Have you heard of a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)? This hidden bacteria could be the culprit behind your persistent stomach problems. H. pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining and is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, affecting nearly half of the global population. It frequently appears in the stool tests of my IBS clients. This spiral-shaped bacteria is adapted to survive in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, where it can cause various gastrointestinal issues.
Keep reading to learn about H. pylori infection symptoms, transmission, associated health conditions, conventional treatments, side effects, and alternative natural therapies.
H. pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining and is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide...
How Do You Get H. Pylori?
H. pylori can be contracted in several ways, including:
Contaminated Food and Water: Consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria is a common transmission route.
Close Contact: The bacteria can also be passed from person to person through saliva, making it possible to contract H. pylori through close contact such as kissing or sharing utensils.
Poor Hygiene: Inadequate sanitation and poor hand hygiene can facilitate the spread of H. pylori.
Symptoms of H. Pylori Infection
While many people with H. pylori infection remain asymptomatic, the bacteria can cause a range of symptoms, including:
Abdominal Pain: Particularly a burning pain in the upper abdomen, especially on an empty stomach.
Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea and occasional vomiting.
Bloating: Feeling full or bloated even after eating small amounts.
Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat, sometimes leading to weight loss.
Frequent Burping: Increased burping and a metallic taste in the mouth.
Indigestion: General discomfort and upset stomach.
Black, Tarry Stools:* A sign of bleeding in the stomach.
Vomiting Blood:* A sign of severe infection or ulceration.
*If you experience black, tarry stools or vomiting blood, seek medical attention immediately.
Conditions Linked to H. Pylori Infection
If left untreated, H. pylori infection can lead to several serious conditions, such as:
Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining.
Peptic Ulcers: Sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or oesophagus.
Leaky Gut: Increased intestinal permeability that can lead to systemic inflammation and various chronic health issues. Read more about it here.
Stomach Cancer: Long-term infection with H. pylori is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer.
MALT Lymphoma: A type of cancer affecting the stomach’s lymphoid tissue.
How to Test for H. Pylori
If you suspect a H. pylori infection, both doctors and nutritional therapists have various testing options:
Urea Breath Test: Typically ordered by a doctor, this test involves drinking a urea solution, and your breath is analysed for carbon dioxide, a byproduct of the bacteria.
Stool Antigen Test: This test, which checks for H. pylori antigens in your stool, can be ordered as a standalone test by both doctors and nutritional therapists. Nutritional therapists can also order this as a standalone marker or as part of a comprehensive stool test.
Blood Test: Often ordered by a doctor, this test can detect antibodies to H. pylori, though it is less commonly used.
Endoscopy with Biopsy: This invasive test is usually performed by a gastroenterologist. It involves taking a biopsy of the stomach lining to check for H. pylori and other potential issues.
Conventional Medical Treatment for H. Pylori
The standard initial treatment for H. pylori involves a combination therapy of two or three antibiotics along with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to enhance efficacy, protect the gastric mucosa, relieve symptoms, and prevent recurrence.
The Triple Therapy of two antibiotics (such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin) with a PPI (such as omeprazole), typically given for 14 days has shown about 60% to 85% efficacy in eradicating H. pylori.
The Quadruple Therapy of three antibiotics (typically amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole) with a PPI, also administered for 14 days has shown about 90% efficacy. In cases where this therapy fails, a second-line treatment involving bismuth is used.
Side Effects of Conventional Treatment
Side Effects of Antibiotics
Antibiotic Resistance
As the success rate of these therapies ranges from 60% to 90%, if the bacteria are not eradicated, they can return with greater virulence and resistance to antibiotics, resulting in worsened symptoms. Repeated use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori, making future infections harder to treat.
Disruption of Gut Microbiota
Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis, which can cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For example, amoxicillin can wipe out beneficial strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while metronidazole targets anaerobic bacteria and can reduce populations of beneficial strains such as Bacteroides and non-pathogenic Clostridium species.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Common side effects of antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
Side Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Nutrient Absorption Issues
Long-term use of PPIs can impair the absorption of essential nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B12, leading to deficiencies.
Increased Infection Risk
Reduced stomach acid can increase the risk of other gastrointestinal infections, such as Clostridium difficile and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Alternative Path: Nutritional Therapy for H. Pylori
A nutritional therapist can offer a holistic and natural approach to treating H. pylori, focusing on methods that can be just as effective as traditional antibiotic therapy, without many of the side effects. Here’s how:
Comprehensive Stool Testing
A comprehensive stool test such as the GI-MAP can assesses the volume and virulence of H. pylori along with other pathogens, such as Blastocystis hominis, a parasite commonly found alongside H. pylori. Studies indicate that co-infections with Blastocystis hominis can influence the overall gut microbiota composition and impact gut health .
Dietary Changes
A nutritional therapist will assess a client's diet and provide a plan that focuses on anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish to reduce stomach inflammation. Additionally, they will recommend the removal of irritants that can worsen the condition, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
Lifestyle Factors
Stress management is a key area of focus, incorporating techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress, which can exacerbate symptoms. A nutritional therapist can also order an Adrenal Stress Profile to test the person's stress levels.
Supplement Protocol
A nutritionist will create a supplement protocol focusing on gut healing, safe removal of H. pylori, and restoration of gut flora. This may involve incorporating probiotics to rebalance disrupted gut flora, antimicrobials like mastic gum to combat H. pylori effectively, and gut-healing nutrients such as zinc carnosine and glutamine. Probiotics help restore healthy gut flora, while mastic gum and other herbal supplements with antimicrobial properties can support gut health and eradicate H. pylori.
Taking the Next Steps Towards Better Health
Identifying and treating H. pylori is vital for restoring and maintaining your digestive health. Addressing this common bacterial infection with a holistic and natural approach can significantly enhance your gut health and overall wellbeing. Remember, each person’s journey to health is unique, and a personalised plan is crucial for the best outcomes.
If you suspect that H. pylori might be affecting your health, book a free consultation and let's discuss further. Embrace a healthier lifestyle with the support of a nutritional therapist and start your journey towards optimal health today.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Book a FREE 30-Minute Consultation with a Registered Nutritional Therapist today to discuss how we can help you achieve better health and wellbeing. Let’s work together to create a personalised plan that meets your unique needs. |
Коментарі