Gastritis is an inflammatory digestive condition that affects 8 out of 1,000 people. The most common cause of gastritis is H. Pylori infection, which impacts up to 75% of the population around the world. Understanding this condition is important for developing strategies that may help manage it for those at risk. Functional medicine labs can be useful tools to explore gastritis, its underlying causes, and any other risk factors, potentially helping individuals manage this condition and support their long-term health.
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What Are The Two Types of Gastritis?
Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes inflamed, often due to infection or autoimmunity. The stomach lining acts as a protective barrier, and in gastritis, the immune system may affect this barrier. Gastritis can be short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Chronic gastritis can lead to the stomach lining wearing away over time. Other types include erosive and non-erosive gastritis. In erosive gastritis, the stomach lining is damaged, which may lead to ulcerations.
Non-erosive gastritis causes irritation and inflammation of the lining, which can lead to digestive issues. Gastritis can also be named for its cause, such as drug-induced gastritis. If not managed, gastritis can result in a loss of cells in the stomach that produce acid, potentially impacting digestion and increasing the risk of stomach cancer. Gastritis with ulcers can also lead to hidden blood loss.
How Does Gastritis Happen in The Body, And What Are The Risk Factors?
Gastritis arises when the stomach's protective mucus lining weakens, allowing digestive juices to cause harm and inflammation to the stomach wall. This inflammation can have multiple origins.
Infections, particularly the common bacterial infection H. pylori, are frequent causes of gastritis and stomach ulcers. Genetic and lifestyle factors, including smoking and diet, can make some individuals more prone to symptoms associated with this bacterium. Gastritis can also result from other infections like parasites and fungi.
The relationship between gastritis and its management, along with the presence of pathogens and bacteria in the small intestine, is illustrated by Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Gastritis-related stomach inflammation and altered gastric acid secretion can contribute to SIBO when gastric bacteria move to the small intestine or grow excessively in the stomach. Recent research suggests that prolonged use of acid-blocking medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, may create an environment less favorable to acid-loving H. pylori while allowing other bacteria to thrive.
Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can reduce substances that protect the stomach lining, potentially leading to acute inflammation and gastritis.
Age is also a factor, as the stomach lining naturally thins with age, increasing the risk of gastritis.
Regarding risk factors for gastritis, a range of influences is involved, including biological and infectious elements, environment, and individual behaviors. Common risk factors include food reactions, bacterial overgrowth, impaired digestion, autoimmune disorders, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, conditions that promote imbalanced inflammation like Crohn's disease, HIV/AIDS, celiac disease, and sarcoidosis, as well as intense stress from significant surgery, injury, burns, or severe infections.
Gastritis Symptoms
Gastritis typically presents as stomach discomfort and pain due to inflammation and irritation in the stomach lining. It can also cause various other symptoms:
- A burning pain in the upper abdomen, often associated with indigestion
- Feeling full after meals
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Hiccups
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting, possibly with blood or coffee ground-like material
- Dark stools due to blood in the stool
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Skin issues and rashes
- If not managed, gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding over time
If stomach pain or indigestion persists despite dietary and lifestyle changes, seeking medical attention is important. Individuals should contact a healthcare provider if any of the following occurs:
- Abdominal pain or indigestion that persists for a week or more and is severe
- Continuous vomiting that causes dehydration or difficulty in maintaining proper nutrition
- Vomit or stool containing blood or looks like "coffee grounds"
- Experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
- Intense stomach pain following the use of a new prescription or over-the-counter medication, especially pain relievers
What Are The Benefits of Regular Lab Testing For Patients With Gastritis?
Regular lab testing for individuals with gastritis can help identify potential risks of complications. Health complications such as ulcerations, bleeding, digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, polyps, atrophy (destruction) of the stomach cells, and increased risk of cancer may be better managed through testing. Exploring the contributing causes and risk factors through testing can enable healthcare providers to tailor their strategies to help manage gastritis effectively.
Top Labs To Run Bi-Annually On Patients With Gastritis
The following functional labs are commonly used by healthcare providers for individuals with gastritis:
H. Pylori
This bacteria is a common cause of gastritis, making it an important lab test for those with gastritis. This test identifies H. pylori infections through quantitative PCR technology, providing valuable insights for monitoring and managing the condition. The H. Pylori Profile also examines antibiotic-resistant genes and virulence factor genes to further guide management.
Comprehensive Stool Test
Gastritis is an inflammatory gut condition, and a comprehensive stool test assesses various factors that may contribute to digestive inflammation. This test analyzes imbalances in the microbiome, inflammatory markers, and overgrowth of pathogens, including H. pylori, that are associated with gastritis. It can also help assess conditions such as Crohn's that may contribute to gastritis. Healthcare providers can use this test to evaluate gut health and aim to support balance in inflammatory gut conditions.
SIBO Assessment
Gastritis and its management can affect the balance of bacteria, potentially contributing to SIBO. A non-invasive 3-hour breath test can assess the presence of excessive bacteria in the small intestine. The test measures hydrogen and methane levels associated with SIBO. Gastritis and its management can both influence and be influenced by bacteria in the small intestines. If gastritis inflames the stomach and disrupts gastric acid secretion, bacteria might move to the small intestine or grow excessively in the stomach, potentially leading to SIBO. This test can be useful for healthcare providers managing individuals with gastritis and suspected SIBO. Retesting can help in managing the condition accurately.
Food Sensitivity Panel
Food reactions can contribute to gut inflammation and are considered a risk factor for gastritis. Testing for food reactions may be helpful for individuals with gastritis who suspect certain foods are aggravating their symptoms. This food sensitivity panel assesses common reactive foods, and results can guide personalized nutritional plans to support gut health.
Micronutrient Panel
A micronutrient panel is useful for individuals with gastritis because deficiencies in vitamins and nutrients can occur in chronic gastritis. These individuals may have low levels of nutrients such as B12, iron, magnesium, and zinc. A micronutrient panel assesses levels of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support overall health. Regular testing can help ensure adequate levels of these nutrients for individuals with gastritis.
Additional Labs to Check
It is important to note that diagnoses of gastritis are completed through imaging and biopsy. An upper endoscopy can view the GI tract to visualize inflammation and gastritis. A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis. Intrinsic factor may also be tested if autoimmune gastritis is suspected, as positive levels of these antibodies have been associated with this specific type of gastritis.
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Summary
Gastritis affects the gastric mucosa (stomach lining) by causing inflammation in that area. This GI condition has many underlying causes and risk factors, such as H. Pylori and food reactions. While gastritis often resolves without severe issues, long-term gastritis can lead to health consequences such as nutrient deficiencies or an increased risk of stomach cancer.
A functional medicine approach uses labs to explore underlying causes, and preventative measures and management protocols can be put in place to help reduce the potential negative impacts of this condition. These tests enable healthcare providers to personalize their management strategies based on lab results and the specific health needs of their patients to support overall health and well-being.
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