Magnesium For Gastritis

What is gastritis?

Gastritis is a collective term for a number of conditions that share a common feature: stomach lining inflammation. The most common causes of gastritis inflammation are infection with the same bacterium that causes stomach ulcers or constant use of certain painkillers. Abuse of alcohol is another factor that could lead to gastritis.

Acute gastritis is a type of sudden gastritis, whereas chronic gastritis (chronic gastritis) develops over time. Occasionally, ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer are brought on by gastritis. However, gastritis is typically not life-threatening and well-managed with treatment.

Signs and symptoms

Numerous cases of gastritis go unnoticed. Many people mistake symptom occurrence for indigestion. The following are the signs and symptoms of gastritis:

Bloating, dark stools, vomiting, nausea, greater satiety during or after a meal, as well as decreased appetite, abdominal ulcers, weight loss without intention, pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (belly), and bloody stools.

Causes

In gastritis, the lining of the stomach gets inflamed. If the mucus-lined barrier that protects the stomach wall is weak or damaged, digestional juices can harm and irritate the lining of the stomach. The risk of developing gastritis may be increased by a number of conditions, particularly inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease. The problem could be brought on by a number of things, including:

Abuse of alcohol 

Consistent drinking can irritate and harm the lining of the stomach.

Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks the healthy cells that line the stomach.

Bacterial infection 

The H. pylori bacterium (stomach ulcers) is the primary cause of peptic ulcer disease and chronic gastritis.

The bacteria's destruction of the stomach's barrier lining causes inflammation.

Bile reflux 

Your liver makes bile to help you digest fats in food. A reflowing action is a reflux. This condition is known as bile reflux when bile rushes back into the stomach instead of going through the small intestine.

Medication 

The stomach lining may become irritated if corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are taken regularly to treat chronic pain.

Stress on the body Gastritis can be brought on by a sudden, severe illness or injury. Even after a bodily injury that does not affect the stomach, gastritis frequently occurs. Two common causes are severe burns and brain injuries.

Risk Factor

Your risk of developing gastritis is increased by the following factors:

Bacterial infection 

Although Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common diseases affecting humans worldwide, only a small number develop gastritis or other upper gastrointestinal illnesses. Doctors believe that bacterial susceptibility can be passed down through families or be brought on by factors like diet and smoking.

Regular use of pain relievers 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), also known as pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS), can cause both acute and chronic gastritis. A crucial compound that protects the stomach's protective lining may be reduced if these painkillers are taken frequently or in large quantities.

Old age

Older people are more likely to get gastritis because their stomach lining thins out and they are more likely to get an H. pylori infection or an autoimmune disease than younger people.

Alcohol can damage and irritate the lining of your stomach, making it more vulnerable to the fluids from your digestive system. Drinking too much alcohol is more likely to cause acute gastritis.

Stress 

Extreme stress brought on by major surgery, trauma, burns, or serious infections can lead to acute gastritis.

Cancer treatment

It may make you more likely to get gastritis if you're taking chemotherapy or radiation.

The function of magnesium for gastritis

Hydroxide or carbonate ions and magnesium can work together to neutralize stomach acid. Products containing magnesium may temporarily gastritis symptoms.

Antacids neutralize stomach acid, which aids in the treatment of gastritis. Magnesium-containing antacids typically contain the mineral in its hydroxide form, though some may also contain magnesium carbonate or magnesium trisilicate. These magnesium salts have a tendency to disrupt normal bowel function, resulting in constipation and diarrhea. Aluminum and magnesium salts are typically combined in antacid medications to reduce this side effect.

Effects of magnesium

Magnesium can be found naturally in many foods, added to other foods, taken as a dietary supplement, and in some medicines (like antacids and laxatives).

More than 300 enzyme systems in the body use magnesium as a cofactor to control a wide range of biochemical processes like protein synthesis, nerve and muscle function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. 

It is necessary for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione and contributes to the development of bone's structural structure. 

Additionally, magnesium is necessary for the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, a process that is crucial to nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and the normal rhythm of the heart.

Treatment

Medications

The cause of gastritis determines the course of treatment.

You may require:

  • Antibiotics 
  • Medications that control stomach acid and prevent it from rising into your food pipes (oesophagus), such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or alginates
  • If you have gastritis that is caused by alcohol, talk to your doctor about stopping anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin and trying a different medicine
  • If you can, stop drinking alcohol

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

You should revise your nutrition and diet 

  • Eat a diet high in fiber
  • Apples, celery, cranberries (including cranberry juice), onions, garlic, and tea, all of which contain flavonoids, may stop the growth of H. pylori
  • Eat low-fat foods

The following supplements may be beneficial:

  • A daily multivitamin that includes the B vitamins, the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, and trace minerals like zinc, selenium, magnesium, and calcium
  • Fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acids may aid in reducing inflammation. Fish oil may make bleeding more likely. Before taking fish oil, consult your doctor if you take aspirin or any other blood thinner
  • Supplement with probiotics (lactobacillus acidophilus). Probiotics, or "friendly" bacteria, may help keep the digestive system's good and bad bacteria, like H. pylori, in balance. Probiotics may aid in the suppression of an H. pylori infection as well as the reduction of antibiotic-related side effects. For best results, some probiotic supplements must be stored in the refrigerator. Probiotics should only be taken as directed by a doctor by people who have weakened immune systems or are taking medications that suppress the immune system
  • Vitamin C: pharmacological doses of vitamin C have been shown to increase the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy, according to studies

When to seek medical attention

You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • Poop with blood in it
  • Vomit with blood
  • extreme weakness or exhaustion, both of which could be signs of anemia
  • GERD with no control
  • Weight loss with no explanation
  • gastritis-like symptoms that come back

Summary

Gastritis is a condition in which the tissues that line your stomach become inflamed. This condition can manifest in a variety of ways and with a variety of symptoms. A common treatment for gastritis is an antacid. Magnesium products are beneficial and help to treat it. Although some antacids contain calcium, many contain magnesium and aluminum in combination. You should seek healthcare advice if you encounter any of the worsening symptoms of gastritis as mentioned above.

References

  1. Gastritis [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2017 [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastritis/
  2. Gastritis - Symptoms and causes [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355807
  3. Gastritis: indigestion, symptoms, causes, treatment, diagnosis [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10349-gastritis 
  4. Costello R, Wallace TC, Rosanoff A. Magnesium1. Adv Nutr [Internet]. 2016 Jan 7 [cited 2023 Jan 6];7(1):199–201. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4717872/ 
  5. Gastritis - diagnosis and treatment - mayo clinic [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355813 
  6. Can you use magnesium to treat acid reflux? [Internet]. Healthline. 2016 [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/magnesium-acid-reflux 
  7. Magnesium glycinate: Uses, benefits, and side effects [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315372 
  8. Office of dietary supplements - magnesium [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ 
  9. Pros and cons of taking a magnesium supplement [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/magnesium-supplements/faq-20466270 
  10. Eating, diet, & nutrition for gastritis & gastropathy | niddk [Internet]. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/eating-diet-nutrition 
  11. Taking nexium for gastritis [Internet]. LIVESTRONG.COM. [cited 2023 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.livestrong.com/article/337528-gastritis-diet-for-nexium/ 
This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits. See our editorial standards for more details.

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Salma Younas

Doctor of Pharmacy- Pharm-D, University of the Punjab, Pakistan

Salma is a Pharmacist by profession with more than two years of working experience.
She has worked as a Production and Warehouse Pharmacist in well known Pharma industries.
She is now working in a community Pharmacy as a registered Pharmacist and also a freelance medical writer!

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