It is one of the digestive problems related to the emotional factor, which is why it is also known as the “karma of the bad-tempered” or “emotional gastritis.” It is one of the most frequent ailments in Colombia and one of the most frequent medical consultations, since it affects about 40% of the population.
Gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa or what the patient calls burning, burning or stomach pain. Poorly cared for gastritis is associated with the appearance of gastric cancer.
“Stress is the cause of many health problems and gastritis is one of them. Gastritis is also associated with the intake of aggressive medications for the stomach and infection by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, triggers of chronic gastritis,” says the surgeon. Miguel Esmeralof Medical Center.
According to Dr. Esmeral, it is important to first establish the diagnosis and remove medications that cause discomfort or irritation (anti-inflammatories, aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc.) Likewise, supplements that contain iron. The doctor must rule out the presence of Helicobacter through an endoscopy and biopsy.
There are multiple alterations produced by gastritis. Abdominal pain in the epigastrium (in the pit of the stomach) can be added to changes in bowel movements, a feeling of fullness, gas, lack of appetite, nausea and even vomiting. Some people even vomit blood.
However, due to our daily life, the disease is an expression of our body, it is a clear sign that something is wrong with us, that there is an anomaly and it is necessary to check. Emotions are known to play a definitive role in disease occurrence, as well as in prevention.
According to Dr. Esmeral, academic medicine has begun to recognize the relationship between emotions and physical sensations and to explore this field, although most doctors resist and do not contemplate it in treatments.
“However, many deal with treating the psychosomatic part of diseases, and more and more specialists corroborate that a patient treated for organic and mental ailments has a better recovery response,” adds Dr. Esmeral.
“All our emotions are accompanied by a high degree of physical sensations, just as our physical discomforts are reflected in our emotional life”, asserts the specialist of the Medical Center.
The discomforts triggered in the digestive system are directly related to nervous factors. When the patient asks, “when will I get better”, the doctor usually answers: “when his emotional and psychological state improves.” It is consistent that the disease worsens or improves depending on stress. Patients walk as well or as badly as their head.
At present, the treatments aim to reduce the levels of stress, anxiety and irritability, improve eating habits and, in some cases, take some medication to control these burning sensations that complicate the quality of life of more and more Colombians.
Gastritis is a disease that involves a series of dietary changes, such as avoiding seasonings, chili peppers, and pepper. It is known that there are many things that cannot be eaten, especially those that are irritating.
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, tangerines, tomatoes, drinks such as coffee and products that contain it, such as energy drinks, chocolates and soft drinks. Foods with a lot of fiber (wheat bran, wheat germ, raw vegetables, etc.) Avoid junk food above all.
“Cigarettes and alcohol are two other harmful products and they must be eradicated. Gastritis is associated with reflux and this is aggravated in people with a poor diet or overweight”, warns a specialist from the Medical Center.
However, according to doctors, the emotional factor continues to be one of the most important triggers for the disease. Therefore, the prevention and solution of the disease does not involve consulting a specialist, but the ability to manage emotions, stress.
“Good healthy living habits, with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and management of emotions or stress, not only protect the gastric system, but the entire organism from diseases,” says the specialist.