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A person can use home remedies or make lifestyle changes that may relieve some symptoms. Depending on the cause, a person may also need medical treatment. Gastritis describes any condition that inflames the stomach lining. Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a type of bacteria that infects the stomach and small bowel, is the most common cause of gastritis worldwide. However, other factors can cause a gastritis flare-up, including:excessive alcohol consumptionusing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for an extended periodother infectionsstress Some common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, feeling full, a bloated stomach, stomach pain, and a gnawing sensation in the abdomen. Although there are instances where medical treatment is necessary to treat gastritis, many people find that they can manage these symptoms at home. This article looks at nine home remedies and lifestyle changes that may help relieve gastritis symptoms. Not all remedies will work for everyone, so a person may need to try several of these before finding what works best for them. 1 Follow an anti-inflammatory diet Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, so consuming a diet that helps minimize inflammation may provide relief over time. However, research has not conclusively shown that eating a certain diet causes or prevents gastritis. Nevertheless, people can try to identify which foods trigger their symptoms by keeping a food diary. They can then begin to reduce their intake of these foods or avoid them altogether. According to a 2020 study, some foods that may worsen gastritis include: meat productssugary foodsspicy foodsfried foodsalcohol 2 Take a garlic extract supplement Some research suggests that garlic extract can help reduce the symptoms of gastritis caused by the H. pylori bacteria. Crushing raw garlic and eating it may also work well. If a person does not like the taste of raw garlic, they can try chopping the garlic and eating it with a spoonful of peanut butter or wrapping it with a date. The peanut butter or date taste will help mask the garlic flavor. 3 Try probiotics Probiotics can help improve digestion and encourage regular bowel movements. Probiotic supplements introduce good bacteria into a person’s digestive tract, which may help stop the spread of H. pylori. Eating foods that contain probiotics may also improve the symptoms of gastritis. These foods include:yogurtkimchisauerkrautkefir 4 Drink green tea with manuka honey One study showed that drinking green tea or black tea at least once a week could significantly reduce the presence of H. pylori in the digestive tract. Manuka honey may also be beneficial, as it contains antibacterial properties that help fight infection. It is available to buy in health stores and online. Some people believe that drinking warm water alone can soothe the stomach and aid digestion. 5 Use essential oils Essential oils that may positively affect the symptoms of gastritis include peppermint, ginger, and clove. People may wish to use the oils in a diffuser or consult a doctor about how to use them safely to help relieve gastritis. It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils or alternative medication. 6 Eat lighter meals Eating large, carbohydrate-heavy meals can put a strain on a person’s digestive system and aggravate gastritis. A 2020 study also showed that having irregular mealtimes may cause a flare-up in gastritis symptoms. Eating small meals regularly over the course of the day can help ease the digestive process and reduce the symptoms of gastritis. 7 Quit smoking Smoking can damage a person’s stomach lining and increase their risk of developing stomach cancer. Stopping smoking may decrease the irritation to a person’s stomach lining, allowing it to heal and helping alleviate the symptoms of gastritis. 8 Do not overuse NSAIDs Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can increase a person’s risk of developing gastritis and other gastrointestinal complications. This is because taking too many can damage the stomach lining and make gastritis worse. Avoiding NSAIDs may eliminate a cause of gastritis, and stopping their use during a flare-up may help avoid irritating the stomach lining. 9 Reduce stress Stress can cause gastritis flare-ups, so reducing stress levels is an important way to help manage the condition. Stress management techniques include:massagemeditationyogabreathing exercises Symptoms The symptoms of gastritis include:nauseavomitinga gnawing or burning sensation in the stomachfeeling full after eating only a small amount Although gastritis can be unpleasant, medical professionals do not usually consider it to be a serious condition. A person should contact a doctor if their symptoms persist or worsen over time. Prevention Although the cause of gastritis varies among individuals, people can take some steps to avoid these symptoms. These steps include:practicing good hand hygiene to reduce infection riskavoiding known trigger foodsquitting smoking, if applicablemanaging and reducing stressavoiding alcoholmaintaining a moderate weightavoiding the overuse of OTC pain medications Home remedies can help many people manage gastritis. However, if the symptoms do not go away, it is essential to speak with a doctor. When to consult a doctor People with gastritis should consult a doctor if they experience:a gastritis flare-up that lasts more than a weekvomiting bloodblood in the stool A doctor will ask questions and perform a physical examination. In some cases, they may wish to carry out certain tests. Medications that doctors commonly prescribe for gastritis include:Histamine 2 (H2) blockers: These may help decrease acid production. Both prescription and OTC varieties are available. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These may also work to reduce acid production and are available both OTC and on prescription. Antibiotics: These medications can treat H. pylori infections. Frequently asked questions The following are answers to additional questions about gastritis. How long does it take for gastritis to heal The healing period for gastritis depends on the cause. Acute gastritis may require medications, but it usually clears within a few days. If a person does not treat gastritis, it may develop into chronic gastritis, which may take months or years to go away. How do I relieve gastritis pain fast There are prevention strategies for gastritis. But to get fast relief, a person will probably need to use over-the-counter medications that block or reduce stomach acid. Examples include calcium carbonate (Tums) or omeprazole (Prilosec). Learn more about antacids. Will apple cider vinegar help my gastritis There is some evidence that apple cider vinegar can slow down the rate at which food travels down the digestive tract. However, there is not enough evidence to determine whether apple cider vinegar actually improves gastritis symptoms. Is ginger good for gastritis Ginger has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including gastrointestinal problems like gastritis. It is a natural substance that does not appear to be harmful in moderate quantities as a home remedy. However, more research is needed to determine how exactly it can help relieve gastritis symptoms. Summary Gastritis is a condition that affects a person’s stomach lining, leading to inflammation. Common causes include heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, overusing pain relievers, and H. pylori infections. The symptoms of gastritis include stomach pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness. In most cases, gastritis clears up on its own. However, a doctor may recommend medications that can help reduce stomach acid or clear up an infection. Some people prefer to try different lifestyle choices, which can also help relieve the symptoms. Home remedies include drinking green tea and honey, taking probiotics, and using garlic extract supplements. A person should contact a doctor immediately if their symptoms worsen or new ones arise. Read the article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on September 27, 2022GastroIntestinal / GastroenterologyComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 19 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Azer, S. A., et al. (2022). Gastritis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544250/Boyanova, L., et al. (2015). Honey and green/black tea consumption may reduce the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection [Abstract].http://www.dmidjournal.com/article/S0732-8893(15)00066-8/abstractFarrar, A. J., et al. (2020). 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Association of symptoms with eating habits and food preferences in chronic gastritis patients: A cross-sectional study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7368216/Nikkhah Bodagh, M., et al. (2019). Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341159/Martoni, C. J., et al. (2019). Impact of a probiotic product on bowel habits and microbial profile in participants with functional constipation: A randomized controlled trial.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6851827/Megha, R., et al. (2022). Stress-induced gastritis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499926/Nair, M. R. B., et al. (2016). Fermented foods: Are they tasty medicines for Helicobacter pylori associated peptic ulcer and gastric cancer?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4958626/Schulz, R. M., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of nutritional ingredients on upper gastrointestinal conditions and symptoms: A narrative review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8839470/Stomach cancer risk factors. (2021).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.htmlVakil, N. (2021). Overview of gastritis.http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/overview-of-gastritis.Zardast, M., et al. (2016). Assessment of antibacterial effect of garlic in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori using urease breath test.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5052411/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Bethany Cadman and Margaret Etudo — Updated on September 27, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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