6 Natural Alternatives for Helicobacter pylori

Let’s talk about something many people struggle with but may not even realize is the root cause — H. pylori infection. H. pylori bacteria infect your stomach.

They can live there for years without causing any noticeable h pylori symptoms.

What makes H. pylori a concern is that it’s incredibly common. Studies suggest over half of the world's population has it. However, only a fraction ever develop noticeable issues.

If left untreated long-term, an H. pylori infection can lead to many digestive discomforts. These can range from annoying to downright serious.

How Can I Tell if My Stomach Issues Are Actually H. Pylori Symptoms?

That’s the tricky part — H. pylori is tricky. Early pylori symptoms are often easy to dismiss. They can be confused for something else entirely. You might experience a few different things, such as occasional heartburn or indigestion.

This might be especially noticeable at night. You may have an unexplained, recurring ache or burning stomach pain in your stomach area.

Some people experience feeling overly full or bloated after eating, even small meals. This can be accompanied by a loss of appetite or the urge to eat less than usual.

Finally, nausea is a possible symptom. Nausea from pylori infections may or may not lead to vomiting. These initial symptoms often resemble everyday digestive upset.

To make matters worse, many people experience NO noticeable symptoms include in their early stages of infection.

So, What Happens if I Ignore These H. Pylori Symptoms Long Term?

Well, ignoring H. pylori symptoms is like ignoring a tiny leak in your roof. Eventually, it can become a major problem. When H. pylori hangs around too long, it begins to weaken your stomach's protective lining. This leaves it vulnerable to stomach acid.

Think about it this way. That lining shields your stomach from the very acid it produces to break down food. Once compromised, the acid starts to irritate your stomach's delicate walls. This can cause several different issues.

• Gastritis: An inflammation or swelling of your stomach lining that causes ongoing discomfort. Some folks only experience mild discomfort. Others deal with severe, sharp pain. It can be episodic or, in some cases, even turn into a chronic condition.

• Peptic ulcers: Open sores that develop within your stomach lining. They can even develop in the lining of your upper small intestine. This can be very painful. The pain can feel like a burning sensation, be sharp and sudden, or even spread to your back. In more severe instances, peptic ulcers might even cause bleeding, which is a medical emergency.

• Stomach Cancer: In rare cases, untreated H. pylori can increase your risk of developing stomach cancer. Now, don’t panic – this doesn’t mean every single person with H. pylori will get cancer. The odds are still relatively low, but it’s crucial to address the root cause sooner rather than later.

H. Pylori Treatment – The Path to a Happy Belly

First things first – get a proper diagnosis. If you’ve been experiencing persistent digestive woes, make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away.

Pay attention to any pesky, lingering h pylori symptoms I mentioned. They’ll likely run some tests to determine if H. pylori is the true culprit behind those digestive dramas. These tests may include a stool test, urea breath test, or breath test.

If H. pylori IS lurking in your gut, don't fret. The standard medical approach is highly effective. It usually involves a combination of treatments.

• Antibiotics: Since H. pylori is a bacteria, antibiotics play a starring role in eradicating it from your gut. Your doctor will most likely prescribe a combination of two or more antibiotics to maximize effectiveness and help prevent those pesky bacteria from becoming resistant to the medication. Common antibiotics used are amoxicillin, tetracycline, metronidazole, and clarithromycin.

• Acid-Reducing Meds: Remember how I said acid aggravates an already irritated stomach? Medications called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs for short, come to the rescue here. PPIs block acid production in your stomach, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole. This gives those ulcerations time to heal while your body focuses on battling the H. pylori.

• Bismuth Subsalicylate: This medication, commonly known as Pepto-Bismol, can also be used in conjunction with antibiotics and acid-reducing medications. It helps to coat the stomach lining and protect it from further damage from stomach acids.

What Can I Do Naturally to Help?

In addition to following your healthcare professional’s recommendations, incorporate some natural strategies into your routine. These might help relieve symptoms. You can also make changes to lower your risk of developing complications from H. pylori.

• Give Probiotics Some Love: Boost your gut's defenses with probiotic-rich foods. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, unsweetened yogurt, and kefir are chock-full of beneficial bacteria. They help balance out your gut flora and give H. pylori a run for its money. If you don’t care for those particular foods, high-quality probiotic supplements can bridge the gap.

• Embrace the Power of Broccoli: You know how we're always told to eat our veggies? Well, this time it’s personal. Broccoli, along with its cruciferous cousins (like kale, cabbage, cauliflower) contain a superstar compound called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has potent antibacterial properties. Research suggests it might play a role in inhibiting the growth of H. pylori.

• Harness the Ancient Power of Mastic Gum: This potent resin comes from a tree found primarily on the Greek island of Chios. It's more than just a flavoring agent for gum. Studies highlight mastic gum's potential to combat H. pylori. Talk to your healthcare provider about safe dosage recommendations if you’re interested in giving this one a whirl.

• Don't Underestimate the Garlic and Onion Duo: Garlic and onions are like the dynamic duo of the kitchen. They add depth of flavor to countless dishes, but did you know they also boast powerful antimicrobial properties thanks to compounds called allicin (in garlic) and quercetin (found in onions)? Both are thought to help discourage the growth of bacteria like H. pylori. I often recommend adding them to soups, stews, or sauces, or even incorporating them into your main courses for an extra boost of flavor and those beneficial compounds.

• Drink Clean Water: While this may seem like a no-brainer, drinking clean, purified water is essential for maintaining good overall health, including digestive health. Water helps flush out toxins and keeps things moving along in your digestive tract. On the flip side, contaminated drinking water is a risk factor for H. pylori infection. So make sure you're drinking water from a safe and reliable source.

H. Pylori Symptoms: Other Things to Consider

If you have persistent h pylori symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing potential complications such as peptic ulcer disease or, in rare cases, stomach cancer.

Your doctor can perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and order specific tests. These tests include a stool antigen test, urea breath test (which detects carbon dioxide released by the bacteria), and biopsy during an endoscopy.

By addressing the underlying H. pylori infection, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of these more serious conditions developing.

Factors that increase the risk of developing an H. pylori infection

There are a number of factors that can make you more likely to become infected with pylori bacteria. Understanding these can help you make choices to lower your risk. Some of the most common factors include:

• Living in a Developing Country: H. pylori is more common in developing countries with crowded living conditions and limited access to clean water and sanitation. This is partly due to factors such as poor sanitation, contaminated food and water, and close contact with infected individuals.

• Childhood Exposure: Infection often occurs during childhood, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Early exposure increases the likelihood of the bacteria taking hold in the digestive tract. This makes it more likely for those who contract it during childhood to develop long-term health issues.

• Close Quarters: Living in crowded conditions or sharing close quarters with others who have H. pylori significantly increases your chances of contracting the bacteria. This is especially true if those infected individuals aren't aware of their condition and haven't sought treatment.

Managing Nutrient Deficiencies in the Presence of H. Pylori

One of the challenges of dealing with H. pylori infection is that it can disrupt nutrient absorption, particularly in the stomach and intestines.

Individuals on a ketogenic diet may also face similar concerns, as dietary restrictions can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like magnesium.

Taking keto magnesium supplements can help replenish magnesium levels, which are important for muscle function, nerve health, and maintaining energy levels.

When dealing with H. pylori, it’s crucial to ensure that your body is receiving adequate nutrients, as this infection can further deplete essential vitamins and minerals.

By incorporating keto magnesium supplements into your regimen, you can support both your digestive health and overall well-being while managing the risks associated with H. pylori.

Conclusion 

Addressing the root cause is always key. If those annoying h pylori symptoms have become your unwelcome companions, it’s a sign that your gut needs a little extra love.

Work closely with your healthcare provider for accurate testing and to discuss appropriate treatment options for you. Don’t be afraid to explore the world of gut-supportive foods and herbs. Your stomach (and your taste buds.) will thank you for it.

Supporting Data

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1684118214000796

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23404362/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC296232/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19879118/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3504346/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5052411/