Stomach Health: Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Natural Treatment Methods

Helicobacter pylori infection has some detrimental effects. While Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is a bacterium that can normally be found in people’s intestinal flora without causing any problems, it is a bacteria that can be harmful if it enters the gastric mucosa. It is known as a stomach infection.

Helicobacter pylori is an opportunistic bacterium that can rapidly infect and spread in individuals with weakened immune systems. While these bacteria are natural and beneficial to our bodies in small quantities, they can be extremely dangerous when allowed to grow uncontrolled. This infection is the leading cause of atrophic gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, reflux, digestive disorders and stomach cancer.

It is estimated that more than 50% of the world’s population has high Helicobacter pylori levels. This microorganism can spread very quickly through saliva and therefore can be easily transmitted. It is very common for the whole family to have a positive test when it comes to this infection. Individuals with weakened immunity can get this by sharing a drink, kissing, and eating the same meals as an infected individual.

Helicobacter Pylori and Stomach Ulcers

Dr Barry Marshall won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2005 for discovering that H. Pylori was the cause of peptic ulcers. This discovery reversed decades of medical knowledge that ulcers were caused by stress, spicy foods, and too much acid. It is only recently understood that chronic stress lowers the immune response and makes the person susceptible to Helicobacter pylori infection.

Most medical researchers thought the stomach was a very unfavorable environment for bacteria to thrive. To prove his theory, in 1984, Marshall infected himself with Helicobacter pylori and eventually developed gastritis. He performed pre- and post-endoscopy to analyze the cultures in his stomach and showed that Helicobacter pylorus was able to proliferate in the stomach and shut down the stomach’s ability to produce sufficient hydrochloric acid.

Dangers of Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori is a highly developed microorganism with incredible adaptive advantages that are capable of surviving in the harsh environment of the stomach. It produces an enzyme called “urease” that breaks down urea in the stomach into carbon dioxide and ammonia. This causes belching and bad breath in the individual and neutralizes the acidifying effects of hydrochloric acid. In other words, Helicobacter pylori creates a living space for itself by reducing the acidity of the stomach. Thus, it comfortably settles in the gastric mucosa. On the other hand, factors such as stress, PPI drugs that suppress stomach acid, and improper diet are the factors that cause Helicobacter pylorus to settle in the stomach by reducing stomach acid.

Hydrochloric acid is necessary to create an acidic environment in the stomach to digest protein and ionize minerals. This also helps stimulate the release of bile from the gallbladder to efficiently metabolize fat in the small intestine. If these core functions do not work at their best, we are at risk of anemia, thyroid problems, osteoporosis, and autoimmunity.

The secretion of mucus protects the stomach lining from irritation by foodstuffs and microorganisms. Helicobacter pylori reduces the stomach’s ability to produce mucous membranes and irritates the stomach lining. This proceeds as a silent inflammation until enough pain receptors are fired and the irritation becomes more severe. This is the pathogenesis of stomach ulcers.

Features That Make Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria More Hard:

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium; that is, it has two cell walls. Gram positive bacteria have a cell wall. This double outer layer protects bacteria and makes it difficult for antimicrobial drugs and plants to affect the organism.

Most doctors try to eradicate any bacterial infection with antibiotics. However, gram-negative bacteria contain “efflux pumps” that have the ability to expel antibiotic drugs within their cell walls. These pumps protect bacteria from antibiotics and can be extremely dangerous for the person. The excretion pumps help the bacteria survive and adapt and develop their antibiotic resistance abilities.

The cell wall material of Gram-negative bacteria is also a very powerful inflammatory mediator. This material is called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and is extremely toxic to the liver and when released into the bloodstream in large quantities, it ignites important inflammatory processes in the body. LPS is also referred to as an endotoxin and is one of the main reasons why leaky gut syndrome is so dangerous to the body.

Most Common Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori Infection

• A burning sensation spreading to the chest
• Abdominal Pain (mild to severe)
• Bloating and tightness
• Feeling full even after eating very little food
• In duodenal ulcers, feeling of hunger immediately after eating, waking up with hunger pains at night
• Belching and reflux
• Constant bad breath
• Mild nausea
• Burning in the throat

Other problems that can be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection are pernicious anemia with B12 deficiency. Your stomach produces a protein called intrinsic factor that allows the small intestine to absorb B12. H Pylori affects the stomach’s ability to produce intrinsic factor that causes this problem. The main symptoms associated with pernicious anemia are persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, swollen tongue, and nausea.

Helicobacter pylori has also been shown to be a risk factor in non-gastrointestinal disorders such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (easy bruising), atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), ischemic heart disease (reduced blood flow to the heart) and stroke.

Helicobacter Pylori and Long-Term Health Problems

Helicobacter pylori can cause intestinal inflammation and gastrointestinal permeability by disrupting the digestive process. This leaky gut condition can also cause iron-deficient anemia, irritable bowel symptoms with variable diarrhea and constipation, and ulcerative colitis.

Because gut health is closely related to brain health, Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to depression, anxiety, and concentration problems. Altered digestion also increases food sensitivities and autoimmune reactions. This can lead to many autoimmune problems (Graves, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Lupus, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, psoriasis, rosacea) that are very common in our society today.

Natural Remedies for Helicobacter Pylori

A Helicobacter pylori infection is easier to treat the sooner it is caught and diagnosed. Classical medical practitioners apply combined antibiotic therapy for the treatment of helicobacter pylori. However, those who avoid the negative effects of antibiotics seek natural treatment.

Antimicrobial nutrition and support plan is required for this problem. You can easily start the day by drinking clean water with freshly squeezed lemon and / or apple cider vinegar (ACV).

The organic acids in lemon and apple cider vinegar are antimicrobial and help reduce the Helicobacter pylori count. An antimicrobial diet that uses plenty of garlic, onion, basil, thyme, ginger and turmeric in your meals will also help combat this infection.

Oil pulling using coconut oil 3 times a day for 10-15 minutes will aid in its ability to reduce stress on the immune system and reduce the number of Helicobacter pylori.

In moderate to severe infections, Helicobacter will need a special protocol with intensive antimicrobial supplementation to ensure the pylorine countdown sufficiently low for the body to heal properly.

Nutrition Advice

– Avoid allergenic foods such as gluten and milk-dairy products.

– Refined sugar should be avoided.

-There are studies that refined salt can irritate the stomach and intestines. Healthy salt such as rock salt should be consumed in measured amounts.

– Drinks and foods containing caffeine should be avoided.

– Carbonated drinks should be avoided

-H. pylori infection is more common in smokers and eradication therapy is less effective. Nicotine increases the toxic activity of H. pylori in the stomach

– Fluid loss and not consuming enough fluid cause a decrease in mucus secretion, which is important in protecting the inner surface of the stomach.

-A 4-8 week elimination diet will be a good start.

– Foods with fiber should be consumed.

-Probiotic-rich foods should be consumed.

-Naturally caught fish, flax and chia seeds, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, reduce inflammation.

-It is beneficial to consume cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli and broccoli sprouts.

-You can consume 1 liter of cabbage juice by spreading it throughout the day.

-If you do not have intolerance, you can consume porridge because of the mucopolysaccharides it contains.

-Again, bananas are one of the foods that contain mucopolysaccharides.

-The consumption of 1 to 2 cups of chamomile tea a day supports the damaged digestive system cells and helps them to heal.

Supplement Recommendations

1-Licorice Root

DGL is an acronym that stands for deglycerised liquorice. It is obtained by removing the component of your glycerine in licorice root. The aim is to prevent problems such as hypertension, edema, potassium and magnesium loss. DGL is a known supplement for its ability to repair and renew the gastrointestinal mucosa. It increases intestinal blood flow, promotes protective mucus production in the gastric mucosa, increases the growth and regeneration of the intestinal epithelium. The flavonoids it contains inhibit the growth of H. Pylori bacteria. DGL products are in the form of chewable tablets. To be effective, it must be combined with saliva and must be chewed thoroughly / without water at least half an hour before or 1 hour after a meal. When taken on a full stomach or in the form of a capsule, it cannot have a healing effect on the mucosa.

2-Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts are just a few days old broccoli plants. They contain a chemical with very high levels of sulfur called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is known for its antioxidant and detoxifying benefits.

Research published in the Journal of Digestive Diseases and Science found that 78% (seven out of nine) of subjects consuming broccoli sprouts (14, 28, or 56 grams) twice daily for a week were ultimately negative for Helicobacter pylori.

Recently, 2017 research published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design shows that the sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts can not only fight H. pylori and the gastritis it can cause, but can also help protect against gastrointestinal damage often caused by dangerous NSAIDs.

3-Melatonin

Melatonin, which we know from the treatment of sleep problems, is a good support that can be used in mucosal protection and repair. Don’t think about what melatonin is doing in the stomach. Melatonin is not only of pineal origin. In fact, the melatonin content of the gastrointestinal tract is higher than that of the pineal gland. Melatonin reduces the formation of ulcers in the GI tract by removing free radicals.

4-Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa)

Black seed has many proven benefits, including successfully fighting Helicobacter pylori infections. In the study conducted in 2010, it was found that giving two grams of ground black cumin seeds a day with omeprazole (an acid blocker) to Helicobacter pylori patients is more effective in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori than the standard traditional two antibiotics and a stomach protector “triple therapy”. Black seed also has acid-reducing and stomach-protecting abilities.

5-Gum Tree Resin (Mastic)

Studies have shown a positive effect on stomach ulcers and a bactericidal effect on Helicobacter pylori.

6-Digestive Enzymes

A sick stomach cannot produce enough digestive enzymes to break down food at a healthy rate. Supplementing these enzymes until your body regains its ability to produce on its own can help reduce stagnant food in your gut and speed up your recovery.

It is recommended to take digestive enzymes such as pepsin and protease, which facilitate digestion and alleviate reflux symptoms, in capsules with meals. There are those of animal and plant origin.

It may also be beneficial if ready-made preparations also contain Betaine HCl to support stomach acid and bile salts to aid bile function.

7-Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a supplement that suppresses Helicobacter pylori. The high concentration of vitamin C in gastric juice inactivates urease, the key enzyme for pathogen survival and colonization into the acidic stomach. However, once the infection occurs, urease is not essential for the survival of the bacteria.

On the other hand, Helicobacter pylori consumes vitamin C from the body and should also be taken during treatment. The levels of vitamin C in gastric juice and blood of people with gastritis and ulcers were found to be lower than those of normal people.

In addition, by administering 500 mg of vitamin C daily in addition to antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori infection, more bacteria are destroyed than those who only take antibiotics.

8-Vitamin D

Helicobacter pylori appears to lower vitamin D blood levels. Researchers in Italy have shown that patients infected with H. pylori have severe vitamin D deficiency.

High-dose vitamin D produces a natural antibiotic peptide called cathelicidin, which has been proven to kill Helicobacter pylori in the body.

In one study, the addition of 1000 mg of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin D during antibiotic treatment increased eradication rates from 45% to 82.5%.

9-Zinc

The cofactor of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme that produces stomach acid is zinc. In the treatment of stomach ulcers, the use of zinc carnosine, a combination of zinc and L-carnosine amino acid, is recommended.

Patients infected with Helicobacter pylori with chronic gastritis have been found to have lower zinc concentrations in the gastric mucosa than patients with the same type of gastritis but not infected.

It should be kept in mind that regular zinc supplementation can reduce copper levels; When zinc is used, appropriate amounts of copper should be supplemented.

10-Vitamin B12

High doses of B12 supplementation are important in cases of anemia due to Helicobacter pylori.

11-Omega 3

It reduces inflammation. It can help in reducing the stomach ailments associated with Helicobacter Pylori.

12-Glutamine

It is the amino acid that is the energy source of the cells lining the inner surface of the stomach and intestines and accelerates the blood flow to the tissues. It is also useful in preventing ulcers that may develop due to stress.

13-Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces Probiotics

In many clinical studies, the addition of certain probiotics to antibiotic therapy against Helicobacter piori improved overall efficacy and reduced adverse gastrointestinal side effects.

The use of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces boulardii probiotics increased the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylorus by about 10% and reduced the side effects of the treatment by about 15%.

Probiotics that have been shown to be beneficial against Helicobacter pylori colonization include:

L. acidophilus, L. reuteri, L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus with S. thermophilus, S. boulardii, B. infantis

Probiotics effective in reducing the side effects of Helicobacter pylori therapy include:

L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, S. boulardii, B. animalis spp. lactis

14-Degassing

They are herbs with essential oils that help relieve inflammation and relieve painful spasms that contribute to abdominal cramps. They also loosen tight tissue in the smooth muscles of your digestive system that can cause constipation. Cardamom and fennel are the best options.

15-Marshmallow Root

It is a plant rich in mucilage useful in repairing damaged areas of the digestive system. In addition, it is an antioxidant and shows gastric protective properties by reducing histamine release.

16-Curcumin

Curcumin is used to heal peptic ulcers as well as inhibit the growth of H. pylori. Well absorbable forms should be preferred.

17-Aloe Vera

Enzymes in it support digestion and have a restorative effect on wounds.

18- Kudret Pomegranate

You can use its fruit and oil. It repairs wounds and speeds up healing.

19-St. John’s Wort

It provides a relief on the nervous system while inhibiting bacteria and viruses.

20- Slippery Elm

Slippery elm contains mucilage, a slippery, gel-like substance that naturally soothes sensitive or inflamed tissue in the intestinal lining. Mucilage also helps rebuild the barrier in the gut lining that prevents things like lectin from leaking out.

21-Cranberry

It has a significant preventing effect on Helicobacter pylori infection.

22-Ginger

It is especially useful in gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori infection.

23-Medicinal Chamomile

It contains high amounts of flavonoids. Inflammation is effective.

Helicobacter pylori is a really important health issue as it is very common all over the world. Many people don’t even know they have Helicobacter pylori bacteria in their bodies as they have no negative health symptoms.

If you have Helicobacter pylori symptoms, it is very important that you get tested and decide on treatment and move forward. Once you find out whether you have this bacterial infection or not, move forward with an effective treatment plan that sounds right to you, as well as the natural treatment options I have mentioned here will make your struggle easier.