Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can vary in form and severity. The stomach is one of the most sensitive organs in the digestive system, and any imbalance, irritation, infection, or stress can easily damage its mucosal layer. In more severe cases, inflammation extends beyond the surface level and affects the deeper layers of the stomach wall, which can lead to more serious complications. Gastritis and gastroduodenitis are among the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide — statistics suggest that more than half of the adult population suffers from them at some point in life.
There are many reasons why gastritis has become so widespread. Modern lifestyle plays a major role: stress, irregular meals, eating too fast, excessive caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, processed meals, and energy drinks — all contribute to irritation of the stomach lining. Another common cause is the uncontrolled use of medications, especially aspirin, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs, which can severely damage the mucosal layer. Mechanical irritation and bacterial infections, particularly the well-known Helicobacter pylori, are also leading causes of chronic gastritis.
Stress is another powerful factor. During emotional or physical stress, blood vessels in the stomach constrict, reducing blood flow to the mucosa. As a result, the protective layer becomes weaker, and stomach acid begins to act more aggressively on the tissues. This leads to symptoms such as burning, pain, heaviness, nausea, acid reflux, or general discomfort.
To treat gastritis effectively, it is essential to know whether stomach acidity is high or low. High-acid and low-acid gastritis require different dietary approaches. Treating the condition without this knowledge can worsen the situation.
🔹 When Stomach Acidity Is High
If stomach acidity is increased, the primary goal is to soothe the mucosa, reduce acid secretion, and control inflammation. One of the most effective natural remedies for high acidity is freshly squeezed potato juice.
👉 How to Use Potato Juice
Take on an empty stomach:
2 tablespoons of fresh potato juice
mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
It is recommended to let the juice sit for a few minutes after squeezing, allowing the starch to settle. Drink only the upper, clearer layer of the juice. Drink this for 4 days. After this period increase the dosage to 3 tablespoons, mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. The full treatment lasts for 2 weeks and is most beneficial in spring and autumn.
Other recommendations for high acidity:
Eat oatmeal porridge in the morning
Prefer steamed or boiled meals
Avoid intense spices
Reduce sugar, alcohol, ice cream, acidic foods
Dilute fruit juices with water
Eat only warm, soft-textured meals
Cold, spicy, fried, and sour foods can severely irritate the mucosa and should be strictly avoided.
🔹 When Stomach Acidity Is Low
Low stomach acidity leads to poor digestion, bloating, heaviness, and nutrient absorption problems. In such cases, the goal is to stimulate natural acid production and improve digestive function.
👉 Recommendations for Low Acidity
On an empty stomach, eat:
2–3 leaves of fresh cabbage
Drink three times daily:
Half a glass of rosehip infusion
Add 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Beet juice, plantain infusion, and herbal teas are also beneficial.
👉 Herbal Mixture for Low Acidity
Mix the following ingredients:
2 tablespoons crushed plantain leaves
1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon valerian root
1 tablespoon St. John’s wort
1 tablespoon mint
Add 1 tablespoon of this mixture to a cup of boiling water, cover it, and let it sit for 1 hour. Then strain and drink half a cup one hour before meals. This herbal infusion stimulates digestion, reduces inflammation, and increases gastric secretions in a balanced way.
🔹 Daily Lifestyle for Healing Gastritis
Successful treatment requires more than medication or herbal remedies. Lifestyle changes are essential.
Necessary habits include:
Eating slowly
Eating meals at consistent times
Reducing stress
Avoiding late-night meals
Chewing food thoroughly
Avoiding carbonated drinks
Light physical exercise, especially walking after meals, can greatly improve digestion.
Combining natural remedies, mindful eating, and lifestyle modifications creates the ideal conditions for the stomach to heal and regenerate.
