Autoimmune (Type A) Chronic Gastritis
What is Autoimmune (Type A) Chronic Gastritis
Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own stomach lining, especially the parietal cells that produce acid and intrinsic factor (a protein essential for vitamin B12 absorption).
Over time, this leads to thinning (atrophy) of the gastric mucosa, low acid production (achlorhydria), and vitamin B12 deficiency.
From a homeopathic viewpoint, it is seen as a deep derangement of the vital force, where the body begins to react abnormally against its own tissues — an imbalance that starts internally, often from suppressed emotions, prolonged stress, or inherited miasmatic tendencies.
कारण
- Autoimmune Process:
- The body forms antibodies against its own parietal cells and intrinsic factor.
- This immune attack slowly destroys the stomach lining.
- 2. Genetic & Constitutional Factors:
- Often seen in people with hereditary autoimmune disorders (like thyroid disease, diabetes type 1, or vitiligo).
- Psoric and sycotic constitutions in homeopathy are more prone to autoimmune disorders.
3. Environmental & Emotional Triggers:
- Long-term emotional strain, suppressed anger, anxiety, or grief.
- Sedentary habits, irregular meals, and heavy drug use (NSAIDs, alcohol) may worsen the condition.
Pathophysiology
- Immune system attacks parietal cells → less HCl acid and intrinsic factor produced.
- Decreased intrinsic factor → poor absorption of vitamin B12 → pernicious anemia develops.
- Mucosa becomes thin, atrophic, and digestion slows down.
- Stomach loses its protective barrier → irritation, inflammation, and weakness of the digestive tract.
लक्षण
- Gastric Symptoms:
- Chronic heaviness, fullness, or pain in the upper abdomen
- Loss of appetite, aversion to food, and bloating after eating
- Nausea, occasional vomiting, or sour reflux
- Feeling of emptiness or “gnawing” pain relieved temporarily by eating
- Bad taste or metallic taste in mouth
- Belching and acidity, worse after heavy meals
2. General Symptoms:
- Weakness, fatigue, and dizziness due to anemia
- Pale face, sometimes with yellowish tint
- Burning tongue (glossitis), smooth and red
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (neuropathy from B12 deficiency)
- Mood changes, irritability, or depression
- Weight loss despite poor appetite
Homeopathic Understanding
Homeopathy views autoimmune gastritis not merely as a local stomach disorder but as a systemic imbalance of immunity and vitality.
The goal is to correct this mistuned vital force, so the body stops attacking itself and begins regenerating the gastric mucosa naturally.
Homeopathic medicines are selected constitutionally, considering the mental, emotional, and physical makeup of the patient — not only the stomach symptoms.
होम्योपैथिक उपचार
- Arsenicum Album
- For burning pain in the stomach, restlessness, and anxiety.
- Burning relieved by warm drinks or heating pad.
- Nausea and vomiting after eating or drinking the smallest quantity.
- Weak, chilly, anxious, and very particular about cleanliness.
- Excellent for gastritis with exhaustion and fear.
2.Phosphorus
- For inflammation and degeneration of gastric mucosa.
- Burning, gnawing pain, and empty sensation in stomach.
- Desire for cold drinks, which are vomited when they become warm in the stomach.
- Gentle, sensitive, emotional persons who easily get exhausted.
- Useful in autoimmune gastritis with bleeding tendency or anemia.
3. Lycopodium Clavatum
- Chronic dyspepsia with gas, heaviness, and fullness even after small meals.
- Craving for sweets and warm food, but complaints worse in the evening.
- Mental picture: self-confident outwardly but anxious inwardly, irritable, and domineering at home.
- Excellent for atrophic gastritis where digestion is weak, and there is flatulence with acidity.
4. Hydrastis Canadensis
- For chronic catarrhal inflammation of stomach with thick, ropy mucus.
- Weak digestion, feeling of gone-emptiness in stomach, bitter taste, and constipation.
- Especially useful in elderly people with gastric atrophy and debility.
- Tongue large, flabby, with yellowish coating.
5. Natrum Muriaticum
- For chronic digestive weakness from emotional causes — grief, disappointment, or suppression of emotions.
- Aversion to bread and fats, heartburn, and feeling of lump in throat.
- Suited to thin, reserved, introverted individuals.
- Helps in restoring balance to the autoimmune constitution.
6. Nux Vomica
- For chronic gastritis from drug overuse, coffee, alcohol, or stress.
- Sour eructations, cramping, and ineffectual urging for stool.
- Mentally irritable, oversensitive to noise, light, and contradiction.
- Restores stomach tone in people with sedentary lifestyle and excess stimulants.
Diet and Lifestyle
- Eat light, warm, easily digestible food (porridge, soups, boiled vegetables).
- Avoid spices, coffee, alcohol, fried and sour foods.
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones.
- Take vitamin B12-rich foods (milk, paneer, eggs) or supplements if needed.
- Manage stress through yoga, meditation, and rest.
- Avoid self-medication with painkillers or antacids.
- Drink lukewarm water; avoid very cold beverages.
- Sleep early, and maintain regular bowel habits.
होम्योपैथिक दृष्टिकोण
Homeopathy treats autoimmune gastritis by:
- Modulating immune overactivity, so the body stops attacking the stomach lining.
- Improving gastric mucosal regeneration and digestion naturally.
- Correcting constitutional weakness that led to autoimmunity.
- Relieving emotional stress and anxiety that worsen gastric symptoms.
With correct constitutional treatment, the vitality revives, B12 levels improve, and the patient regains appetite, energy, and calm digestion — all without dependence on suppressive drugs.
