How to treat atrophic gastritis of the stomach with low acidity

What is atrophic gastritis?

The term “atrophy” in medicine means malnutrition and death of
body tissue under the influence of unfavorable factors. With atrophic gastritis, there is a gradual decrease in the thickness of the gastric mucosa and the death and degeneration of the epithelium. Along with it, the cells that produce gastric juice and digestive enzymes die.

Acute form

In this condition, severe inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane begins. Accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, elevated body temperature, fainting and even coma are possible.

Chronic form

The chronic course of the disease is characterized by a gradual transition of the inflammatory process to a dystrophic one. Absorption, secretion and gastric motility functions are impaired

. Negative changes occur not only in himself. The duodenum, pancreas, esophagus and liver are also affected. There is a decrease in acidity and, as a consequence, degeneration of secretory gland cells and a decrease in their activity. It is this form of the disease that most often affects women.

A decrease in the performance of these cells, and even more so their absence, leads to the development of anemia, which is a consequence of impaired iron absorption. Vitamin B12 deficiency appears

, involved in the process of hematopoiesis and DNA synthesis and protects our heart, blood vessels and liver. The lack of vitamin has a particularly negative effect on the female body, as it is involved in the conversion of folic acid.

At the initial stage, the symptoms of atrophic gastritis can be smoothed out and expressed only in heaviness in the stomach after eating and belching. Many women do not attach any importance to them and do not consult a doctor. And in vain!

Causes of the disease

Causes and risk factors include:

• alcohol and smoking;
• rough food - spicy, salty, fatty, fast food;
• thyroid diseases;
• ingestion of cotton or coal dust, as well as toxic substances (harmful production);
• reflux;
• bacteria Helicobacter pylori;
• taking potent medications.

Hypoacid gastritis: what is it?

Under normal conditions, the pH in different parts of the organ ranges from a slightly acidic zone - within 4.0 - 6.0 in the body, to a pronounced acidic zone - less than 3.0 in the antrum. This level of acidity starts the process of breaking down the food bolus and has a bactericidal effect.

Inflammation of the stomach is often accompanied by changes in secretory function. In most cases, at the onset of the disease, the production of hydrochloric acid increases, which over time leads to atrophy of the mucous membrane. Chronic hypoacid gastritis with typical symptoms is formed, which is difficult to treat. Sometimes a pathological process with reduced acidity occurs primarily, which means that the patient has a high risk of modification of cellular structures, up to the development of a malignant neoplasm.

Hypoacid gastritis is a pathological condition in which the lining cells of the gastric mucosa synthesize an insufficient amount of hydrochloric acid. The disease is characterized by a chronic course.

The cause of low secretion is atrophy of the mucous membrane, especially parietal cells due to autoimmune inflammation. These changes are irreversible, because regenerative processes in the upper parts of the digestive tract proceed very slowly. As a result, the breakdown of nutrients, mainly protein, is disrupted. This leads to a delay in the evacuation of food and its rotting. Decay products provoke the formation of tumors.

Causes

Damage to the gastric epithelium with the development of cellular metaplasia appears due to pathological mechanisms that regulate secretory function. This means that low acidity is formed due to changes occurring in the mucous membrane, with disruption of the production of hydrochloric acid. A hypoacid state may occur primarily with the development of an autoimmune process. More often, insufficient secretion production is the next stage of chronic hyperacid gastritis, which indicates atrophy of organ cells.

Before treating the disease, it is necessary to determine the causes of hypoacid gastritis.

1. Infection with pathogenic flora, the main representative of which is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
2. Impact of stress factors, especially in persons with unstable neuropsychic status.
3. Eating disorders - consumption of large amounts of fried and spicy foods, smoked foods, foods with harmful additives, irregular food intake, dry food, insufficient presence of plant fiber in the diet.
4. Frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages, given the destructive effect of alcohol on the gastric mucosa.
5. Chronic concomitant diseases of the digestive tract - biliary reflux, liver diseases, gall bladder, pancreatitis.
6. Taking certain medications for a long period - glucocorticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
7. Helminthic infestations.
8. Genetic predisposition to autoimmune processes and gastroenterological diseases.
9. Effect of gamma radiation.

Important! The combination of several factors increases the likelihood of developing subatrophic and atrophic gastritis.

Drugs for low stomach acidity

Reflux gastritis symptoms and treatment and diet superficial gastritis

The type of stimulants used can be chosen only after evaluating the results of laboratory research methods. These drugs include:

1. Enzymes (Mezim, Festal). Drugs in this group cannot always be used as a separate therapeutic agent. They help in the breakdown of food, but do not affect the functions of the gastric glands. With low acidity, the tablets are not absorbed, which makes their use ineffective.
2. Artificial gastric juice. This medicine contains hydrochloric acid molecules and all the enzymes involved in the primary digestion of food. It is necessary to take the drug according to the regimen drawn up by the doctor. The duration of the therapeutic course depends on the severity of the signs of hypoacid gastritis.
3. Prokinetics (Metoclopramide). The drugs enhance gastric motility, eliminating the feeling of heaviness and belching that occurs due to decreased secretion of gastric juice.

What is focal atrophic gastritis

Hypoacid gastritis symptoms and treatment in women

Focal atrophic gastritis is a form of CAH when not the entire coolant is affected by the atrophic process, but only its individual segments.

Between the foci of atrophy there are areas of hyperplastic epithelium with preserved glandular apparatus. These areas of the mucosa secrete an increased amount of hydrochloric acid, trying to compensate for the function of the lost glands in atrophic foci. Depending on whether areas with atrophy or without atrophy (with preserved function) predominate, a hypoacid or hyperacid state occurs (low or high acidity of gastric juice).

Symptoms of focal atrophic gastritis

OAS develops slowly, symptoms are mild. The patient is concerned about:

• nausea;
• belching;
• lack of appetite;
• flatulence, rumbling in the stomach;
• unstable chair.

Menetrier's disease, atrophic hyperplastic gastritis, stands apart. The etiology of the disease is unknown. The disease has diffuse and focal forms. The focus of atrophic hyperplastic gastritis is a proliferation of epithelial folds. With FGDS, intestinal metaplasia, proliferation and hypertrophy of the mucous glands are observed in combination with almost complete atrophy of the main acid-producing glands. At the onset of the disease, a hyperacid state is observed, followed by achylia (lack of pepsin and hydrochloric acid).

Symptoms of focal atrophic gastritis:

• stomach ache;
• feeling of fullness in the stomach;
• vomit;
• diarrhea;
• lack of appetite.

Treatment of focal atrophic gastritis with drugs

The main drugs for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis can be divided depending on the acidity of the gastric juice.

For the treatment of chronic gastritis with focal atrophy, occurring against the background of a hyperacid state, with and without erosions, the following drug treatment is used:

1. Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, Arvicin, Kriksan, Panclave. Any treatment regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori includes at least two drugs with antibacterial action. After a course of antibacterial drugs, probiotics (Lactobacterin, Biobakton) and prebiotics (Duphalac) are prescribed.
2. To reduce the concentration of H+ ions, proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole, Pariet, Nolpaza), IGR (Ranitidine, Famotidine), antacids (Almagel A, Phosphalugel) are prescribed.
3. Cytoprotectors – De-nol, Vikalin, Venter, Rebagit.
4. To eliminate dyspeptic disorders, prokinetics are used - Trimedat, Domperidone, Cerucal.
5. In case of severe pain, antispasmodics (Papaverine, No-shpa) or M-cholinergic drugs (Platifillin, Metacin), Befungin are prescribed.

For focal atrophic gastritis with reduced secretory function, the following drug treatment is used:

1. In case of insufficient acid formation, replacement therapy is prescribed, which the patient will have to take for the rest of his life (Acidin-pepsin, Abomin Pepsidil).
2. If enzymatic activity is impaired, enzyme preparations (Creon, Pangrol) are prescribed.
3. Preparations that restore mucous membranes (Solcoseryl, Riboxin, Aloe vera, Actovegin)
4. Vitamin B₁₂.
5. Plantaglucide is used for secretory stimulation.

Symptoms and manifestations

The clinical picture of gastritis with reduced secretion of hydrochloric acid is somewhat different from other types of stomach inflammation. The pain syndrome is less pronounced. Discomfort and heaviness in the upper abdomen are caused by stretching of the organ, and not by irritation of the mucous membrane. Therefore, dyspeptic manifestations come first.

Symptoms of hypoacid gastritis:

• feeling of fullness in the stomach;
• bloating;
• epigastric pain after eating, which depends on the amount of food eaten;
• nausea and vomiting of undigested food components;
• increased salivation (salivation);
• belching with a putrid odor;
• unpleasant taste in the mouth mixed with rotten eggs or bitterness;
• alternating constipation and diarrhea;
• loss of body weight due to insufficient intake of nutrients into the body.

Basic and additional methods of examining the stomach for hypoacid gastritis

Additional diagnostics are a decisive step in establishing the correct diagnosis. To confirm hypoacid gastritis, the doctor prescribes a series of examinations. The main method is FEGDS of the upper digestive tract with a biopsy. The study allows us to determine the following endoscopic signs:

• condition of the mucous membrane - thinning of the epithelium, atrophic changes, areas of metaplasia;
• the severity of the folds of the stomach;
• vascular pattern;
• histological criteria - the thickness of the epithelium and the depth of the glands, destructive and inflammatory changes in tissues in various parts due to insufficient acidity.

Additional examinations are required, which include invasive and non-invasive methods. They are presented in the following options:

1. Blood tests - to detect IgA, IgM, IgG to Helicobacter pylori, markers of atrophic gastritis - pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, gastrin-17, antiparietal antibodies and antibodies to internal Castle factor.
2. pH-metry - to find out whether the acidity in the stomach is low or high, the study is carried out within 24 hours.
3. PCR of feces for Ag to a pathogenic pathogen.
4. Fluoroscopy with contrast agent.
5. Coprocytogram to determine indirect symptoms of secretory insufficiency.
6. Ultrasound diagnostics to exclude concomitant pathology of the digestive organs.

What kind of disease is gastritis?

Mixed gastritis: causes, symptoms, treatment and recommended diet

Most often, gastritis of the stomach with high acidity is diagnosed using FGDS, but this is not a common diagnosis that defines a specific pathology or disease, but a general concept that consists of a number of interrelated inflammatory and pathological processes in the human gastrointestinal system.

How the disease manifests itself clinically depends on the location of the lesion, its course, and the causes of its appearance.

The mechanism of damage determines three types of gastritis.

Type A is considered the rarest. It manifests itself as an autoimmune inflammation with local pathologies in its composition.

Stomach acidity with a level above normal appears due to damage to the bottom of the stomach and the cells of the intestinal walls.

Besides:

• the absorption of B vitamins is impaired, resulting in autoimmune disorders;
• anemia develops.

For a long time the disease practically does not show itself.

Disorders in the nervous system may be observed, as well as the first signs of anemia: a reddened, slightly smooth tongue, dizziness due to anemia, poor coordination of movements.

General symptoms also appear: nausea, unpleasant belching, constipation, abdominal pain after eating.

Type B is the most common, diagnosed in 50% of cases.

When inflammation happens:

1. Antral, inflammation at the entrance of the stomach walls - a superficial type of lesion, after a few years it passes into the deep passages, forming ulcers, this happens in the presence of infectious agents;
2. Exogenous hyperacid gastritis. Formation takes place under the influence of external listed reasons;
3. Helicobacter pylori causes the atrophic subtype; with deep inflammation, the cells become cancerous.

Gastritis with high acidity, symptoms resemble a stomach ulcer.

The complaints mainly concern:

• pain in the epigastrium at night or on an empty stomach;
• belching and sour taste, heartburn;
• dizziness, nausea and vomiting;
• diarrhea and constipation.

Type C is associated with the penetration of toxic or allergic substances into the mucous membrane: drugs, nicotine, alcohol.

A lesion forms at the bottom of the gastric walls.

It is accompanied by reverse (reflux) reflux coming from the duodenum.

It often manifests itself as a complication after surgery to remove part of the stomach.

It does not manifest itself for a long time, a slight bloating is felt, as well as loose stools.

In more advanced forms, there are the following symptoms: heaviness in the epigastric region, pain on an empty stomach or at night, heartburn, nausea, dizziness, hunger pain.

Symptoms of atrophic gastritis of the stomach

At first, it is impossible to detect atrophic gastritis. The disease does not cause visible symptoms. The mucous membrane thins along the bottom of the stomach, then the process moves higher, affecting the upper and middle part of the organ. After atrophy, the first signs of the disease become noticeable, which are divided into 2 syndromes that have their own symptoms.

Anemic syndrome

Indicates a decrease in hemoglobin in a general blood test. This leads to a decrease in red blood cells, which are responsible for supplying oxygen to the internal organs. Anemic syndrome occurs when there is a lack of vitamins B12, B9, and iron. The listed elements may be absent due to low digestibility or absence from the diet. Signs of anemic syndrome:

• increasing weakness, feeling of depression, drowsiness;
• pale skin;
• feeling of pain in the stomach, burning sensation in the mouth;
• high fatigue, sleep duration more than 9.5 hours;
• lack of sensation in the limbs.

Dyspeptic syndrome

Occurs due to disturbances in the digestive tract. Has the following symptoms:

• Heaviness in the stomach, burning under the ribs;
• Heartburn after consuming acidic drinks or foods;
• Decreased appetite;
• A white coating appears on the tongue, teeth are imprinted;
• Salivation;
• There is a constant presence of bad breath;
• Belching;
• Regurgitation, which occurs after accidental entry of stomach contents into the oral cavity;
• Vomiting of mucus, bile and pieces of undigested food, nausea, and discomfort in the abdomen;
• Loose stools;
• Occasionally, patients report pain, the duration of which reaches 3-6 hours. After eating, the pain intensifies, but after vomiting it decreases.

NOTE! Atrophic gastritis is a provocateur of cancer diseases associated with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. A connection has been established between the disease and the formation of cancer in patients suffering from atrophic gastritis from a young age.

Treatment

A gastroenterologist will tell you at your appointment how to treat gastritis with low acidity. Before this, you will need to undergo a mandatory examination, because the treatment regimen is individual for each patient. It is consistent with the identified morphological and functional changes.

Treatment objectives:

• reducing inflammation in the stomach;
• achieving a stable remission phase;
• slowing down atrophic changes;
• stimulation of the processes of restoration of secretion, motor activity;
• replacement therapy to maintain acidity levels.

Whether the patient can be treated on an outpatient basis or should be hospitalized, the doctor decides

Diet and regimen

Simultaneously with the prescription of medications, the patient is informed about the most optimal nutrition and requirements for the daily menu. The main goal is maximum sparing of the gastric mucosa. Food should be warm, served 5-6 times a day in small portions.

The patient is required to permanently give up smoking and any alcohol, drink non-carbonated mineral water and only drink the appropriate composition 20–30 minutes before meals. Dietary table No. 2 is recommended. It includes products that have a stimulating effect on the process of acid formation in the stomach and appetite.

The patient can eat:

• low-fat broths and slimy soups from fish, beef, chicken with herbs;
• meat stewed, boiled, steamed, minced;
• vegetables that do not enhance fermentation processes (cabbage, legumes, radishes are excluded);
• crumbly porridge on water;
• fresh fruit and vegetable juices without preservatives, it is better to replace strong coffee with green tea or drink it with milk;
• if tolerated well, low-fat sour cream, cheese, and pureed cottage cheese are recommended.

Cottage cheese and kefir are allowed

It is better to eat only dried wheat bread. You can add a spoonful of honey and dry cookies to your tea. Fatty meat and fish dishes, hot sauces and seasonings, smoked foods, canned food, pickles, ice cream, jam and chocolate, fresh baked goods and culinary products are prohibited. At the same time, the diet takes into account accompanying manifestations.

For diarrhea, table No. 4 is prescribed; for damage to the liver and pancreas, options for table No. 5 are prescribed.

Use of medications

In order to compensate for lost enzymes and acidity, the following are prescribed: Acidin-pepsin, Panzinorm, Pepsidil, gastric juice. With concomitant pancreatitis, Pancreatin, Festal, Digestal, Mezim-Forte, Pankurmen are required. Cerucal and Reglan are used to relieve nausea, vomiting, heartburn and increase appetite.

Herbal remedies that promote acid formation:

• plantain juice or Plantaglucide granules;
• Romazulon, Rotokan - combined preparations from chamomile flowers, calendula, yarrow herbs;
• Iberogast normalizes gastric motility and calms the patient.

Alcohol solution of extracts of chamomile, Iberian bitters, celandine, licorice root, caraway, milk thistle, lemon balm and mint

With a wide selection at the pharmacy, the need to take folk remedies disappears. To normalize the blood supply to the stomach wall, injections of aloe extract and Methyluracil tablets are used. Pentoxyl stimulates protective functions. Vitamins B, A, PP, complexes with minerals maintain blood composition and prevent anemia.

Anabolic steroids are indicated for significant weight loss of the patient, loss of appetite (Retabolil in weekly injections). The drug has contraindications for suspected cases of any form of neoplasm (in women - mammary glands, in men - prostate), therefore it is not prescribed to all elderly patients.

To eliminate Helicobacter, a course of eradication is carried out with De-nol, bismuth preparations, and antibiotics. The dosage is determined by the doctor. After you feel better and symptoms disappear, you will need to take a long-term maintenance dose.

In case of stomach bleeding, surgery may be needed. The hypoacid state during gastritis has a significant impact on digestion and the functioning of all internal organs. Timely treatment helps prevent other diseases.

Therapy

Treatment of hypoacid gastritis is prescribed depending on the progression of the disease. In the acute phase, the patient is recommended to undergo therapy in a hospital. At the stage of extinction of signs of the disease, outpatient treatment is allowed. Then the patient is prescribed special medications: as a rule, pharmacological and homeopathic remedies that accelerate the restorative work of the digestive tract.

Treatment in a hospital is prescribed to the patient based on complaints. For pain in the abdomen, antispasmodics and gangliocholinergic blockers are prescribed. It is recommended to rinse the stomach with alkaline mixtures. To eliminate other symptoms, the doctor chooses medications based on the patient's medical history.

When the symptoms subside, it is advisable for the patient to undergo therapy in a sanatorium and adhere to a special diet. Medications are rarely used, only as prescribed by the attending physician.

As a rule, gastritis begins to be treated with the normalization of life. The patient should give up destructive habits and change their diet to a healthier one. Portions should become smaller, but food should be taken more often.

Drug treatment

Treatment of hypoacid gastritis is expected to be systematic: along with taking medications, the patient must adhere to a special diet.

In most cases, medications are prescribed to help normalize the processes:

1. Increased acidity levels;
2. Stimulating the production of gastric juice;
3. Correction of the functioning of the digestive tract.

To prevent the possibility of exacerbation of gastritis with low acidity, the doctor prescribes medications that reduce pain and promote proper functioning of the stomach.

If the disease is caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori entering the body, antibiotics such as amoxicillin or omeprazole are prescribed. The doctor always recommends taking vitamin-rich medications and folic acid to improve the quality of the internal glands. Particular attention should be paid when treating hypoacid gastritis to restoring the secretory function of the stomach.

If treatment shows itself to be ineffective, the doctor decides to include replacement therapy in the process of restoring health. Then the patient is prescribed one of the medications - pepsin, gastric juice or diluted hydrochloric acid, pepsidil.

When the disease enters a critical phase, therapy is adjusted. The patient is prescribed medications to maximize the functioning of the stomach.

Hypoacid gastritis should be treated only under the supervision of a physician. Self-medication often turns out to be ineffective, sometimes causing irreparable harm to the body.

Diet

During the treatment period, the patient is prescribed to adhere to a special diet, which excludes rough food in order to avoid upset of the gastric mucosa. The first two weeks the diet consists mainly of cereals. When the patient gets better, another diet is prescribed, including taking alkaline mineral waters. Eating sour berries and fruits is allowed. The main thing is to add new products gradually.

The diet for hypoacid gastritis is based on eating small portions of food several times a day. You need to chew food thoroughly and slowly. This method of eating food makes it soft and simplifies the digestion process.

The patient is prohibited from consuming the following foods:

1. Fried and fatty foods;
2. Garlic, onion, cabbage and radish;
3. Smoked, salted and spicy foods;
4. Cold food and drinks;
5. Strong tea or coffee.

Porridge, mainly buckwheat, rice and oatmeal, will benefit the body. Soups, white bread, eggs, fruits and vegetables, milk and vegetable oils (in minimal quantities) are welcome. You need to cook food with a minimum amount of fat, preferably steamed. Food should not harm the gastric mucosa. You should abstain from alcohol and cigarettes.

Non-drug treatment

In some cases, when gastritis does not threaten human life, the disease is recommended to be treated using alternative medicine, folk remedies.

Products that help eliminate hypoacid gastritis:

1. Apples. As a rule, it is recommended to eat green ones. Nutritionists recommend eating apples in the form of puree every day. There should be up to three fruits per serving;
2. Water with honey. Should be taken daily before meals. To prepare the drink, you need to dilute one teaspoon of honey in a glass of hot water;
3. Walnut tincture. Promotes a rapid increase in acidity in the stomach, which eliminates the disease. Also useful for any other abdominal pain. The tincture should be taken every day after meals, after diluting it with water;
4. Herbal collection. It is recommended to take half a glass at least three times a day before meals.

You should resort to traditional medicine only after consulting your doctor. Some products may cause severe allergic reactions. If any unpleasant symptoms occur after taking alternative medications, you should stop treatment and consult a doctor.

Forms of development of pathology

Chronic

The focal subatrophic form of gastritis progresses, capturing more and more areas of functional tissue. The disease is chronic; there are more and more lesions of the mucous membrane

Pathology tends to become chronic. Its peculiarity is the prolonged nature of development, with gradual atrophy of stomach cells. In the development of this form of the disease, the dystrophic process prevails over the inflammatory one. This is a period of remission of the pathology. With deep penetration of the inflammatory process, it can affect not only the mucous layer, but also the muscle layer. The glandular epithelium degenerates into squamous epithelium.

Antral

The mucous membrane gradually atrophies and practically dissolves, and connective tissue appears in its place

Antral gastritis develops in the pyloric region of the stomach.

Consequences of the development of the inflammatory process:

• healing of the antrum due to scarring;
• hypertrophic increase in the muscles of the stomach walls;
• proliferation of coarse connective tissue in the thickness of the mucous membrane and in the underlying layers;
• deformation of the gastric walls with impaired motility of the organ;
• possible development of an ulcer or cancer.

Diffuse

This form of the disease is characterized by damage to glandular cells, which leads to their gradual and complete loss

This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane, in which cardinal degenerative changes have not yet occurred. Its feature is a large degree of damage with a uniform distribution of mucous cells involved in the pathological process. An endoscopic examination reveals the initial stage of damage to secretory cells.

Erosive

The onset of the pathological process begins with the formation of small ulcers, which transform into erosive areas on the mucosa

Erosive gastritis differs from other forms of pathology by the presence of small ulcers, which gradually turn into erosions and then into ulcers. The disease occurs in chronic and acute forms.

Diet is one of the conditions for successful treatment

The main task of the diet is to stimulate the release of gastric juice. However, products must be selected taking into account the need to avoid irritating effects on the organ mucosa.

Among the products recommended for consumption:

• lean meats (rabbit, poultry);
• milk products;
• boiled or steamed fish;
• dietary soups (viscous);
• steam omelette;
• fresh fruits and vegetables.

The list of prohibited products for the patient includes:

• fried and fatty foods;
• smoked meats;
• canned foods;
• marinade;
• sauces;
• sweets and confectionery;
• strong tea and coffee.

You will have to stick to this diet for a month. Then the patient's menu expands depending on the patient's condition.

Hypoacid gastritis occurs against the background of low acidity of the stomach. This means that treatment of the disease with folk remedies is aimed at stimulating the production of juice and eliminating the irritating effect on the mucous membrane. Home remedies are based on enveloping substances and honey. Juice therapy has also proven itself well. To ensure the proper effect of traditional therapy, the patient must follow a diet.

Atrophic gastritis in women, general concepts:

Atrophic gastritis in women is recognized as a precancerous disease. Therefore, it will not hurt anyone to learn the basics of the disease. This is especially necessary for those over 50. What our stomach has not endured in life is now payback.

The name gastritis speaks for itself. With atrophic gastritis, in addition to inflammation, the number of normally functioning cells is seriously reduced.

The cells of the stomach gradually change, their structure is disrupted, and then gradual death occurs. The function of enzyme production and absorption changes sharply. Nutrients do not reach the body in the form they need.

The mucous layer of the stomach is significantly reduced. The production of gastric juice is reduced, food is poorly processed and absorbed. Death of the normal walls of the stomach occurs and is replaced by scars.

It’s simple to say - the gastric mucosa has worn out, become thin, and almost doesn’t do its job. All folds of the stomach straighten and become thin.

Why does our stomach change so much? What accompanies this? Medicine does not answer us exactly; there are only indirect reasons for this.

Causes of the disease and its types

The reasons can be both external and internal factors:

• a large amount of hot, spicy food consumed, improper diet;
• drinking alcohol, smoking;
• poor circulation due to heart disease;
• less oxygen entering the body due to pulmonary diseases;
• decreased physical activity;
• metabolic disorders and diseases associated with them, gout;
• various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (colitis, enteritis, etc.), thyroid gland;
• endocrine diseases;
• infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori;
• use of certain medications;
• stressful conditions;
• autoimmune disorders.

Gastritis with low acidity (hypoacid) can be divided into several types:

• atrophic gastritis with low acidity is divided, in turn, into antral and diffuse. With the disease, thinning of the mucous membrane is observed, its cells die and lose their protective function. A strong decrease in acidity levels to almost zero is a very dangerous condition, as it can cause cancer. It is believed that a certain role in the occurrence of this type of gastritis is played by a violation of the diet, overeating, taking hormones, antibiotics;

• chronic gastritis with low acidity is inflammation of the gastric mucosa with disruption of cellular metabolism and secretion, which produce hydrochloric acid. Inflammation occurs because food is not digested correctly. Usually, in the initial stages of the disease, gastritis occurs with increased acidity, but then the glands that synthesize hydrochloric acid die and the acidity level drops.

Treatment of atrophic gastritis

The sooner treatment begins, the more successful it will be. It is impossible to completely recover from this disease

, the main task is to ensure a high quality of life.
Therapy for atrophic gastritis is always complex and consists of several components:

• diet;
• medicines;
• folk remedies.

All three types must be prescribed by a doctor.

Diet in the treatment of atrophic gastritis

To reduce the load on the stomach, the patient should not eat foods that provoke fermentation.

- fresh buns and bread, milk, butter, fatty meats and foods containing large amounts of coarse dietary fiber. Bread can be eaten dried, but it is better not to eat rye bread. It is better to make purees or juices from vegetables. Cereals should be limited to oatmeal, buckwheat and rice. Meat or fish can only be eaten boiled or baked. The consumption of spicy, fatty, fried, salty and smoked foods is completely excluded. Although during the period of remission it is allowed to eat a small amount of fried or fatty foods. Food should be warm.

Alcohol consumption is contraindicated

, carbonated water, coffee, white cabbage, rich fish or meat broths. If you have high acidity, you should also exclude any citrus fruits.

Drug treatment

Medicines are prescribed based on the level of acidity of gastric juice

.
In case of increased acidity, medications are prescribed that neutralize hydrochloric acid. These drugs are called antacids
. These include Phosphalugel, Almagel and others. In addition, painkillers (No-shpa), increasing motility (Cerukal), gastroprotectors (Solcoseryl) and drugs that relieve inflammation of the mucous membrane (Maalox or Almagel) are prescribed.

For low acidity, the same drugs are used, with the exception of antacids.

For atrophic reflux gastritis, antibacterial therapy is prescribed, consisting of several drugs (for example, De-Nol and Phosphalugel).

Folk remedies in the treatment of atrophic gastritis

Along with medications, doctors often recommend treatment with traditional methods.

Cabbage juice helps well with atrophic gastritis with low acidity - 100 ml of heated juice should be drunk before meals. In case of high acidity, it is better to replace it with potato in the amount of 30 ml three times a day. However, it must be borne in mind that cabbage juice is contraindicated for diseases of the pancreas, acute inflammation in the intestines, allergies to cabbage, inflammation of the kidneys and after a heart attack

Potato juice should be drunk with caution if you have diabetes or obesity.

Sea buckthorn oil

Suitable for the treatment of gastritis with high acidity. For 250 ml of heated milk you need to put 10 ml of butter. Take in the morning on an empty stomach. Course - 1 month. For reflux gastritis, you can add 15 ml of oil.

Rose hip decoction

is able to activate the secretory function of glands in the stomach. It will relieve inflammation and improve the patient’s condition, especially if you add a little honey to it.

One spoon of fresh blueberries with sugar

, eaten before breakfast, will help relieve unpleasant symptoms. And instead of dessert, you can eat a banana, which will act as an absorbent.

Honey

can be combined not only with milk, but also with Kalanchoe juice diluted with water. Propolis mixed with honey is considered a good remedy for treating atrophic gastritis.

Herbal treatment

will help relieve inflammation and improve the functioning of the entire digestive system.

Atrophic gastritis is a serious disease leading to serious consequences. The quality of your life depends solely on your prudence.

Long-term inflammation of the stomach without targeted treatment can lead to the development of atrophy. This form of gastritis is often complicated by achylia and malignant neoplasms. Symptoms and treatment of atrophic gastritis in women and men have their own characteristics, which are taken into account when diagnosing the pathology and drawing up a treatment plan.

Features of nutrition for hypoacid gastritis

The acidity of gastric juice is one of the general indicators of health.
The acidity of gastric juice is one of the general indicators of health. We don't think about its significance until it bothers us. As soon as this indicator exceeds the norm or falls below the required level, digestive problems immediately make themselves felt.

What goes wrong when there is not enough hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice? With reduced acidity of gastric juice, the following is observed:

• incomplete digestion of nutrients, especially proteins;
• weakening of local immunity and penetration of pathogenic microflora into the digestive tract;
• enzyme dysfunction - food is not digested enough and begins to ferment - hence flatulence, bad breath, belching and discomfort/pain in the abdomen;
• intoxication of the body, since food in the digestive tract is not completely digested, the body’s immune defense is weakened and it is attacked by bacteria, which leads to the production and accumulation of toxins, even severe food poisoning.

Most often, gastritis with low acidity (hypoacid) develops in mature and elderly people, but can also occur among young people. The goal of a diet with low acidity is to stimulate the production of gastric juice. When choosing products, it is important to focus on those that do not irritate the gastric mucosa, but at the same time stimulate the secretion of the digestive organs.

When the disease worsens, you should follow a specially designed gentle diet to reduce the inflammatory process. Only after this can the secretion of gastric juice be stimulated.

For gastritis with low acidity, it is recommended to adhere to the following dietary principles:

• 
  With hypoacid gastritis, fractional nutrition is necessary - eating 5-6 times a day, in small portions;
  fractional nutrition - eating 5-6 times a day, in small portions;

• chewing food thoroughly - it is very important to eat slowly and chew each piece well, since food digestion begins in the mouth under the influence of saliva;
• in order to facilitate the digestion of food, give preference to preparing purees, grinding the products as much as possible;
• avoid consuming hot, cold, bitter, spicy and salty foods;
• refusal of products that cause fermentation processes - whole milk, cream, sour cream, refractory cheeses, freshly baked confectionery, chocolate, baked goods (yeast-based), radishes, etc.;
• preference is given to boiling, steaming and baking in its own juices. However, 1-2 months after an exacerbation, you can sometimes fry foods (but not until crisp);
• products containing coarse plant fiber are excluded, for example, turnips, peas, beans, radishes, etc.
• all fruits and vegetables must be eaten ripe and preferably without peel;
• you will have to completely give up smoking, drinking alcohol, and carbonated drinks.

Recommended products for gastritis with low acidity:

Almost all cereals are allowed, with the exception of pearl barley and millet. Preference should be given to oatmeal, buckwheat, rice, and semolina. The cereal should be boiled in water, and it should be well boiled.

Among dairy products, choose low-fat cottage cheese, good hard cheese, kefir and natural yogurt. Fatty dairy products, including butter, may be present in the diet, but in very small quantities and rarely.

It is allowed to eat chicken and quail eggs - soft-boiled eggs, eggs in a bag, steamed omelettes, but not more than 2 times a week.

Lean fish and meat (skinless chicken, turkey, rabbit), Optimal meat food - cutlets and meatballs, boiled fillet.

It is better not to eat vegetables fresh, only boiled, baked or stewed: spinach, cauliflower, pumpkin, asparagus, carrots, beets, zucchini. If the remission of gastritis has been going on for a long time, then you can add fresh tomatoes to the menu.

Hard fruits are pureed or boiled. Citrus fruits are preferred, provided there is no inflammation. Bread should be present in the diet, but stale or slightly dry. It is not at all necessary to give up rye bread, unless there is flatulence. It is better to avoid baked goods, as well as fried pies and fatty donuts.

Fresh butter in limited quantities, preference is given to vegetable oils.

Soups have a good effect on the stomach, and the use of broths - vegetable, meat, fish - is encouraged. However, you should avoid strong meat broths; the ideal option is pureed vegetable soups.

Juices or fruit drinks made from sea buckthorn, lingonberries, cranberries, and rose hips are recommended; occasionally kvass and weak coffee with milk are allowed. It is also recommended to drink a glass of water with lemon juice before meals.

Nutrition for chronic gastritis with high acidity should include different types of foods so that the body receives all the necessary substances. However, as with other types of inflammation of the gastric mucosa, nutrition has certain limitations.

Restrictions on types of gastritis

For focal gastritis, which is characterized by the formation of individual affected areas, diet tables No. 1 and 2 are prescribed. The duration of the diet lasts 2-3 weeks. Mineral water "Essentuki" and "Narzan" No. 4 or 17 are beneficial. Fatty strong broths, marinades, smoked foods, canned food, fried dishes, and strong tea are prohibited.

With diffuse gastritis, the gastric mucosa is not significantly changed. Treatment table No. 2 is recommended for patients. Puree soups, water-based porridges, low-fat dairy products, boiled fish, veal, and chicken are allowed. Raw vegetables, various marinades, citrus fruits, spicy foods, fried foods, strong tea, and coffee are prohibited.

Antral gastritis is characterized by the fact that the lower part of the stomach is affected. Treatment table No. 1 is provided, in which foods that enhance the secretory activity of the organ are excluded from the menu: sour berries, fruits, fatty meats, sour and hot spices, canned food, marinades, alcohol.

Cysts and polyps on the mucosa occur with the hyperplastic form of atrophic gastritis. At the initial stage of the disease, a general diet is provided, from the menu of which foods that irritate the gastric mucosa are excluded: fatty meats, kefir, sour cheese, mushrooms, canned food, sorrel, onions, cucumbers.

Features of the treatment table

Gastritis with a decrease in acidity with atrophy implies the inclusion of the following products in the diet:

• Vegetables: potatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, beets, carrots, tomatoes and pumpkin.
• Dill, parsley.
• Fats of animal and vegetable origin.
• Crackers, sponge cake, slightly dried bread, biscuits.
• Boiled and steamed eggs.
• Fruit, vegetable purees, juices.
• Porridge: buckwheat, semolina, rolled oats, rice.
• Cow, chicken, rabbit meat.

You can eat fruit puree as a dessert.

• Compotes, jelly from berries, fruits, cocoa and weak tea.
• Diet fish.
• Fermented milk products with low fat content, cottage cheese, cheese.
• Some sweets: marmalade, marshmallows, a little honey.

With atrophy, patients with low acidity are prohibited from eating the following foods:

• Sausage, sausages.
• Bakery products.
• Legumes.
• Salo.

Fat is prohibited for atrophic gastritis

• Non-dietary meat or fish.
• Salty, spicy, fried, smoked and spicy foods.
• Some porridges: barley, pearl barley, millet.
• Various preservations.
• Coffee, soda.
• Okroshka, rich, fatty broth, sour soups.
• Hot sauce, horseradish.
• Eggs, fried in a frying pan or hard-boiled.

Eating such products irritates the mucous membranes. Food takes a long time to digest, this process leads to a feeling of heaviness, soreness, and general discomfort.

Hot sauces are prohibited

It is prohibited to consume products that contain dyes, stabilizers, or sweeteners.

In addition, this also applies to bad habits, if any. Alcoholic drinks and tobacco are harmful to a sick stomach and can serve as a trigger in the formation of pathology.

This was a rough list of what you should and shouldn't eat. The doctor tells the patient in detail the prohibited and permitted products individually, since each condition may have its own nuances.

Diet

During the period of exacerbation of the disease, diet No. 1 according to Pevzner is prescribed. It is necessary to protect the mucous membrane from damage by solid foods and chemically active nutrients. The diet involves eating small portions 5-6 times a day. This takes the load off the diseased organ, whose motility is impaired in the hypoacid variant of the disease. The stomach of such patients is usually hypotonic, so you should not overload it with large portions of food. Food should be pureed and not hot. The basis of the diet is soups that are not cooked in broth, slimy porridges, steamed meatballs from a low-fat product, low-fat dairy and fermented milk products. Since acid production is reduced, after relieving inflammation, its production should be stimulated by taking diluted fruit juices. During an exacerbation, it is better not to take them, like raw vegetables and fruits.

The diet includes taking jelly, weak tea, and low-fat milk. You should eat high-calorie foods, because patients are energy and vitamin depleted. When the inflammation process subsides, you need to expand your diet, avoiding fatty and spicy foods, spices, marinades, fried and smoked foods. The diet limits the intake of carbonated drinks and strictly prohibits alcohol, chocolate, fresh baked goods and foods that cause fermentation - grapes, fresh bread, raisins, jam and sweets.

A rational diet should accompany such patients for life so that the thinned gastric mucosa does not experience stress and is not irritated by aggressive substances. Compliance with it guarantees a long period of remission, during which the patient can introduce into the diet some dishes that stimulate peristalsis - fresh vegetables, weak broths, sauerkraut, diluted fruit juices. The expansion of the diet should be gradual and if the product is not suitable and causes an aggravation, then it should be abandoned.

For hypoacid gastritis, the following foods are prohibited:

• fresh bread, rich pastries (“heavy” food for the stomach, makes chemical and mechanical processing difficult);
• fatty meat, meat with fascia (films), canned food, smoked meats (inadequate mechanical processing of food, excess release of hydrochloric acid);
• fatty and salty fish;
• vegetables and fruits with coarse fiber (white cabbage, turnips, radishes, cucumbers, bell peppers); mushrooms;
• berries with grains or thick skin (raspberries, strawberries, red currants, gooseberries, figs);
• sharp and salty cheeses, milk;
• pork, beef, lamb lard and fat (not digestible due to low production of hydrochloric acid, difficult to digest foods);
• spices and spices (irritate the gastric mucosa), as well as chocolate;
• grape juice, alcohol, carbonated drinks.

Causes

The exact cause of the loss of the ability of the secretory apparatus of the body of the stomach to produce gastric juice, the main component of which is hydrochloric acid, is unknown. The spread of the disease among close relatives led to the belief in the hereditary inferiority of epithelial cells. As a result, they cannot withstand the effects of food, die and recover very poorly.

Another possibility is a phase of increased acidity and overirritation of the epithelium, subsequent inflammation of the stomach. If left untreated, the process becomes irreversible. And with the death of functioning glandular cells, acidity decreases. Some factors have additional negative effects.

These include:

• regular violation of the diet, fasting, low-calorie diets, long breaks in food, snacks on the run and dry food;
• passion for fatty, fried, meat foods, spicy dishes, spices, seasonings, sweets. This composition is too difficult for digestion and leads to stomach overload;
• forced long-term use of medications that have a negative effect on the stomach (corticosteroids, non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, cytostatics, antibacterials and containing acetylsalicylic acid);
• accidental or intentional poisoning with toxic substances, acids, alkalis;
• allergic reaction to food;
• endocrine diseases of the thyroid gland,
• neurotic disorders, stress;
• impaired immunity;
• infection by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites;
• chronic pathology of other organs of the digestive system (liver, intestines, pancreas, gall bladder);
• the presence of foci of chronic infection in the body (sinusitis, tonsillitis, carious teeth, rheumatism, kidney and liver failure);
• violation of the regime, diet, premature refusal of medications in the treatment of acute gastritis;
• negative emotional environment during meals.

These factors not only reduce acid production in the stomach, but also contribute to the development of the atrophic process.

Alcohol abuse (including beer), nicotine intake through smoking has an aggressive effect on the production of gastric juice

Laboratory indicators of low acidity

During diagnostic studies of patients with pathologies of the digestive system, basal and stimulated acidity is determined. The first indicator reflects the reaction of gastric juice on an empty stomach, and the second - after taking the so-called. "test breakfast" Stimulated acidity is normally higher, i.e. the pH value is lower.

A clinical sign of low acidity is considered to be a pH of 2.1-6.0 when determining the basal rate and 2.1-3.0 after stimulation.

Please note: If the basal pH level is > 6.0, and after a test breakfast the indicator does not exceed 5.0, this is already anacid gastritis.

Types of pH measurement:

• short-term;
• daily allowance;
• endoscopic;
• express method.

Short-term intragastric pH-metry is carried out using an acidogastrometer, which is a probe equipped with sensitive sensors . The procedure takes several hours. The daily allowance makes it possible to assess changes in acid production, including at night, when secretion is activated. Endoscopic pH-metry is carried out in parallel with endoscopic examination of the walls of the stomach (fibrogastroscopy); indicators correspond to the stimulated level. With the express method, the probe is inserted for only 15-20 minutes.

The aspiration method involves sampling the contents of the stomach and duodenum using a fractional probe . The result of the study can only be regarded as very approximate, since during the sampling process the contents of various sections are mixed.

Prevention of gastritis with low acidity

To avoid this type of stomach problems, you must adhere to the following rules:

• create a balanced diet that includes sufficient amounts of protein and fiber;
• minimize the amount of sweet and fatty foods;
• choose vegetables and fruits that do not cause laxative or irritating effects;
• Boil or bake most of your food to avoid using a lot of oil;
• give up smoked meats, spicy foods, reduce the amount of salt;
• do not eat carcinogenic foods, which include fried foods and fast food.

How to avoid gastritis

Prevention

To prevent the onset of the disease or its exacerbation, it is necessary to get rid of bad habits, eat right and adhere to a daily routine, and exclude harmful and shelf-stable foods from the diet.

Timely treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is important, since neglect of these aspects can lead to negative consequences. You should be regularly examined by a doctor, then the risk of disease will be extremely low.

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How to cure hypoacid type gastritis

Treatment of chronic gastritis is aimed at slowing the development of atrophic processes in the stomach, restoring the full functioning of the glands responsible for the production of pancreatic juice, and normalizing all functions of the digestive system. If you detect one of the symptoms of gastritis, immediately seek help from a specialist who will prescribe a comprehensive examination to determine the level of acidity.

The gastritis treatment program includes:

1. Taking antibiotics is necessary when the microorganism Helicobacter is detected - the main cause of the development of the inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa.

2. Stimulating therapy is aimed at increasing the amount of hydrochloric acid production. Treatment is prescribed with drugs that activate the secretory function of the stomach and restore the functioning of the glands.

3. Improved motility of the digestive tract occurs due to the use of medications that eliminate spasm of intestinal smooth muscles and stimulate the movement of food.

4. Vitamin therapy is necessary to regulate metabolic processes and generally strengthen the body, which will contribute to a quick recovery.

Drug treatment of gastritis with low acidity gives a noticeable effect when eliminating the cause of the disease only at its early stage

That is why it is so important to seek medical help in time if you discover one of the symptoms of the disease.

For chronic gastritis, replacement therapy is prescribed, based on the intake of certain enzymes or natural gastric juice, as well as drugs to stimulate secretion.

Additional Information

Medicines are mainly used to eliminate disorders. In order to increase the effectiveness of drug therapy, the doctor prescribes physiotherapeutic procedures and herbal medicine. Treatment is recommended to be carried out in a sanatorium-resort environment, which allows you to achieve quick and lasting results, eliminating the likelihood of complications. The patient must adhere to dietary nutrition throughout the course of treatment and during the period of recovery of the gastric mucosa after the illness.

Gastritis with low acidity is a serious disease that requires timely treatment. The sooner measures are taken, the greater the chances of a positive outcome. It is best to consult a doctor when primary symptoms appear, who will prescribe effective treatment, rather than wait for the development of health-threatening complications that worsen the quality of life.