A sensitive stomach is among the more common gastrointestinal complaints. Many people are familiar with an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen, burning, or a feeling of being full too soon after eating.
Gastritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach lining. It can have various causes and can occur both acutely and chronically.
A better understanding of the possible causes and connections can help in correctly assessing symptoms and consciously relieving the stomach in everyday life.
Important: Persistent or severe stomach complaints should be medically evaluated. This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or treatment.
After food has passed through the mouth and esophagus, it reaches the stomach – an organ that plays a central role in the digestive process.
Here, the food bolus remains for some time, is mixed, and broken down further. At the same time, another part of chemical digestion begins: the stomach lining produces gastric juice, the acid of which is involved, among other things, in breaking down food components.
So that the stomach acid can fulfill its function without damaging the underlying tissue, the stomach lining possesses various protective mechanisms. These include a protective mucus layer.
If this balance is disturbed, the stomach lining can become irritated or inflamed.
Gastritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach lining – the layer that protects the sensitive tissue of the stomach from gastric acid, among other things.
It can occur suddenly and thus be acute, or it can develop over a longer period and follow a chronic course.
With acute gastritis, symptoms can appear relatively suddenly. These include, for example, pain or pressure in the upper abdomen, nausea, and occasionally vomiting.
Possible triggers include certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, or other stressors on the stomach lining.
Chronic gastritis develops over a longer period and may initially cause only minor or non-specific symptoms.
Depending on the cause, different forms are distinguished:
Gastritis can manifest in different ways. Some people have only minor complaints, while others perceive more distinct symptoms.
Possible complaints include:
The causes can also be different. Known possible triggers or influencing factors include:
In the case of prolonged or severe symptoms, a medical evaluation is advisable. This can take into account the nature of the symptoms, dietary habits, medication use, and other possible stressors.
Depending on the situation, additional examinations may be necessary. These include, for example, tests for Helicobacter pylori, blood tests, or an endoscopy (gastroscopy).
Treatment depends on the respective cause and severity. Therefore, especially with recurring symptoms, an individual medical assessment is important.
With a sensitive stomach, it can be helpful to consciously pay attention to which foods are well tolerated individually. Tolerance can vary from person to person.
Often, mildly prepared foods are perceived as pleasant, for example:
Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill can also mildly refine dishes.
In addition to the choice of food, the way of eating can also play a role. Some people may find smaller meals more pleasant than very large portions.
Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly can also help to make meals more conscious.
Very fatty or highly spiced foods, alcohol, coffee, and carbonated beverages are not tolerated equally well by everyone with a sensitive stomach.
Instead of avoiding numerous foods across the board, it can be useful to observe individual tolerance and, if symptoms persist, discuss diet with a specialist if necessary.
Various foods and herbal teas are traditionally used in connection with a sensitive stomach.
Traditional use does not automatically mean that a remedy is suitable for treating gastritis. In case of existing symptoms or the taking of medications, individual application should be discussed with a medical professional in case of doubt.
In addition to diet and medically necessary measures, a conscious approach to stress can also contribute to general well-being.
Sufficient sleep, regular rest phases, and a conscious approach to stimulants are components of a balanced lifestyle.
Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or gentle yoga can also be integrated into everyday life if they are perceived as pleasant.
Various natural ingredients from food and mushrooms are the subject of scientific research. These include polysaccharides, triterpenes, and ergothioneine, among others.
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates found in numerous foods and natural raw materials. These include, for example, whole grain products, legumes, algae, and mushrooms.
A well-known group are beta-glucans, which have different properties depending on their structure and origin. Beta-glucans are found in oats, barley, and various types of mushrooms, among others, and are being intensively studied scientifically.
Triterpenes are a diverse group of natural compounds. They are found in various plants and also in certain types of mushrooms.
Triterpenes are particularly well known as characteristic components of the Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). Their chemical and biological properties are the subject of scientific studies.
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing compound that the human body absorbs through food.
Mushrooms are among the known food sources for ergothioneine. The compound is being studied scientifically due to its special chemical properties.
Important: Findings from research on individual ingredients cannot automatically be applied to the effect of a food, medicinal mushroom, or dietary supplement in cases of gastritis.
Certain symptoms should be medically evaluated – especially if they occur for the first time, persist for a long time, or worsen significantly.
These include, for example:
With such symptoms, the cause should be medically evaluated. In case of severe acute symptoms or signs of bleeding, a prompt medical assessment is required.
Gastritis can have different causes and can follow both an acute and a chronic course. Therefore, there is not one single measure that is suitable for every situation.
An individually tolerated diet, a conscious lifestyle, and the avoidance of personal irritants can be useful components of everyday life. However, it is crucial to have persistent or severe symptoms medically evaluated.
Further information on mushrooms and traditional applications can be found at the Swiss Professional Association for Medicinal Mushroom Science (Fachverein Vitalpilzkunde Schweiz).
Note: This article is exclusively for general information purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
