H. Pylori: What It Is + 9 Natural Treatments

Do you know what’s been called “the most successful pathogen in human history?” It’s a type of bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and it’s been around for at least 200,000 years.

Believe it or not, it’s actually not uncommon for someone to have this bacteria living inside of her for an entire lifetime and not even know it!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 66 percent of the world’s human population is infected with Helicobacter pylori. In developing countries, the numbers are even worse, with up to 80 percent of adults and 10 percent of children likely having a H. pylori infection.

If you have this infection, you’re actually most likely not to have any symptoms, but having this bacteria living in your body can make your risk of developing gastric cancer six times higher. Plus, H. pylori bacteria is often at the root of other major digestive problems, like peptic ulcers and gastritis.

Not only can H. pylori cause stomach ulcers, but it can also cause ulcers in your esophagus or small intestine.

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You’re probably wondering how do you get Helicobacter pylori if it’s such a common infection? Unfortunately, it can be as simple as sharing drinks or utensils with someone who is already infected with H. pylori bacteria.

There are conventional treatments for this infection, but they’re not without their negative side effects. Antibiotics, for example, may or may not kill the bad bacteria causing a H. pylori infection, but they also annihilate your good bacteria.

Thankfully, there are natural ways to treat, as well as prevent, a Helicobacter pylori infection.

What Is H. Pylori?

So, exactly what is H. pylori? Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacteria. It causes chronic inflammation and infection in the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach).

This type of bacteria is often called “ulcer bacteria” because it creates a cytotoxin (vacuolating cytotoxin A or Vac-A) that can precipitate an ulcer forming somewhere in the digestive system.

Where exactly can H. pylori be found in the body? Helicobacter pylori bacteria typically makes its home in the mucosal layer, which covers and guards the tissues lining your stomach and small intestine. When this bacteria successfully inflames the inner layer of the stomach, an ulcer can form.

H. pylori is said to cause more than 90 percent of duodenal (upper small intestine) ulcers and up to 80 percent of gastric (stomach) ulcers.

Is H. pylori contagious? Yes, an infection with H. pylori appears to be contagious according to experts.

It’s still a little fuzzy as to how exactly it gets passed from person to person. Because H. pylori seems to run in families, and also seems to be more common in crowded living situations and unsanitary conditions, it points toward H. pylori’s contagious nature.

Signs and Symptoms

As I said, the majority of people with an H. pylori infection don’t even have a clue that they have it because they have zero symptoms.

Other times, the infection will show itself in occasional H. pylori symptoms like:

More serious infections can cause symptoms of H. pylori like:

• Abdominal pain


• Fatigue


• Heartburn


• Nausea and vomiting that can include vomiting blood


• Dark or tarry stools


• Diarrhea


• Bad breath


• Anemia (low red blood cell count)


• Decreased or loss of appetite


• Peptic ulcers

Causes and Risk Factors

Mainly, you can get H. pylori from person-to-person transmission by way of direct contact with the saliva, vomit or fecal matter of an infected individual. Kissing and sharing utensils are two common ways the bacteria spreads.

You can also contract H. pylori from consumption of contaminated water or food.

Childhood is actually when you’re most at risk for getting H. pylori, especially under circumstances like these:

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• Living with someone, like a parent, who already has H. pylori.


• A crowded living situation with many people.


• A lack of clean and reliable water.


• Your home is in a developing country where unsanitary and crowded living situations are more prevalent.

Conventional Treatment

In order to diagnose a Helicobacter pylori infection, your doctor will have you take an H. pylori breath test, stool test or blood test.

Treatment for H. pylori usually includes several medications with at least two of them being antibiotics to hopefully kill the bacteria. The other medication are usually acid reducers.

Why multiple antibiotics? Conventional wisdom says a single antibiotic may not kill the bacteria, so doctors typically use at least two at the same time.

Conventional H. pylori treatment also typically includes acid reducers like esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole or pantoprazole, especially if the patient has symptoms of an ulcer or heartburn. Bismuth subsalicylate is also commonly recommended.

In addition, your doctor may also recommend histamine-blocking medications to reduce stomach acid.

All together, we’re talking about possibly consuming 14 or more medications every day for weeks. Around a week or two after finishing your treatment regimen, your doctor will likely retest you to see if the treatment successfully eradicated the H. pylori bacteria.

Sometimes, the bacteria is still there, and patients are instructed to take another two weeks of medications. It’s approximated that as much as 20 percent of H. pylori sufferers will have a reoccurring infection.

9 Natural H. Pylori Treatments

If you’re not interested in conventional treatment, you have some options to treat H. pylori naturally. In general, it’s really important that we (the world population) find dependable natural treatments of this bacteria since antibiotic resistance against H. pylori is on the rise and does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

These are the some of the best, scientifically backed treatments to naturally fight this bacterial infection:

1. Probiotics

Since H. pylori, it's important to make sure your food is properly prepared and cooked to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs.

By incorporating these preventive measures and natural remedies into your lifestyle, you can help fight off Helicobacter pylori infections and maintain a healthy gut. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you suspect you have an H. pylori infection.

Precautions

If you suspect that you may have an infection caused by Helicobacter pylori, it is advisable to undergo a H. pylori test promptly.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty swallowing


• Severe or persistent abdominal pain


• Vomiting blood or black vomit


• Vomit that resembles coffee grounds


• Black tarry or bloody stools


• Continual gnawing or burning pain below the ribs that gets better after eating, drinking milk, or taking antacids

If you test positive for H. pylori but do not have any symptoms, the decision to undergo treatment is still debated. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if you are currently on medication or have any existing health conditions before trying new supplements or dietary changes.

Final Thoughts

Helicobacter pylori is a prevalent health concern worldwide. While some individuals may be asymptomatic, others may experience a range of symptoms related to this bacterial infection. Seeking testing and appropriate treatment is crucial for managing H. pylori effectively.