Home Remedies for Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The inflammatory lesions may be either acute or chronic. Gastritis is actually the medical term for almost any stomach upset, sometimes also referred to as gastroenteritis.

Gastritis refers to a common inflammatory digestive condition that affects the stomach lining but is not a disease in itself. It is a health condition that could be brought on by some other disease as a symptom or it could have various other causes. Gastritis is characterized by the development of severe cramping or pain in the stomach or upper abdomen. This symptom of gastritis is often referred to as dyspepsia. Gastritis may be of two types, with the sudden and brief occurrence of gastritis referred to as acute gastritis, while the more persistent variety of the condition is referred to as chronic gastritis. Chronic gastritis may be present because of another health condition. Gastritis or stomach upsets that develop due to the consumption of alcohol or certain medications like aspirin are classified as acute gastritis. The symptoms that point to acute gastritis can be worrying in children, but treatment with natural methods should suffice. On the other hand bacterial infections caused by bacteria like Helicobacter pylori cause infections of the stomach that may result in chronic gastritis. Chronic gastritis may also be due to conditions like peptic ulcers, but it should also be noted that chronic gastritis can cause a development of ulcers over time. Chronic gastritis treatment should never be neglected as it can also increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. Do not attempt to treat even mild chronic gastritis with natural treatments or chronic gastritis remedies alone, as you would need medical advice for an accurate diagnosis in the first place.

Gastritis is one of the most common of all medical conditions, for which help is sought, with up to 10% of all visits to hospitals with abdominal pain being diagnosed as gastritis.

In most cases where there is no serious underlying condition gastritis diet treatment should suffice, providing relief from gastritis symptoms and helping cure the infection.

Gastritis Symptoms

Loss of Appetite

The main symptoms of gastritis are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. There is pain and discomfort in the region of the stomach.

Coated Tongue, Bad Breath

Other symptoms are a coated tongue, foul breath, bad taste in the mouth, increased flow of saliva, scanty urination, a general feeling of uneasiness, and mental depression. In more chronic cases, the patient complaints of heartburn and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, especially after meals. Often there is constipation, but occasionally, there may be diarrhoea due to intestinal catarrah.

Keep in mind that the gastroenteritis symptoms may not always reveal the true extent of physical changes and damage to the lining of the stomach. An examination conducted with an endoscope, using a tiny camera can help doctors examine the stomach lining for an accurate diagnosis. At times severe gastritis may be present without the symptoms developing, while in other cases symptoms of severe gastritis may surface despite only minor changes to the stomach lining. Elderly individuals need to be particularly cautious as symptoms are less likely to develop in them, with there being no nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain and they may simply take ill without warning, experiencing internal bleeding.

The appearance of pain, abdominal cramps or great uneasiness in the region of the upper abdomen would be the most general symptom of gastritis. Gastritis pain usually tends to appear in the left upper region of the stomach and back. This pain appears to radiate through and through. The pain from gastritis is often described as burning or a feeling of soreness; this pain could however be sharp and stabbing.

Some other symptoms of gastritis that may not be taken too seriously include:

Frequent belching that does not help relieve the abdominal pain, but may relieve it temporarily.

Depending on how severe the stomach inflammation is there may appear clear or greenish or yellow vomit. There may also be blood in the vomit.

Other symptoms of gastritis would include the ones mentioned below:

• Belching: This would not commonly relieve any pain. If it does, it would do so only for a short period.

• Vomiting and Nausea: The vomit would appear green, yellow or clear, blood-streaked, or completely bloody. This would also depend on how severe is the inflammation of the stomach.

• The sensation of bloating and fullness is another common experience for gastritis patients. There may also be some feeling of burning in the area of the upper belly.

In cases of gastritis that are severe there may also be bleeding in the stomach and you may notice other symptoms like these:

• There may be a loss of color, increased perspiration and a heavy and rapid heart beat

• The patient would probably experience shortness of breath and a feeling of faintness.

• In addition to the severe abdominal pain there may also be some chest pain.

• Severe or chronic gastritis may cause the vomiting of significant quantities of blood.

• There may also be traces of blood in bowel movements. Besides one may also notice the stools to be dark and sticky, smelling exceedingly foul.

These symptoms of severe gastritis will not necessarily develop gradually but there could be a sudden onset of these dramatic symptoms, particularly in those past the age of 60.

Gastritis Causes

Irregular or Excessive Eating

The most frequent cause of gastritis is a dietetic indiscretion such as habitual overeating; eating of badly combined or improperly cooked foods; excessive intake of strong tea, coffee, or alcoholic drinks; or habitual use of large quantities of condiments and sauces.

Worry, Anxiety

Other causes include worry, anxiety, grief, and prolonged tension, use of certain drugs, strong acids, and caustic substances.

Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders are the main cause of gastritis troubles. Improper bowel movements can be treated with the aid of balanced diet to treat severe gastritis. Have a sigh of relief with the treatment of gastritis.

Bacterial Infection

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria most commonly found to be responsible for chronic gastritis. The bacteria are thought to be present in most of us and believed to be widely passed on, but it does not cause any health problems in most cases. In some cases however it may cause severe damage to the stomach lining, breaking down its inner protective. The reasons for which these bacteria affect some people while others remain unaffected is not clearly understood. It is likely that other causes like stress could make one more vulnerable to the infection.

Regular or Prolonged Use of Pain killers

The regular use of pain killers and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs can cause either acute or chronic gastritis.

Alcohol

The excessive consumption of alcohol can cause severe irritation to the stomach lining, damaging it and leaving it vulnerable to infections with a high likelihood of gastritis developing. Occasional or rare consumption of excessive alcohol is however more likely to cause acute gastritis. Bile reflux diseases may also cause gastritis as bile may flow into the stomach instead of into the small intestine. This could cause inflammation and a condition of chronic gastritis.

One of the other common causes of gastritis may be autoimmune diseases wherein your body’s immune system attacks cells of the stomach lining itself. Certain connective tissue disorders or specific medical conditions like Crohn’s disease and AIDS may also cause the growth of chronic gastritis.

Home remedies for Gastritis

Gastritis treatment using Coconut

Coconut water is an excellent remedy for gastritis. It gives the stomach the necessary rest and provides vitamins and minerals. The stomach is greatly helped in returning to a normal condition if nothing but coconut water is given during the first twenty-four hours.

Gastritis treatment using Rice

Rice gruel is another excellent remedy for acute cases of gastritis. One cup of rice gruel is recommended twice daily. In chronic cases where the flow of gastric juice is meagre, such foods as require prolonged vigorous mastication are beneficial as they induce a greater flow of gastric juice.

Gastritis treatment using Potato

Potato juice has been found valuable in relieving gastritis. The recommended dose is half a cup of the juice, two or three times daily, half an hour before meals.

Gastritis treatment using Marigold

The herb marigold is also considered beneficial in the treatment of gastritis. An infusion of the herb in doses of a tablespoon may be taken twice daily.

Gastritis Diet

Fasting, Water

The patient should undertake a fast for two of three days or more, depending on the severity of the condition. He should be given only warm water to drink during this period. This will give rest to the stomach and allow the toxic condition causing the inflammation to subside.

All-Fruit Diet

After the acute symptoms subside, the patient should adopt an all-fruit diet for the next three days and take juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches, and melons.

Avoid Alcohol, Tobacco, Spices, Meat, Sweet, Strong Tea/Coffee

The patient should avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco, spices and condiments, meat, red pepper, sour foods, pickles, strong tea and coffee. He should also avoid sweet, pastries, rich cakes, and, aerated waters.

Have Curd and Cottage Cheese

Yoghurt and cottage cheese should be used freely. Too many different foods should not be mixed at the same meal. Meals should be taken at least two hours before going to bed at night. Eight to ten glasses of water should be taken daily but water should not be taken with meals as it dilutes the digestive juices and delays digestion. Above all, haste should be avoided while eating and meals should be served in a pleasing and relaxed atmosphere.

Well-Balanced Diet

He may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Other Gastritis Treatment

Warm-Water Enema, Dry-Friction

From the commencement of the treatment, a warm-water enema should be used daily for about a week to cleanse the bowels.The patient should be given dry friction and a sponge daily.

Application of Heat with a Hot Compress or Hot Water Bottle

Application of heat with a hot compress or hot water bottle, twice a daily, either on an empty stomach or two hours after meals, will also be beneficial.

Avoid Hard Physical, Mental Work, Worries

The patient should not undertake any hard physical and mental work.He should avoid worries and mental tension.

Breathing Exercises are Essential

He should, however, undertake breathing and other light exercises like walking, swimming, and golf.

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Home Remedies for Gingivitis

Gingivitis also known as bleeding gums is the inflammation of gums due to bad oral hygiene. It is one of the periodontal diseases that affect the tissues surrounding teeth and gums. If not treated in time then gingivitis can lead to more serious gum problems like periodontitis and may eventually lead to the destruction of bone and tooth loss. You may already have gingivitis and may not know it because early stage gum diseases are seldom painful.

Gingivitis is a form of gum inflammation that is rather common and is often the beginning of gum disease or periodontal disease. Gingivitis often represents the onset of bacterial growth in the mouth and if the condition is neglected or not treated appropriately it could progress steadily to cause tooth loss due to deterioration and destruction of the tissue surrounding the teeth. Keep in mind that although gingivitis may precede periodontitis, it is not necessary for gingivitis to always be indicative of, or progress to periodontitis.

Gingivitis takes shape in the beginning with the buildup of bacteria in plaque, causing inflammation and reddening of the gums. The gums may become susceptible to bleeding because of the severity of inflammation and this may be particularly problematic when brushing the teeth. In the early stages of gingivitis the teeth are unlikely to be loose or shaky as they are still firmly planted since there is not much chance of any irreversible bone or tissue damage.

It is extremely important that a gingivitis infection is picked on early enough and diagnosed and treated properly in a prompt manner. Gingivitis symptoms should never be neglected for the simple reason that gingivitis treatment can be quite effective in these initial stages, helping to prevent any advancement to periodontitis. In periodontitis there may be some amount of separation of the gums from the bones, and the pulling away of the bones allows for the accumulation of debris in the gaps allowing for infections. Although your immune system may fight the bacteria as the plaque spreads and begins to extend beyond the gum line, the process is only slowed down, but this gradual destruction is not reversible. Moreover the effects of your immune response extend beyond the bacteria.

To elaborate, it should be pointed out that good enzymes that are released because of immunity don’t just fight off bacteria but they also start to break down the bone and connective tissue holding the bone in place. This gradual deterioration of the teeth and tissues is therefore caused by toxins or poisons released by bacteria as well as by your immune response to those bacteria. Over time the extent of the deterioration quite naturally increases and these pockets begin to increase with the extent of tissue and bone loss also increasing. Eventually the teeth become lose and fall out. Gingivitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and in most cases treating gingivitis or periodontitis promptly would suffice to avert such outcomes. Treating gingivitis naturally at home can help to some extent but the relief is for the most part symptomatic. During pregnancy when treatment options are limited however treating gingivitis with home remedies for gingivitis may be necessary and medical treatment from your dentist may be deferred till later. In all other circumstances however treatment should begin at the earliest.

Gingivitis Symptoms

The signs of gingivitis are not very hard to recognize, but it would be impossible for a lay person to correctly identify the cause of inflammation or bleeding, or any other symptom you might be experiencing. Your dentist would be most capable of making an accurate assessment of the symptoms of gingivitis and would recommend the appropriate treatment for gingivitis.

• Inflammation, swelling, redness and pain or possible bleeding of the gums are some of the most common signs of gingivitis.

• Gingivitis also causes bad breath or halitosis that would be impossible to miss.

• Gingivitis is also likely to cause some kind of discoloration of the gums and structural changes. The gums may show signs of receding and could appear to be reddened and inflamed rather than the healthy pink color they normally have. Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down or clench your teeth could be noticeable and for those who wear dentures you may notice changes in the way the dentures fit.

• The gums may not cause any pain but may be tender and painful when touched.

• Your gums would be a lot weaker and you would probably notice that they are a lot more susceptible to trauma, bleeding very often when brushing your teeth.

• In the more advanced stages the formation of pockets between the gum and teeth may be quite pronounced and easily noticeable, because of the state of deterioration of gum tissue and bone.

• The bone and gum tissue loss will also cause the teeth to become loose or shift.

Painful gums, bleeding while brushing, red gums, swollen gums, tender gums, bad breath and bad taste in mouth are some of the symptoms of gingivitis.

Causes for Inflammation of Gums

It is caused by local irritants. Plaque, bacteria and food particles accumulating between the gums and the teeth cause gingivitis. Although these accumulations may be very small, the toxic chemicals produced by the bacteria in them causes the inflammation of gums.

Other Causes

Besides plaque, some other reasons for gingivitis are drugs, viral and fungal infections, hormonal changes during pregnancy and puberty, poor nutrition, medication and so on.

Gingivitis Causes

When you talk about the possible gingivitis causes the first one that comes to mind is the buildup of plaque deposits. Plaque is a stick kind of debris that builds up on the teeth from deposits of food, bacteria and mucus that accumulate on the exposed areas of tooth and it is the primary cause of tooth decay. The most effective method of controlling the problem is through proper dental care, which would involve brushing the teeth, gargling, and cleaning the tongue. Failure to control plaque buildup will result in the formation of tartar, which is a hardened deposit towards the base of the tooth. Plaque and bacteria cause inflammation to the gums and a weakening of the teeth. In addition the release of bacteria and toxins from plaque or tartar further aggravates or irritates the gums causing gingivitis.

Injury to the gums from trauma, which could even include brushing or flossing the teeth too vigorously, may also cause gingivitis.

Misaligned or broken teeth, ill fitted fillings or poorly fitted and badly designed braces or dentures can also cause severe irritation to the gums and may also lead to infection or simply increase the risk of developing gingivitis.

Certain medications like birth control pills and phenytoin are also known to aggravate or increase the risk of gingivitis.

Hormonal changes may also make you susceptible to gingivitis because of increased sensitivity of the gums during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty.

Smoking and poor oral hygiene greatly increase the risk of developing gingivitis.

Certain diseases like HIV, diabetes and cancer or even seemingly harmless problems like a dry mouth can also contribute to the development of gingivitis.

Remedies for Swelling in the Mouth

Use of products made from essential oils helps cure gingivitis.

Gargle twice a day by a home made saline solution by putting a pinch of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. This will reduce the swelling in your mouth.

Rub your gums with clove oil or you can also keep one or clove in your mouth.

Use anti bacterial mouth wash to reduce the swelling on the gums.

Other Remedies

Use mouthwash containing sage oil, peppermint oil, menthol, chamomile tincture etc Use toothpaste containing sage oil, peppermint oil etc.

Take Vitamin C Rich Diet

Gingivitis patients should consume low saturated fats. They must include lots of fresh fruits, and vegetables in their diet. They must eat a diet rich in fiber. People deficient in Vitamin C are at increased risk for periodontal disease. They must take Vitamin C supplements to improve the gum health. Eating vitamin C rich foods is beneficial. Avoid sugar, fruit juices, white flour, white rice, soft drinks, and syrups.

Visit Dentist

Once you are sure that you are suffering from gingivitis you must see your dentist. He will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, remove the plaque etc. Once treated, oral hygiene is very important to prevent gingivitis from re-occurring. Floss your mouth every time you eat something. Avoid stress because it contributes to plaque accumulation.

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Home Remedies for Halitosis

Halitosis may seem to be trivial issue and it isn’t life threatening, but it is certainly no laughing matter. Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath and this can be quite serious as a social problem and thereby give rise to psychological disorders. Halitosis can cause extremely embarrassing situations in social interactions and relationships at work and in your personal life as well. Halitosis can be extremely damaging to an individual’s self esteem and confidence giving rise to severe depression and isolation. Individuals who suffer from halitosis tend to avoid interactions for fear of embarrassment and to avoid any awkward interactions. There are therefore a lot of misgivings about halitosis and bad breath. Very often an individual may be blissfully ignorant about the condition but could cause discomfort to those around. Part of the reason for the unpleasant social status of the condition could be attributed to the fact that most of us tend to assume that poor dental hygiene is the cause for the condition.

While bad breath or halitosis may be caused by poor dental hygiene and can certainly be aggravated by it, this is not the only cause, and many a time an individual may suffer from halitosis despite maintaining a stringent dental care routine. No matter what the cause the unpleasant odor can generally be attributed to a bacterial build up in the mouth. Bacteria exist in the mouth even in healthy individuals and they do interact with food residue or debris in the mouth producing a foul odor. This becomes a problem when the bacterial population begins to increase dramatically.

Bad breath may also be caused as a result of some other medical condition and may even be aggravated or caused by poor eating habits and food choices or an unhealthy lifestyle. Conditions like liver or kidney disorders may cause halitosis, which is why if bad breath remedies and other home treatments do not produce any results you should get medical attention.

Bad Breath Cure or Home Remedy for Bad Breath

Halitosis refers to foul or bad breath, which is not an uncommon condition. Unfortunately, most people who offend in this respect are completely unaware of their problem. Bad breath usually originates from the mouth and the intensity or severity of the problem may vary during the day depending on the type of foods consumed. Certain foods like garlic and onions or red meat and fish can severely aggravate the problem, and smoking or alcohol consumption can also aggravate it greatly. Bad breath can also be caused by dryness of the mouth, which is why individuals who do not consume adequate water may suffer from halitosis. Very often the problem may be present only in the morning because the inactivity and lack of oxygen in the mouth during the night could cause the odor to worsen. It generally reduces after rinsing the mouth or brushing the teeth. It’s therefore quite hard to prevent bad breath in the early morning or for that matter even when fasting. Chronic bad breath is however a persistent problem that should be treated with medical care.

Halitosis can affect absolutely anyone irrespective of age or gender. The problem does tend to be quite common in the aged because tooth decay generally advances with age. But tooth decay is again not a restrictive condition and could affect anyone. In addition halitosis has many other causes. Halitosis in children is in fact not uncommon, because of unhealthy eating habits and poor dental care. Bad breath remedies for children should therefore primarily focus on good dental care and healthy eating habits. In mild cases, treating halitosis at home will be quite simple but if unresponsive halitosis treatment should be sought from your doctor.

Halitosis Symptoms

Bad Breath

The most obvious sign of bad breath is when you smell your own breath! Put a handkerchief or even blow on your palm and smell. If the smell is odorous, you have bad breath.

Self diagnosis is off course not very effective at most times as experts believe that acclimatization hampers detection of halitosis symptoms. For this reason it may be wise to confide in a trusted family member to make the diagnosis and to detect whether the emanating odor originates from the mouth or nose.

Another symptom of halitosis that could actually be the cause of the problem is dryness of the mouth. If you experience noticeable dryness of the mouth or observe a coating on the tongue there is a good chance that you suffer from halitosis.

Halitosis Causes

Diseased Gums, Dental Decay

The most common cause of bad breath (halitosis) is diseased gums. Dental decay at the roots of the teeth may result in abscesses in the gums with foul-smelling pus, giving an objectionable odour to the breath. Even small holes in the teeth may provide a place where germs can multiply and release foul odours.

Conditions of Nose, Throat and Respiratory Tract

Other causes of bad breath are conditions of the nose, throat, respiratory tract, or stomach which are associated with chronic infection or local upsets of one sort or another, such as chronic tonsillitis, lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis, chronic gastritis, and sinusitis which causes a discharge at the back of the throat. Many cases of bad breath, however, are caused by gastro-intestinal disorders, intestinal sluggishness and particularly by chronic constipation.

Halitosis Causes

Bad breath or halitosis causes are typically attributed to bacterial activity in the mouth that causes a release of chemical molecules that contain sulfur. A high protein diet can aggravate the problem as these chemicals are released from bacterial activity on protein.

Smoking

Smoking is known to be a common cause for halitosis and can also aggravate the problem. This may also be because of the increased risk of gum disease from smoking.

Diet

You may also need to be careful about your diet as there are certain foods like garlic, onion and some strong spices like cumin that can contribute to the problem. Protein rich foods, particularly foods like red meat, fish and cheese may also contribute to halitosis. Low carbohydrate diets are also known to aggravate or contribute to the problem of bad breath. Crisp and hard foods like chips often tend to get lodged in the mouth and if you don’t brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly enough it would increase bacterial activity and decay.

Dry Mouth

Dryness of the mouth may be caused by various factors including certain illnesses. At other times simply not drinking enough water can cause dryness of the mouth, which will result in halitosis. In such a scenario it is important that you increase your fluid intake with water and fresh fruit juices. Chewing on sugar free chewing gums will also help to stimulate saliva production, which will help neutralize bacterial activity and the consequent tooth decay.

Dental Wear

Dentures or dental appliances may very well be part of the problem as it is common for food debris to get lodged in braces or other appliances, particularly if not cleansed properly. Dentures that have been poorly fitted can also cause abrasions or sores in the mouth that may result in localized infections resulting in halitosis. Certain medical conditions and drugs may also cause halitosis to develop like diabetes or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Home remedy for bad breath (Halitosis)

Halitosis Treatment using Fenugreek

Among the several home remedies for halitosis, the use of fenugreek has proved most effective. A tea made from the seeds of this vegetable should be taken regularly for correcting the condition. This tea is prepared by putting one teaspoon of seeds in half a litre of cold water and allowing it to simmer for fifteen minutes over a low flame. It should then be strained and used as tea.

Halitosis Treatment using Avocado

Another effective remedy for bad breath is avocado, which is far superior to any mouth lotion or remedies for this condition. It effectively removes intestinal putrefaction or decomposition which is one of the most important causes of bad breath.

Halitosis Treatment using Guava

Unripe guava is useful in halitosis. It is rich in tannic, malic, oxalic, and phosphoric acids as well as calcium, oxalate, and manganese. Chewing it is an excellent tonic for the teeth and gums. It helps cure bleeding from gums and stops bad breath. Chewing tender leaves of guava tree also stops bleeding from gums and bad breath.

Halitosis Treatment using Parsley

Parsley is a valuable Cure for bad breath. Two cups of water should be boiled and several sprigs of parsley, coarsely chopped, should be steeped in this water along with two or three whole cloves or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. This mixture should be stirred occasionally while cooling. It should then be strained and used as a mouthwash or gargle several times a day.

Halitosis Treatment using Raw Juices

All fruit and vegetable juices are beneficial in the treatment of halitosis and should be taken liberally by those suffering from this disorder. Juices from green vegetables are especially valuable.

Halitosis Diet

A Well Balanced Diet

Patients suffering from halitosis should take a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits, with emphasis on raw and cooked vegetables, and fruits. In case of constipation, all measures should be adopted for its eradication. The patient should avoid refined carbohydrate foods, such as white sugar; white bread and products made from them, as well as meat find eggs.

Other Suggestions for Halitosis

Other Bad Breath Treatment

The teeth should be cleaned twice a day, especially before going to bed at night. Meat particles should be removed carefully with toothpicks. In case of decaying teeth and swollen and bleeding gums, a dentist should be consulted. Munching a raw apple or guava after lunch removes most of the trapped particles. The use of the twigs of the margosa (margosa) tree as a toothbrush is the best method of cleaning the teeth.

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