Gastric Inflammation

Background: The Role of the Stomach and Gastric Mucosa

The stomach plays a central role in digestion, initiating the breakdown of proteins and preparing food for nutrient absorption in the small intestine. The gastric mucosa secretes:

• Hydrochloric acid (HCl) to aid in protein digestion
  
• Pepsinogen, which converts to pepsin for enzymatic activity
  
• Intrinsic factor, necessary for vitamin B12 absorption
  
• Mucus and bicarbonate, which protect the stomach lining from acidic damage
  
  

Inflammation of this mucosa—whether caused by infection, chemical irritation, or autoimmune activity—can impair stomach function and trigger a range of gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Gastritis

Gastritis may present with nonspecific upper gastrointestinal symptoms:

• Epigastric pain or burning
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
• Bloating and early satiety
  
• Indigestion or heartburn
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Black, tarry stools (melena) or vomiting blood in cases of erosion
  
• Changes in bowel frequency
  
  

Symptoms are often aggravated by stress, alcohol, NSAIDs, or spicy foods.

Diagnostic Evaluation of Gastric Inflammation

Functional medicine emphasizes both conventional diagnostics and root-cause analysis:

• Medical History and Clinical Examination: Includes review of NSAID use, alcohol, dietary triggers, and autoimmune history.
  
• Endoscopy with Biopsy: Direct visualization and histological testing, including for Helicobacter pylori infection.
  
• Blood Testing:
  
  • Hemoglobin and hematocrit for anemia
    
  • Gastrin levels for hypochlorhydria
    
  • Vitamin B12 levels for absorption assessment
    
• Stool Testing: Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and H. pylori antigen
• Urea Breath Test: Highly specific for active H. pylori infection

Contributing Factors to Gastric Inflammation

A functional medicine approach explores multiple layers:

• Helicobacter pylori Infection: A leading cause of bacterial infection.
  
• Medication-Induced Gastritis: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, PPIs.
  
• Alcohol and Tobacco: Direct irritants of the gastric lining.
  
• Chronic Stress: Alters gastric acid and mucosal blood flow.
  
• Autoimmune Gastritis: Parietal cell autoimmunity tied to immune function.
  
• Bile Reflux: Damages gastric mucosa.
  
• Dietary Irritants and Nutrient Deficiencies: Exacerbate mucosal vulnerability.
  
  

Clinical Implications of Untreated Gastritis

Unmanaged gastritis can lead to:

• Peptic Ulcers
  
• Atrophic Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia: Risk factors for gastric carcinoma.
  
• Iron and Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Leads to anemia.
  
• Functional Dyspepsia: Persistent digestive discomfort.
  
  

Interfering Factors in Testing and Management

Factors influencing results include:

• Recent antibiotic or PPI use (false-negative H. pylori tests)
  
• Alcohol or NSAID usage
  
• Stress and poor sleep
  
• Overlooked micronutrient deficiencies

Functional Medicine Approach at Intercoastal Health

Our root-cause approach includes:

1. Nutritional Interventions:

• Anti-inflammatory foods: bone broth, aloe vera, cooked vegetables
  
• Avoid acidic and processed foods
  
• Gluten and dairy elimination in autoimmune cases
  

2. Eradication of H. pylori:

• Antimicrobials such as mastic gum and berberine
  
• Prescription antibiotics if necessary
  

3. Mucosal Support:

• DGL licorice, L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, vitamin A retinol
  

4. Stress Management:

• Mindfulness, vagal nerve support, adaptogenic herbs
  

5. Monitoring and Follow-Up:

• Symptom reassessment and repeat biomarker evaluation

Conclusion

Gastric inflammation is a multifaceted disorder impacting digestive health, nutrient status, and systemic wellness. Early identification and individualized intervention are essential to prevent long-term complications.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine telehealth provider in Florida facilitates identification of cellular-level and molecular imbalances driving cardiometabolic dysfunction. By integrating evidence-based therapies with regenerative medicine and medical weight loss services—where digestive health is critical—we offer patients a regenerative, preventive framework to rebuild resilience and optimize wellness. Call tel:(904) 799‑2531 or schedule online to request your personalized digestive health evaluation.

Further Reading

• Role of Helicobacter pylori in Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease
  
• Autoimmune Gastritis and Risk of Gastric Neoplasia
  
• Stress-Related Mucosal Disease: Advances in Pathophysiology and Treatment
  
• Gastric Mucosal Protection and the Importance of Nutritional Therapy
  
• Nutrient Deficiencies and Gastric Atrophy: Clinical Relevance