Gastritis is a disease in which the mucous lining of the stomach becomes irritated and inflamed.  If gastritis is prolonged, the stomach walls become very thin, secreting almost entirely mucus and very little digestive acid.  In this condition, the stomach is unable to product the intrinsic factor, a substance necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12, which the body needs for the formation of red blood cells.  Thus, the gastritis patient is in danger of developing pernicious anemia.

Symptoms of gastritis include dyspepsia, or indigestion, vomiting, headache, coated tongue, and abnormal cramps also may occur.

The cause of gastritis appears to be overindulgence in alcohol, coffee, or highly seasoned or fried foods, all of which increase the activity of the stomach, thereby irritating it more.  Eating rancid foods can cause bacterial infection, which may cause gastritis.  Recurring cases of gastritis may be the result of ulcers or of the buildup of poisonous body wastes due to such diseases as chronic uremia or cirrhosis of the liver.  Any condition causing stress can bring on symptoms of gastritis.  The ailment has been experimentally induced by the same deficiencies that result in ulcers.

In treating gastritis, fried foods and highly seasoned food should be avoided.  Alcohol, coffee, aspirin and other substances that irritate the stomach lining must be eliminated.  Frequent small meals are easier for the stomach to digest than fewer large meals.  If gastritis is severe, iron supplements and injections of vitamin B12 may be helpful for preventing pernicious anemia.

NUTRIENTS THAT MAY BE BENEFICIAL IN TREATMENT OF GASTRITIS:  Vitamin A, B-Comples, B6,B12, Folic Acid, Inositol, Panththenic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Calcium, Lechithin, Linoleic Acid and Iron

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Information obtained from The Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition

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