H. Pylori Infection- Symptoms, Causes & Natural Remedies

An H. Pylori infection can cause symptoms that may be dismissed or confused with those of other conditions. Informing yourself and becoming aware of this condition can help alleviate the infection and clear symptoms.

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Are you tired of trying to match the symptoms you are experiencing to an infection or other ailing condition? 

This may be because infections and conditions often compound. Beginning somewhere is the key.

When you have unusual, persistent, and concerning problems, begin researching credible websites and sources, and listen to or speak with knowledgeable professionals (preferably holistic or integrative) to find valuable information.

Many symptoms do overlap. Therefore, do not rush into conclusions. And many times, a few lifestyle adjustments can help heal more than one condition at a time.

What is H. Pylori

H. Pylori (Helicobacter pylori)  is a spiral-shaped bacterium (gram-negative) that attaches itself to a host. It is found in deep tissue environments, specifically the gastric glands and lining of the stomach.  

The bacteria flourish in this environment due to low concentrations of oxygen. High levels of oxygen cause enzymatic damage to the bacteria, killing them.

An H. Pylori infection is complex. The colonization of this bacterium disrupts the gastric microenvironment, causes cell damage, and interferes with internal barriers. Overall, it interferes with the natural environment of the stomach.

This condition is a challenging health concern affecting up to 50% of individuals worldwide. The exact percentage is dependent on where you live, with a lower percentage range for the U.S. population speculated at around 30-40 percent.

What Causes H. Pylori

Unfortunately, this answer is not a simple one. However, certain conditions create a favorable environment for H. pylori to infect and exist.

A weakened immune system creates a more favorable environment for Helicobacter pylori to invade and take hold. Therefore, diseases, illnesses, toxin exposure, and other infections can make a person more susceptible to a H. pylori infection.

Mold toxicity, for instance, is one of these conditions. Mold weakens the immune system and disrupts gut health, creating a more favorable atmosphere for H. Pylori. This is what caused my family and me to become infected with this bacterium.

Other autoimmune conditions, SIBO, and leaky gut are all possibly intertwined with an H. Pylori infection. However, not everyone has these conditions when they are infected with H. Pylori.

But a greater chance exists that there is an overlap of infections and symptoms, according to research. Please see my references below for further information.

Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori

• Low or high stomach acid levels - dependent on inflammatory conditions
• Nauseousness after eating
• Increase in cavities or tooth decay
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Feeling full after eating only a little
• Stomach pain or discomfort, possibly waking you at night
• Indigestion or acid reflux (may create a lot of burping)
• Gastric ulcers
• Extreme fatigue
• Lack of sleep and/or poor sleep quality
• Easily stressed or lower ability to manage it well
• Lower platelet cells and a higher risk for nose bleeds, bruising, and increased wound bleeding
• iron-deficiency and/or iron-deficiency anemia

...all H. pylori strains produce high amounts of urease (which accounts for up to 6% of total bacterial protein) as one of its adaptation methods to overcome stomach acidity...

Treating an H. Pylori Infection

Antibiotics can be used to treat H. pylori bacteria. However, resistance to antibiotics is often common, making alternative treatment appealing.

Additionally, antibiotic use can disrupt the microbiome, creating other problems. If you choose to go the antibiotic route, drug-susceptibility testing is recommended to focus on antibiotic-resistant strains.

I prefer to use the holistic alternatives that are available. When choosing the holistic route, it is essential to consider that the healing process depends on the individual's existing conditions, ailments, and other factors. 

This bacteria can be alleviated through the proper course of disciplined holistic treatment. Research indicates the following options are effective in H. Pylori treatment. These options work synergistically to heal the body from this bacterial infection.

Natural Remedies For H. Pylori

Bees are amazing. Their hive and honey formation process provides us with numerous elements for healing and preventive care. Propolis is one of these elements.

Propolis is the mixture of compounds created by bees to build their beehive. This sterile mixture surrounds the walls of the beehive, keeping it safe from germs.

Research shows that propolis maintains its cellular structure and effectiveness when consumed. Propolis extract suppresses the free radicals produced by H. Pylori, specifically the compound Xanthine oxidase. 

Xanthine oxidase can cause both inflammation and tissue damage. This makes propolis a valuable treatment against H. Pylori. 

Propolis targets H. Pylori through various pathways, working together synergetically. It is shown to promote the healing of ulcers, enhance the stomach barrier, alleviate oxidative stress created from these harmful bacteria, and help to regulate dysbiosis in the gut microbiome.

Additionally, propolis contains over 300 compounds beneficial to the body, high amounts of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, magnifying its immune system benefits.  

Garlic contains the compound allicin. Evidence shows this sulfur-containing compound to be a valuable natural treatment option for H. Pylori. Garlic oil and allicin found in garlic exhibit a broad range of antibacterial effects.

The biggest obstacle this supplement faces in treating H. Pylori is the PH level of the stomach. Acid is an enemy of allicin's effectiveness against this bacterium. 

The reason for this is that stomach acid affects allicin's stability and lowers its sulfur component. However, according to studies testing allicin's effectiveness on H. pylori, garlic proves successful in treating Helicobacter pylori regardless of stomach acid production.

This makes garlic extract a great natural option due to its lack of side effects. Also, the fact that proton pump inhibitors are not used in comparison to antibiotic treatments makes it an even more appealing treatment option.

Curcumin, the element that gives turmeric its yellow pigment, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory effects as well as other pharmaceutical benefits. We use turmeric and curcumin consistently because their effects are noticeable.

Therefore, it may not come as a surprise that studies verify that curcumin effectively reduces inflammation induced by H. pylori. There was a decrease in oxidative stress damage, and in some instances, showed levels consistent with those of non-infected H. pylori species.

Another beneficial herb/spice for gastrointestinal health is ginger. It has been used to assist many digestive ailments over the years.

Research demonstrates ginger's usefulness against Helicobacter pylori in several ways. Some of these include protecting DNA from damage, lowering oxidative stress damage, and taking preventative measures against the invasion of this bacterial infection.

The intake of cranberries may help the body defend itself and heal from the bacterial infection H. pylori as well. This is due to cranberries' attributes, such as proanthocyanidins, preventing the bacteria from taking hold in the stomach or mucous lining. 

Addtionally, these compounds stop this infectious bacteria from creating a biofilm, which H. pylori forms to strengthen and protect itself in the stomach. Cranberry is also a valuable holistic treatment because it suppress and kills certain strains of H. pylori altogether.

Licorice is another beneficial treatment option for combating an H. pylori infection. This is because all strains of Helicobacter pylori have been identified as being affected by this herb.

Also, it has shown positive results with people having an ulcer or other gastrointestinal distress due to Helicobacter pylori. Normal bacterial flora are not affected by the use of licorice, just the same as the other natural treatment options listed above.

If you choose to take licorice as part of a treatment plan against H. pylori and have high blood pressure, then make sure it is DGL or consult a doctor first. This is the supplement form of licorice root that has the component removed that can cause high blood pressure. Additionally, do not take it if pregnant.

Lastly, mastic gum, also known as Pistacia lentiscus, is an effective natural remedy in the treatment of an H. pylori infection. Mastic is extracted from a Mediterranean evergreen shrub known as the mastic tree.

Mastic gum, even at low concentrations, is shown to successfully fight this infectious bacterium. All strains showed a noticeable reduction in bacterial growth when studied.

Additionally, this natural supplement weakens H. Pylori by changing the structure of the bacteria. Mastic gum's strong antibacterial properties help researchers understand why it works so well to heal stomach ulcers, a frequent result of an H. pylori infection.

It is shown that the greatest benefits of using mastic gum peaks at about one month. Therefore, if you plan to use this, keep this in mind.

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Identifying a H. pylori infection is helpful in identifying your body's needs to heal. Using the information that you learn here to further explore