Best Probiotic For Gastritis, According to a Gastroenterologist

Gastritis is a medical condition that caused the irritation of the stomach lining as defined by the NHS. Gastritis results in symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria, that are believed to provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, particularly by promoting a balanced gut microbiome. Probiotics can help with gastritis by helping to eradicate H Pylori.

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as pain, indigestion, and nausea. Gastritis often feels like a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. The two types of Gastritis are: 

Treatments for Gastritis include antacids, alginates, antibiotics, and managing underlying causes. The inflammation can lead to upper abdominal pain and other discomfort. Gastritis is characterized by redness and swelling of the stomach lining as shown in the graphic below.

The stomach lining, also known as the gastric mucosa, is the protective layer of tissues that coats the inner surface of the stomach, playing a crucial role in digestion and preventing stomach acid from damaging the underlying structures.

What Causes Gastritis?

Gastritis can be caused by various factors, including:

• Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• Use of anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic vomiting
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Major surgery
• Traumatic injury or burns
• Autoimmune disorders
• Irritation due to alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or medication
• Infections caused by bacteria and viruses

These factors can lead to inflammation of the stomach lining, resulting in gastritis and its associated symptoms. It's important to note that the most common cause of gastritis is infection with H. pylori, which is also linked to stomach ulcers. 50% of the world's population is estimated to have had h pylori according to NIH.

Can Anxiety Cause Gastritis?

Yes, severe anxiety can cause stress-induced Gastritis because of the gut and brain connection. Stress-induced gastritis, as defined by the NIH, refers to a condition where patients have developed gastritis due to recent stressful events like severe trauma, illness, major surgery, or psychiatric stressors such as untreated depression. 

The gut-brain connection refers to the bidirectional communication and influence between the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system, impacting both physical and mental well-being.

Anxiety is a psychological and physiological state characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, and unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and tension.

Can Gastritis Kill You?

Gastritis itself is generally not life-threatening, but if left untreated or if severe complications arise, it can potentially lead to more serious health issues, such as bleeding and ulcers. Gastritis infected with H. Pylori can lead to increased risk of stomach cancer according to American Cancer Society.

Can H Pylori Cause Gastritis?

Yes, H Pylori bacteria primarily colonize the stomach antrum region but can infect any part of it, leading to gastritis according to a 2013 study authored by G Carrasco. H. pylori infection initially leads to acute inflammation and can cause chronic gastritis, characterized by neutrophilic infiltrates and lymphoid follicles in the stomach's mucosa lining.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of microaerophilic gram-negative bacteria that can infect the stomach lining and is associated with various gastrointestinal disorders, including gastritis and peptic ulcers.

What Is Gastritis In Pregnancy?

Gastritis during pregnancy involves inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach's protective lining. This condition is commonly caused by an infection by the same bacterium responsible for stomach ulcers. Pregnancy can elevate the risk of gastritis, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, digestive problems, nausea, and discomfort.

Pregnancy can lead to gastritis due to hormonal changes, including elevated maternal estrogen and progesterone levels, which can reduce lower esophageal sphincter pressure and gastric motility, causing symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux according to a 2010 study authored by R Law.

While pregnant individuals with gastritis may experience intensified symptoms, it is generally not harmful to the course of pregnancy or fetal development. Proper management and care, including avoiding certain foods and drinks, staying hydrated, and using home remedies, can help alleviate symptoms and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Pregnancy is the physiological process during which a fertilized egg develops into an embryo and subsequently a fetus within a woman's uterus, typically lasting around nine months. Probiotics are safe during pregnancy according to research.

Can Probiotics Help With Gastritis?

Yes, Probiotics can help with Gastritis by reducing H. Pylori which is known to inflame and irritate the stomach lining according to a 2022 study authored by C He. Probiotics can also serve as a cost-effective and large-scale alternative solution to prevent or reduce Helicobacter pylori colonization, peptic ulcers, and gastric malignancies according to a 2007 study authored by D Lesbros-Pantoflickova.

Helicobacter pylori colonization, is a major cause of chronic gastritis according to a 2023 study authored by P Malfertheiner. Eradicating Helicobacter pylori helps with gastritis by reducing stomach inflammation, promoting tissue healing, preventing complications, relieving symptoms, and improving overall health.

Individuals experiencing acid reflux or gastritis due to dysbiosis, caused by factors such as antibiotic usage or an unhealthy diet, can benefit from probiotic supplementation. Lactobacillus probiotics can aid in rebalancing the gut microbiome after antibiotic treatment and generally replenishing beneficial bacteria according to a 2013 study authored by P Hemarajata.

Best Probiotics For Gastritis

The best probiotics for gastritis is Lactobacillus, a type of probiotic bacteria that is commonly found in fermented foods and supplements according to research dating from 2010 to 2021.

Is Yogurt Good For Gastritis?

Yes, yogurt can be beneficial for gastritis relief because it contains Lactobacillus probiotics that support digestive health and help to manage H Pylori infections in the gut. While yogurt's probiotics can potentially inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, it's advisable to choose varieties that contain probiotics. Yogurt is a cultured dairy product made by fermenting milk with beneficial bacteria, resulting in a creamy and tangy textured food.

How To Take Probiotics For Gastritis

To take probiotics for Gastritis, take your probiotic first thing in the morning 30 minutes before breakfast. Try involve adopting a diet rich in non-irritating foods, avoiding triggers like spicy, fatty and acidic foods, coffee, alcohol, managing stress, staying hydrated, and following any prescribed medications or treatments.