Introduction
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach inner lining which is often accompanied by vomiting blood vomiting, abdominal pain and discomfort. The GIT disorder is caused by various factors key among them certain lifestyle choices that introduce irritants into the stomach. The major irritants implicated in the causation of gastritis include excessive alcohol, coffee, tobacco and certain drugs such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ’NSAIDs’, potassium supplements, iron tablets and cancer chemotherapy medications. Other causes of gastritis include physical stresses, autoimmune disorders and certain bacterial infection and parasites. The disorder is diagnosed by endoscopy.
Prevention and Treatment of Gastritis by lifestyle changes
Given that the main causes of gastritis are irritants which are mainly introduced into the stomach as a result of lifestyle choices; gastritis can be prevented and treated by making certain life style choices and change. Reducing or avoiding consumption of coffee, tobacco and alcohol would definitely be useful in treating or management of gastritis. In addition flavonoid rich foods like apple cranberries, onions, tea and garlic may prevent growth of H. pylori. Foods with high fat contents should be avoided since they cause the inflammation of the stomach lining. Reducing stress could also help. Medication such as cimetidine, could be used in the treatment of gastritis but still lifestyle change and choice is a better option because it is not only preventive but also does not have side effects often associated with drugs.
However implementing these lifestyle changes and choices is not easy due to such challenges as pear pressure, the addictive nature of substances such as coffee, tobacco and alcohol, culture which encourages continues consumption of coffee to keep awake and many more. Certain strategies can be employed to help overcome these challenges; key among them being joining support group in case of chronic alcoholism and smocking, choosing the right friends with positive influence, rehabilitation in cases of chronic alcoholism and many more.
Reference
McCance, K. L., & Huether, S. E. (2005). Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults And Children . Maryland : Mosby.
McPhee, S. J., & Hammer, G. D. (2009). Pathophysiology of Disease An Introduction to Clinical Medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical.
Zelman, M., Tompar, E., Raymond, J., Holdaway, P., & Mulvihill, M. L. (2010). Human Diseases: A Systemic Approach. (7, Ed.) Prentice Hall.
