One of the digestive disorders that was identified in 1995 is H. pylori. The stomach bug known as Helicobacter pylori is the culprit behind this illness. The only bacterium that can endure the stomach’s acidic environment is this one, and it is quite resilient. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population possesses the spiral-shaped Helicobacter pylori bacteria in their stomachs, although most of them never feel sick.
When symptoms intensify, H. pylori infection should be treated right away since it can cause serious digestive illnesses like gastric and duodenal ulcers. You will discover more about the H. pylori diet and Helicobacter pylori therapy in the paragraphs that follow.
What exactly is H. pylori or Helicobacter pylori?
The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infect the stomach lining. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 1998 that these bacteria are to blame for 90% of duodenal ulcers and 80% of stomach ulcers. They may also result in further stomach issues, such as:
- burning pain in the abdomen;
- Flatulence;
- nausea;
- Anorexia;
- Burping frequently;
- Unexplained weight loss.
Some people may find it challenging to utilize common medications like antibiotics, and there is a chance that they will have side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and appetite loss.
Additionally, some people have antibiotic resistance, which makes using standard H. pylori treatment techniques more challenging. As a result, people are becoming more interested in natural therapies.
H. pylori diet
Numerous in vivo (in a natural setting, in a living organism) and in vitro (outside of a natural setting, in a laboratory) investigations on H. pylori natural remedies have been carried out. The majority of treatments only temporarily decrease the amount of these bacteria in the stomach.
Before beginning a natural treatment regimen, make sure to speak with your doctor. Natural cures shouldn’t be used in place of the prescribed H. pylori medication. You may utilize natural therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine with your doctor’s approval. Common medicines’ effects could be enhanced by this.
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are on the list of recommended foods for people with Helicobacter pylori. Probiotics keep the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria in the stomach in check. A 2013 study found that consuming probiotics before or after normal Helicobacter pylori treatment may accelerate the bacteria’s elimination.
In your gut, antibiotics eradicate both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Probiotics aid in the growth of beneficial bacteria and may lessen your risk of developing a yeast infection due to a yeast overgrowth. Researchers discovered proof that Lactobacillus acidophilus produced the best outcomes.
2. Green tea
The second suggestion in the H. pylori diet is green tea. Green tea may help kill and reduce the growth of Helicobacter pylori, according to 2009 mouse research.
According to this study, drinking green tea before an infection minimizes stomach inflammation, and drinking it while an infection is present lessens the severity of gastritis (stomach inflammation).
3. honey
Because of its antibacterial qualities, honey can aid in the treatment of H. pylori. Numerous investigations have backed up this hypothesis. But no research has yet demonstrated that honey by itself can eradicate germs.
According to research, consuming honey together with conventional medicines may reduce the length of treatment for Helicobacter pylori. The most potent antibacterial properties appear to come from raw manuka honey.
4. olive oil
Olive oil is a good addition to the H. pylori diet because it may also be used to treat H. pylori infection. According to a 2007 study, three of the eight varieties of H. pylori bacteria are resistant to therapy, and olive oil has potent antibacterial capabilities against all of them. Olive oil does not lose its characteristics when exposed to stomach acid and is also stable in it.
5. Licorice root
One of the finest foods for treating stomach ulcers is licorice root. It also fights H. pylori, which is why it is on the list of foods to avoid if you have the infection. A 2009 study found that while licorice root does not immediately eradicate these germs, it can stop them from adhering to cell membranes.
6. Broccoli sprouts
Broccoli sprouts contain a chemical called sulforaphane, which may be useful in treating H. pylori. This substance has been shown to lessen stomach inflammation in studies on mice and humans. It may also lessen bacterial colonization and its effects.(1)
According to a study on individuals with type 2 diabetes and H. pylori, broccoli sprout powder works to eliminate this bacteria while lowering cardiovascular risk factors.
7. Phototherapy (light therapy)
This one is a viable alternative for H. pylori treatment, even if it is not part of the H. pylori diet. According to studies, H. pylori is photosensitive. UV light is used in phototherapy to aid in the elimination of H. pylori in the stomach.
According to researchers, there are no risks associated with using phototherapy inside the stomach. When antibiotics are not being utilized for any reason, this technique is far more successful.
Other popular H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori therapy) techniques
To treat H. pylori, doctors typically recommend a combination of two antibiotics plus a medication that lowers stomach acid. Triple therapy is the term for this approach. Your doctor might add another medication to your treatment regimen if you are resistant to antibiotics.
At least 90% of the H. pylori bacteria in your stomach must be eliminated as part of the Helicobacter pylori therapy.
Treatment for Helicobacter pylori often lasts no longer than two weeks. Antibiotic resistance might be less likely to develop if two antibiotics are used rather than just one. The following antibiotics are used to treat H. pylori:
- Amoxicillin
- Tetracycline
- Metronidazole
- Clarithromycin
Medication that lowers acid levels promotes healing of the stomach lining. Among these medicines are:
- Proton pump inhibitors, which prevent the stomach from producing acid, include omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Peracid).
- Histamine blockers, which prevent histamine from triggering the production of acid, include cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac).
- Peptobismol, which covers and shields the stomach lining, is bismuth subsalicylate.
Despite having this bacteria all their lives, many people do not exhibit any symptoms. However, if this bacteria causes persistent stomach irritation and is left untreated, it could lead to life-threatening problems. Ulcers in the stomach and stomach cancer are examples of these consequences. A significant risk factor for various kinds of stomach cancer is H. pylori.
According to CDC data from 1998, when an FDA-approved antibiotic regimen is administered, H. pylori eradication rates range from 61 to 94 percent. Combining antibiotics with an acid reducer increases this rate. The addition of natural treatments could hasten the healing process.
What you can do?
Unless you have symptoms associated with H. pylori infection, clinicians in the United States rarely recommend the necessary tests to detect this condition. Make sure to visit a doctor for a more thorough examination if you experience any worrisome symptoms. Numerous H. pylori infection symptoms are also present in other stomach conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In order to ensure that you are receiving the appropriate care, it is crucial that your doctor accurately diagnose your disease. The sooner you begin Helicobacter pylori treatment if you test positive for the infection, the better. Although there is no evidence to support it, using natural therapies generally won’t do any harm to you. Therefore, you should never use them instead of standard treatments without your doctor’s approval.
How to avoid contracting H. pylori in the future?
The CDC has not issued any formal preventative advice, and the source of H. pylori is unknown. In general, you should practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands and preparing your food in a hygienic way. Complete the entire Helicobacter pylori treatment regimen if you have been told you have an H. pylori infection in order to significantly lower the risk of recurrence.