Gastritis is a medical condition that describes inflammation in the stomach lining. Acute gastritis symptoms may come on suddenly, while chronic gastritis symptoms may develop over time. Psyllium is an herbal supplement typically used to treat constipation and increase daily fiber intake. Using psyllium supplements during gastritis may help improve your symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. If you have gastritis and you're taking psyllium supplements, talk with your doctor if you should continue using the supplements.
Causes
Gastritis has many causes that your doctor will need to determine. Common causes, according to PubMed Health, include the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen, drinking too much alcohol and a bacterial infection. The latter is commonly associated with stomach ulcers, open sores that form because of erosion in the lining of your stomach. Other causes of gastritis may include stress, bile reflux, autoimmune disorders, cocaine use, consuming caustic substances or viral infections.
Symptoms
Symptoms may vary from person to person in severity, based on the degree of inflammation. Common symptoms include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, heartburn, indigestion, hiccups, dark stools, vomiting and nausea, according to UMMC. If you develop diarrhea for more than two days or vomiting for more than one day, call your doctor. Gastritis is commonly mistaken for the stomach flu, a temporary viral infection that affects your digestive system. Report your symptoms to your doctor if you notice blood in your vomit or diarrhea.
Psyllium Use
Psyllium is used to treat symptoms from gastritis for two main reasons; its high-fiber content and diarrhea. UMMC recommends implementing a high-fiber diet to treat gastritis and PubMed Health states that psyllium is a bulk-forming supplement that can promote regular bowel movements and stool. Psyllium is sold in granules, powder, liquid, capsule and wafer forms and is orally ingested. Psyllium absorbs more water during digestion and helps add bulk to your stool to prevent and treat diarrhea.
Considerations
If gastritis is the result of a bacterial infection, the most effective treatment is a prescribed antibiotic to kill the infection. Psyllium supplements may interact with other medications, such as aspirin and digoxin. If you are pregnant, have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease or rectal bleeding, talk with your doctor before using the supplement.
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