula, berries, turmeric, broccoli, chia seeds, garlic, almonds, ginger, and walnuts. 
• The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger work to sooth an upset stomach, while simultaneously reducing irritation in the stomach lining.  You can either chew on a peeled ginger knob, or make ginger tea by pouring boiling water over freshly sliced ginger root.  
• Many nutritionists suggest papaya for people with Gastritis.  Containing beneficial enzymes that assist with proper digestion, papayas help to calm inflammation in the gut.  You can add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon to your papaya to help better absorb the nutrients.  Yes, lemon juice contains citric acid, but a few drops won't upset your stomach.
• Probiotics are always your friends, but they come in handy when it comes to improving gut health and intestinal lining.  Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria that can help inhibit the H. pylori bacterium from spreading.  Since that is one strain of bacteria that can inflame the stomach lining, people with Gastritis can benefit from consuming kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, and fermented vegetables. 
• Certain juices contain vital nutrients that are beneficial for the stomach lining, and one of the best ones to consume is freshly made cabbage juice.  Containing vitamin U, which has been known to repair the stomach lining, cabbage juice is a great option to help reduce symptoms of Gastritis. 
• If you want to be on the mend from Gastritis, it is crucial to focus on controlling your portions.  Gastritis symptoms can be aggravated by the foods you eat and the amount of food you eat.  Be kind to the digestive system by consuming smaller meals throughout the day, so the digestive doesn't have to convert a large amount of food into energy and waste.  Focus on plant-based foods and avoid processed and pre-packaged foods, alcohol, cigarettes, and pain medications like aspirin to reduce the risk of Gastritis attack. 

• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Chia Seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Kombucha
• Kimchi
• Fermented vegetables
• Cabbage
• Berries
• Garlic
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Arugula