Duodenitis treatment is similar to treatment for gastritis, but many people find that lifestyle adjustments, including natural remedies and diet, can go a long way in easing their duodenitis symptoms.
Just what is duodenitis? Well, it is a medical term that is used to describe inflammation in the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. It is similar to gastritis in that it leads to inflammation of the lining of the stomach. In many cases, gastritis and duodenitis occur at the same time. Duodenal inflammation can be very uncomfortable as it comes with pain, bleeding, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
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The most common cause of duodenitis is infection linked to a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It disrupts the mucus barrier that usually protects the duodenal lining from acid in the stomach. Chronic inflammation can lead to duodenal ulcers.
There are many people who become infected with H. pylori at a young age but don’t experience symptoms until adulthood.
How to treat duodenitis
Treatment for duodenitis is usually the same as it is for gastritis. Of course, ultimately, the approach will depend on the cause, but here are the typical duodenitis treatment options:
- Antacids: These provide short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid. They are available over-the-counter.
- Acid-suppressing medications: This would be a prescribed medication for reducing the acid production to allow the duodenal wall to heal. Some people find that this is not enough to keep the discomfort at bay though.
- Antibiotics: If H. pylori are confirmed, this medication may be required. Some people need several courses of antibiotics to address the symptoms of H. pylori.
- Coating agents: These help line the duodenal wall. They can help the wall heal by reducing contact between the acid and the inner lining.
- Diet and lifestyle adjustments: This can include avoiding spicy foods, limiting alcohol, and stopping smoking. If celiac is the cause, adopting a gluten-free diet will be required.
Also Read: What causes duodenitis? Types, symptoms, and diagnosis
Natural remedies and diet for duodenitis
Each case of duodenitis is at a different intensity, which is due to the underlying cause. For some sufferers, a duodenitis home remedy can be effective in helping treat the condition. It is important to pay close attention to symptoms and seek professional medical advice if and when symptoms don’t seem to be subsiding. When duodenitis is not treated quickly, it can lead to duodenal ulcers or other complications.
If duodenitis home remedies and diet sounds appealing to you, read the list below.
High fiber: Oats, barley, lentils, carrots, beans, and soy products are known to be helpful in reducing the cause of duodenitis.
Chamomile/Dandelion tea: Consumed either hot or cold, this tea is said to help heal many different types of infections.
Vitamin A: Watermelon, peaches, carrot juice, oranges, blackberries, and raw cabbage are rich in vitamin A and have the ability to help reduce the risk of duodenitis.
Yogurt: Research suggests that consuming one bowl of yogurt each day can reduce pain and help calm down the intestinal system. It is thought that it can also lessen the type of pain that is linked to duodenitis.
Buttermilk: When black pepper powder or cumin seeds powder is added to a glass of buttermilk, it is said to be a duodenitis home remedy. Drinking the buttermilk two to three times a day is the recommended dosage.
Lemon: The juice of this fruit is known to help clear bacteria in the digestive system. Consuming a glass of lemon juice every day is considered a good daily approach for duodenitis.
Pomegranate juice: Taking a half a glass of pomegranate juice with a tablespoon of honey, at least twice a day, can also help with duodenitis.
Honey: Raw honey is said to assist in reducing inflammation in the stomach. It can be spread on other foods to make it easier to consume on a regular basis.
For centuries, certain cultures have believed that honey is good for the digestive system.
Many healthcare professionals agree that a duodenitis diet is the best treatment. This means excluding spicy foods, bakery products, and including foods like oats and berries in your diet. Everyone is different so avoiding any foods that might irritate your stomach or cause more acid to form is just common sense.
It is believed that there are certain foods that when consumed, can help treat duodenitis, including some of the following:
- Strawberries: Improve bowel movement by reducing acid formation
- Lime: A flavonoid, which helps maintain a healthy immune system and can reduce acid formation in the stomach.
- Celery: Has vitamin C and flavonoids for healthy immune and digestive systems.
- Purple grape juice: For some reason, this is more effective in dealing with duodenitis than green grapes.
- Kiwi and banana: Also known to help reduce level of acid in the stomach
If you suffer from duodenitis, a diet that includes two to four servings of the fruits mentioned above is recommended. Vegetables that cause excess gas, such as garlic and onion or pickled vegetables, should be avoided, and six to eight servings of starch or bread should be part of your diet. It is also important to stay hydrated. If you like meat, just remember to avoid greasy, fried meat, as well as processed meat like cold cuts and sausage.
Duodenitis prevention
If you want to avoid duodenitis, then you have to focus on controlling excess acid in your stomach. This could mean cutting down on certain foods or changing some lifestyle habits.
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Here are some duodenitis prevention tips:
- Avoid spicy and fatty foods
- Quit smoking
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Avoid preservatives, including processed and canned foods
- Limit caffeine
- Don’t take NSAIDs or aspirin unless directed
- Don’t eat at least three hours before going to bed
- Avoid any foods that cause irritation, such as a burning sensation
Duodenitis can be an aggravating condition and while it is true that some people are forced to give up some foods that they really like, it is worth the sacrifice.
Related: Burning Sensation in Stomach: Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies
