Advices For Gastritis In Children
Gastritis in children is the same as in adults. It is basically the inflammation of the stomach lining that can be caused by various factors such as bacterial infections, poor eating habits and stress.
This condition is more common in adults, but it can affect children as well. Symptoms range from abdominal pain and a burning sensation to nausea and vomiting.
Always consult your pediatrician if you notice any signs. We can reassure you, because this condition usually does not lead to major complications in the health of a child. In any case, it is possible to reduce some of the symptoms with the dietary changes below.
Gastritis in children
An article published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology states that inflammation of the gastric mucosa, known as gastritis, is a common cause of abdominal pain in children. Treatment can be multidisciplinary and individualized because several factors are involved.
Still, there are some habits and home remedies that can promote feelings of relief, at least temporarily. They are not a substitute for medical advice, but can certainly reduce symptoms. Are you ready to take notes?
eating habits
Most cases of gastritis in children are the result of poor eating habits. They either don’t have set times for their meals or consume certain foods that irritate their stomach lining and can cause inflammation and pain.
Childhood requires a specific nutritional intake, so work with a nutritionist who can help you develop a diet just for your little one.
Limit the consumption of foods rich in refined flours and added sugars. It is also better to avoid acidic products and dishes that contain a lot of herbs. This is because all of these irritate the stomach lining.
As for meal times, an article in International Scholarly Research suggests that not having a regular schedule for a long period of time is associated with an increased risk of infection by the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori. This is one of the main causes of gastritis in both children and adults.
In addition, an article in Gastroenterology Review states that adding fresh broccoli and blueberries to the diet can help reduce symptoms associated with gastritis in children. This is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Garlic Extract
Garlic is a proven home remedy for gastritis in traditional medicine. They may not like the taste, but you have to find a way to get them to eat it. There is some evidence that it helps fight H. Pylori in the body.
- Crush the garlic first and then mix it with a little bit of honey and use it as an adjunct treatment for gastritis.
- The child can also swallow the garlic whole as it is, or incorporate it into a recipe.
- You can also use a garlic extract.
Probiotics
These are live microorganisms and you can find them in certain foods. People have been using them for millennia to improve digestion. In addition, these good bacteria can increase the body’s resistance to the harmful effects of certain bad bacteria.
A publication in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (link) indicates that probiotics help to inhibit the appearance of H. pylori. You can get them by eating products such as:
- yogurt
- kombucha
- olives and pickles
- sauerkraut
- kefir
- Kimchi
- miso
Essential oils
In recent years, the use of essential oils has increased for its health benefits when it comes to all sorts of ailments, including digestive problems.
In fact, a study of antimicrobials and chemotherapy suggests that they may have a positive effect in inhibiting the overgrowth of H. Pylori.
Garlic and peppermint oils are especially useful for this purpose. Use them with caution, however, as they can be toxic in large amounts. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and do not exceed the recommendations.
How to prevent gastritis in children
It is not common for young children to suffer from gastritis, but this is a condition that can occur at any time. However, there are some things you can do to avoid this, in addition to the advice we gave above. Consider, among other things, the following:
- Keep a good eating schedule.
- Feed them at least 2 hours before bedtime.
- Don’t put too much food on their plates.
- Help them relax with activities like yoga, meditation, or even just listening to music.
When should you see a doctor about gastritis in children?
As we mentioned above, in most cases this condition does not pose any serious health problems. However, consult a doctor if the child has severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, or any other relevant symptom. The doctor must be able to determine the cause and prescribe a treatment.
Finally, keep in mind that the above symptoms may not always be an indication of gastritis. In fact, they can be the result of an entirely different disease or problem. Therefore, only a doctor can determine the cause by performing all the necessary tests necessary for a correct diagnosis.
