Gastritis Support Group

Gastritis is a medical term for inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It means that white blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to some type of injury. Gastritis has many underlying causes, from infection with the bacterium H. pylori, bile reflux, or excessive consumption of alcohol or certain foods or drugs like aspirin.

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deleted_user 03/08/2012

I am suffering from chronic gastritis due to taking aspirins and iron supplements (due to my anemia, related to menstrual disorders). Doctor advised me to take Omeprazole. But I read on the Internet that Omeprazole may cause anemia. What should I do? Is there an effective and not harmful treatment for gastritis? I have been taking Carafate and Clebopride for 2 weeks, I see little improvements. Thanks in advance.

deleted_user 03/08/2012

Maybe check with your doc to see if there's another suggestion.

Some people have good luck with mastic gum, Siberian pine oil (or is that the same as mastic gum?), manuka honey, slippery elm or chamomile, or ginger root tea, DGL licorice, etc. I think it depends on each individual.

Personally, I started out with mastic gum, then found out I did not have H. pylori, so I dropped it and started on Carafate. I also was taking DGL licorice, but rarely take it now, and I only take one Carafate before bedtime.

Mostly I rely on 2 cups of slippery elm tea a day (I buy the capsules from Puritan's Pride), lots of chamomile or ginger root tea, and a glass or two of water with a little aloe vera gel and a little aloe juice added. For me, the aloe juice and gel really seemed to start the healing, though they are not for everyone, and be aware most have citric acid in them. Some people can't handle the citric acid. Also know the gel and juice can cause loose stools, in large quantities.

Also, as you likely know, a bland diet low in fat, salt, etc. and nothing too 'rough' in the diet can help. The post 'Dietary Assistance' is tremendously helpful. And don't forget to drink lots of water every day.

Best of luck and quick healing!

deleted_user 03/08/2012

It can cause it, but it doesn't always. I was on a PPI for a long-time without complications. If you are concerned, I suggest you talk with your doctor about your concerns and then make a decision. There are alternative treatments, but even then, it is best to have guidance from a medical professional to help make sure you are not making the situation worse unknowingly. Good luck and best wishes.

deleted_user 03/09/2012

Thank you, Ravenfish and Sunlovinmum for your kind replies. Rgds, Ines

Silkakc 03/09/2012

All the meds in the PPI (proton pump inhibitors) family can cause anemia:( Also, Magnesium and B12 need to watched too because it hinders those things being absorbed. I think PPI's are linked to higher rates of Osteoporosis too so it must affect calcium absorption? Or phosphorus?

I think the H2 meds (histamine 2 blockers like ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine) aren't as likely to make you deficient in Iron, MG and B12. Those meds do not last 24-36 hours like the PPI's do.

I have been taking Prilosec for 3 years due to Bile Reflux Disease. I have to take B12 and iron now cus mine were low.

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