Gastritis: soothing stomach inflammation and addressing underlying triggers
Stomach inflammation can cause pain, nausea, and digestive distress. The functional medicine approach focuses on soothing the gut lining, addressing triggers, and restoring balance for long-term relief.
Natural treatment for gastritis – how to treat gastritis holistically
The pain and discomfort of gastritis can be worrying and disruptive. Are you looking to heal your gastritis symptoms naturally, and effectively? This page covers:
Our functional medicine-trained naturopaths can help you regain healthy digestive function and enjoy natural, effective and long-term relief from gastritis.
What is gastritis?
Understanding your condition
Gastritis is where the stomach lining (gastric mucosa) becomes irritated, inflamed, swollen and frequently painful. It can occur suddenly and briefly (acute gastritis) or be ongoing (chronic gastritis), or occur as a consequence of another health condition.
Symptoms may include a burning sensation or pain in the upper abdomen often accompanied by burping, bloating, nausea and feelings of fullness after eating.
What is gastritis?
Understanding your condition
Gastritis is where the stomach lining (gastric mucosa) becomes irritated, inflamed, swollen and frequently painful. It can occur suddenly and briefly (acute gastritis) or be ongoing (chronic gastritis), or occur as a consequence of another health condition.
Symptoms may include a burning sensation or pain in the upper abdomen often accompanied by burping, bloating, nausea and feelings of fullness after eating.
Gastritis natural treatment
Many people with chronic gastritis are left frustrated by short-term treatments that produce unwanted side effects.
Thankfully, gastritis can be treated effectively, with safe, and natural treatments to manage not just the symptoms of gastritis but the cause and triggers underlying it. Our functional medicine practitioners can provide a safe, natural and effective gastritis treatment for lasting relief.
What are the most common symptoms of gastritis
Often described as indigestion, gastritis can present with some or all of the following symptoms:
- A burning sensation or pain in the upper abdomen/lower chest, which may get worse, or better with eating
- Pain radiating into the upper back
- Burping, belching
- Loss of appetite
- Hiccups
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting/vomiting blood
- Black, sticky stool (melaena)
- Or, some people experience no symptoms
Investigating the cause of these symptoms is important to rule out and ensure that more serious health conditions do not develop.
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What causes gastritis?
Common causes of gastritis are some medications, alcohol, smoking, microbiome dysbiosis, poor diet, autoimmunity, food allergies and intolerances, bacterial overgrowth, and poor digestion.
Gastritis can be associated with other health conditions such as rosacea, iron deficiency anaemia, B12 deficiency and pernicious anaemia and autoimmune conditions such as Type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Surprisingly, in recent research, it has been found that there is a declining incidence of infectious gastritis caused by bacterial H. pylori infection and an increase in autoimmune gastritis in western populations.
More common in older rather than younger age groups, there are a variety of causes and contributing factors of the stomach inflammation and irritation of gastritis, including:
- Poor diet / acid-forming foods
- Medications – Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, somac, naproxen
- Infections – including viral infections, gut infections
- Parasites – especially H. pylori – which has been shown to have a strong correlation with gastric ulcers, or Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, herpes simplex, anisakiasis or enterococcal infection(both are rare in Australia), cryptosporidium, Strongyloides stercoralis
- Alcohol – both excessive and long-term consumption
- Smoking
- Coffee and other caffeinated drinks
- Stress and anxiety
- Microbiome dysbiosis/antibiotic use
- Intestinal hyperpermeability
- SIBO, constipation, IBD (Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis), IBS
- Food allergies/intolerances
- Chronic bile reflux (backflow of bile into the stomach)
- History of Gastric Lymphoma
- History of pernicious anaemia
- Autoimmune conditions, e.g. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Type 1 diabetes or Crohn’s disease
- Stress
- Acid reflux
- Post-surgery
- B12 deficiency (autoimmune gastritis)
Left untreated, gastritis can lead to the following complications:
- Nutritional deficiencies, B12, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, folic acid (Vitamin B9) and magnesium – which can contribute to other health conditions
- Gastric/peptic ulceration (stomach or upper digestive system ulcers)
- Duodenal inflammation and ulcers
- Gastric/internal bleeding and iron deficiency anaemia
- Gastric perforation
- Atrophic gastritis – a condition where the secretory glands of the stomach become damaged by chronic inflammation and no longer produce gastric acid and enzymes necessary for digestion. Atrophic gastritis has been linked to the development of stomach cancer
- Lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)
- Gastric cancer
Gastritis treatment – the conventional approach
Your GP may first refer you to a gastroenterologist for examination and testing to exclude other causes, and look for signs of inflammation and irritation to the gastric lining. The gastroenterologist may perform:
Gastroscopy – A gastroenterologist may perform a gastroscopy (endoscopy), where under sedation a tiny camera on a long flexible tube is passed down the oesophagus and into the stomach to look for stomach inflammation, irritation or damage such as ulcers. A biopsy may be taken.
Blood tests – to check your red blood cell count, and your iron levels. This may indicate gastric blood loss.
Faecal occult blood test – to check for blood in the stool as a sign of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Breath test – testing for H. pylori can be revealed by the production of particular gas by-products and detected on the breath. Your GP can also arrange for this test.
Following this testing your GP may recommend dietary changes such as avoiding spicy or hot foods, and eliminating alcohol consumption and smoking as part of your treatment. They will recommend avoiding over the counter and prescribed anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen as they can aggravate gastritis. In addition, treatment will likely include medications such as:
- Antacids – either over the counter or prescribed, they neutralise stomach acid, providing symptomatic relief. Side effects can include diarrhoea and constipation and can inhibit the absorption of nutrients and minerals such as B12, calcium, magnesium and zinc. With reduced stomach acid – a necessary part of the innate immune system – ingested pathogens are not destroyed and can result in increased infections
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – directly block the production of hydrochloric acid by the stomach providing short-term relief, and may contribute to your risk of wrist, hip and spine fractures. Similar to antacids, they can also contribute to nutrient deficiencies and increased infections. Manufacturers recommend only short-term use of no more than 2 weeks at a time, and for no longer than 3 months of 2-week cycles
- H2 receptor antagonists – reduce the amount of acid released into the digestive tract and can reduce pain. As with other acid-reducing or neutralising medications, these too can contribute to nutrient deficiencies, increased fractures and infections
- Antibiotics – are often prescribed to treat H. pylori and whilst this may be successful, antibiotics are non-selective and, therefore, can create significant disruption to both the detrimental and the beneficial gut species
If gastritis is detected in asymptomatic patients (by chance) during endoscopy and provided there is no sign of H. pylori or other features, then no treatment may be given.
Many of these approaches simply mask the symptoms rather than provide lasting solutions. This is why many people with gastritis turn to functional medicine practitioners for more comprehensive treatment.
Gastritis – functional testing considerations
Our experienced functional medicine-trained naturopaths may use the following tests to help determine the factors contributing to your health picture:
- SIBO hydrogen/methane breath testing
- H. pylori test
- Food allergy, intolerance or sensitivities
- Gut microbiome testing – GI map, or GI 360
- Digestive function and nutrient absorption testing
- Testing for parasites such as Enterococcus, Klebsiella, H. pylori, E.coli
- Organic acid test (OAT)
- Other tests, such as those required for your specific symptoms
Treatment of gastritis – the functional medicine approach
Our practitioners will take a thorough case history, considering your full medical history, genetic and family history, diet and lifestyle. From there, a personalised treatment plan will be created which seeks to resolve the underlying factors involved in causing gastritis.
Natural gastritis treatments will aim to restore the digestive tract back to a healthy state, and may include repairing digestive tract lining, reducing inflammation, restoring healthy microbiome species and diversity and restoring the pH of the stomach. To achieve these goals, the following natural, evidence-based treatments may include:
- Dietary changes – to avoid trigger foods, reduce/eliminate artificial food additives such as nitrates, acid-producing, refined and highly processed, spicy and fatty foods and any suspected food allergens/intolerances
- Increasing whole, unprocessed foods; fibre intake, especially soluble fibre to support motility and microbiome diversity and makeup; anti-inflammatory, and phytonutrient-rich foods to reduce inflammation and support microbial production of short-chain fatty acids and beneficial metabolites that restore gut linings; brassica vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts to support
- Lifestyle medicine such as eating smaller meals, not eating close to bedtime, improving stress resilience, and reduce/quit alcohol, smoking and coffee, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins
- Herbal medicines such as Slippery elm bark, Marshmallow & licorice to soothe and repair gastric mucosa; Curcumin, Boswellia to reduce inflammation; Goldenseal, cinnamon, wormwood, thyme, pomegranate husk, garlic, and barberry as antimicrobials; Calendula, goldenseal, yarrow, and green tea to restore gastric mucosa
- Supplementation with glycine, glutamine, zinc, magnesium, and/or vitamin C to improve epithelial integrity of the gut lining; omega-3 – essential fatty acids to reduce inflammation; precision probiotic strains – choosing the right strains at the right time is essential; B12 and any other nutrients that are shown to be deficient due to poor absorption or other health conditions.
Functional medicine is a holistic, personalised practice based on the latest scientific research and years of skilled practitioner experience. At Melbourne Functional Medicine, our gastritis naturopaths treat the whole person, so not only the symptoms of your gastritis – we aim to treat any other conditions or symptoms you are experiencing.
We combine this deep knowledge of gastritis and health in a personalised program that provides you with effective treatment and ready access to your practitioner and health coach team. Your health coach will provide you with the tools to implement the change to become a healthier you. They’ll empower, educate, and support you through your tailored treatment program back to health again.
Ready for a personalised, natural functional medicine treatment?
Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Find out how, then book a call today
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Why does my stomach hurt after I eat?
Stomach pain after eating can happen for many reasons. If you feel pain higher in the chest that radiates to the neck or jaw, always rule out heart problems first and seek urgent medical care if you’re unsure.
If the discomfort is below the sternum, common causes include:
- Gastritis: inflammation of the stomach lining that often feels like indigestion
- Reflux/heartburn: burning pain that rises into the chest, throat, or mouth
- Other digestive conditions such as gastroparesis, SIBO, IBS, or food intolerances
Signs it may be gastritis include: burping after meals, pain that worsens (or improves) with eating, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
Signs it may be reflux/heartburn include: acid taste in the mouth, sore throat, hoarseness, or chest discomfort.
If your symptoms are persistent, getting a thorough assessment from a qualified practitioner can help identify the cause and guide you towards effective treatment.
What foods help heal gastritis?
Certain foods can soothe the stomach and support recovery from gastritis:
- Bananas: help neutralise stomach acid and reduce irritation
- Slippery elm powder: 3 teaspoons mixed in water and drunk quickly after mixing can calm the stomach lining. Be sure to drink plenty of water (around 2 litres daily) when taking fibre supplements to prevent constipation
- Easily digested foods: such as cooked vegetables, rice, soups, and stews, which are gentle on the stomach
- Fresh, whole foods: unprocessed fruits and vegetables provide nutrients and reduce inflammation, while avoiding fast, spicy, fatty, or highly processed foods can ease symptoms
Some patients ask us whether aloe vera is good for gastritis. Pure gel from inside the leaf may help soothe irritation, but avoid products with added sugars or flavours, and don’t use the outer leaf, which can worsen symptoms
Avoiding personal food intolerances is also important. Lasting relief comes not just from soothing foods, but from addressing the root causes of gastritis.
How to cure gastritis permanently?
There is no guaranteed permanent cure for gastritis, but long-term relief is possible when the root causes are identified and addressed.
Key steps include:
- Identifying triggers such as food intolerances, microbiome imbalances, medications, stress, or other digestive conditions
- Making targeted lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and adopting a healing diet
- Building stress resilience with practices such as meditation, breathwork, or mindfulness
- Following a personalised treatment plan that supports your whole health, not just symptoms
With the right support, many people find that their symptoms resolve and their digestive health is restored long-term.
Can gastritis cause back pain?
Yes, gastritis can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the upper back. This is known as referred pain and occurs because the nerves of the digestive system overlap with those in the back.
The pain may feel sharp, burning, or stabbing, and – like upper abdominal pain from gastritis – it often becomes worse after eating.
How long does gastritis take to heal?
The healing time for gastritis depends on the cause and how long you’ve had symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may improve within days to weeks once the right changes are made, while chronic gastritis may take months to resolve.
Lasting relief comes from identifying and addressing the root cause and any contributing factors, rather than only managing symptoms.
Are there foods to avoid in gastritis?
Yes. While triggers vary from person to person, common foods that can worsen gastritis include:
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Coffee and caffeinated drinks
- Highly processed foods high in refined sugar or unhealthy fats
- Acidic foods such as citrus and tomatoes (for some people)
Because food intolerances and allergies can also play a role, identifying your unique triggers is an important step. A gastritis-friendly diet typically avoids these irritants while focusing on foods that restore nutrients, support the gut lining, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
Working with a practitioner trained in functional medicine can help you uncover your personal food triggers and create a tailored plan to manage gastritis naturally.
How to treat gastritis naturally
Treating gastritis naturally starts with identifying and addressing the root causes of stomach lining inflammation rather than just suppressing symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners look at factors such as diet, food intolerances, gut microbiome balance, stress, medications, and other contributing triggers.
Natural strategies may include:
- Dietary adjustments: avoiding irritating foods (alcohol, highly processed or spicy foods) and focusing on soothing, anti-inflammatory options such as cooked vegetables, bananas, and pure aloe vera gel
- Targeted herbal and nutritional support: for calming inflammation, protecting the stomach lining, and aiding healing
- Stress resilience practices: mindfulness, meditation, and sleep hygiene can help regulate the stress response, which is closely linked to gut health
- Lifestyle changes: reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and eating smaller, easily digested meals
Because everyone’s root causes are different, lasting relief usually requires a personalised plan that looks beyond symptom management.
Is there a gastritis naturopath near me?
Yes. At Melbourne Functional Medicine, our gastritis naturopaths use a functional medicine approach to support healing, available in our South Melbourne clinic or via telehealth.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to the team directly – we’ll be happy to assist.
