1. What is the problem?
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, often linked to H. pylori infection, alcohol use, or chronic NSAID use.
2. What are some common signs and symptoms?
– Abdominal pain, nausea
– Indigestion, bloating
– Sometimes asymptomatic until ulcers develop
3. What is the difference between the conventional view and the functional medicine perspective?
Conventional View:
Gastritis is usually managed with antibiotics (to eradicate H. pylori) and acid-suppressing medications to reduce symptoms and promote healing.
Functional View:
Functional medicine recognizes that underlying metabolic dysfunction—such as insulin resistance, gut dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation—weakens the stomach’s defenses, making gastritis more persistent and harder to heal.
4. How does the condition stem from metabolic dysfunction?
Insulin resistance is associated with higher inflammatory cytokine activity, which may make the gastric mucosa more vulnerable. Hyperglycemia impairs microcirculation in the stomach lining, slowing repair and regeneration. Gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability reduce immune control, giving H. pylori more opportunity to thrive. Meanwhile, emerging research suggests mitochondrial stress may reduce ATP availability, slowing mucosal repair.
5. Is there a solution?
Yes. Healing gastritis requires both addressing H. pylori directly and restoring the body’s metabolic and gut defenses. Balance helps lower insulin resistance and inflammation, supporting repair of the stomach lining, while Unimate provides polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress and microbial imbalance. Combined with lifestyle changes—such as a gut-friendly diet, stress reduction, and avoiding alcohol and NSAIDs—these tools help restore lasting stomach health. [See our tools here]
Additional Functional Medicine Strategies
– Mastic gum, zinc carnosine, and probiotics to help fight H. pylori and strengthen the stomach lining
– Omega-3s and vitamin D to support immune balance
– Stress management practices to reduce acid surges and support healing
Gastritis is not just a bacterial problem—it is amplified by metabolic dysfunction that weakens the stomach’s natural defenses. By improving insulin sensitivity and restoring gut balance, you can strengthen the gastric barrier and support true healing.
I’m Dr. Dieter, and I’m here to help you Reclaim Your Health.