Health Notes

Gastritis is common among alcoholics.¹ Both heavy smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known causes of acute gastritis.² While heavy alcohol intake is clearly damaging to the stomach lining, preliminary evidence suggests that moderate alcohol consumption (generally defined as two drinks per day in women or three drinks per day in men) may actually protect against the development of gastritis by facilitating the elimination of H. pylori.³ When alcohol is consumed in greater than moderate amounts, it causes a wide variety of health problems.

Many medications, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen), can induce or aggravate stomach irritation.⁴ People with a history of gastritis should never take aspirin or related drugs without first discussing the matter with their doctor.