Effective Natural Remedies for H. pylori

What is H. pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacteria that lives in the digestive tract. It’s shape allows it to burrow into the gastric mucosal layer of the stomach where it thrives. H. Pylori is thought to have been around the block a long time and has evolved with mankind.

How common is H. pylori?

Estimates show roughly 50% of the population worldwide is infected with H. pylori. About 15% of individuals infected with H. pylori will develop further health problems.

How does a person get H. pylori?

It is highly contagious and is transmitted orally (from saliva, vomit, or feces). After it colonizes in the stomach, H. pylori typically remains in the stomach for a person’s lifetime (unless it is successfully eradicated). It can also colonize in the mouth too.

What increases risk of H. pylori colonization and/or infection?

• Having a family member with H. pylori
• Low intake of fruits and vegetables (many studies have found a preventative and suppressive effect with specific foods)
• Poor hygiene, poor handwashing
• Alcohol consumption and smoking
• Long term use of NSAIDS

What are the symptoms of a H. pylori colonization and/or infection?

Note, many people who are colonized or infected with H. pylori never develop symptoms, but these signs & symptoms below could indicate H. pylori which is why many functional medicine aligned practitioners advise to “test and not guess:”

• Abdominal pain
• Bad breath
• Bloating
• Burping
• Flatulence
• Heartburn
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea
• Unexplained iron deficiency or low iron stores
• Vitamin b12 deficiency (or low end of normal)

What are some ways H. pylori is detected?

• Urea breath test
• Stool DNA test (GI-MAP)
• Biopsy-based testing during endoscopy

Why is H. pylori of concern?

For many, H. pylori can lead to other health problems. There is a lot of controversy on this but many health experts agree that if symptoms are present, H. pylori could be overgrown and to test for it. This is a non-exhaustive list, but what can H. pylori contribute to?

• Nutrient deficiencies: As a registered dietitian, I see this quite often. H. pylori can contribute to nutrient deficiencies by impairing absorption, reducing appetite thus decreasing intake, and via increasing the need for certain nutrients; H. pylori is related to the following deficiencies including B vitamins (folate, vitamin b12), iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin E. Once H. pylori is eradicated, this is often one helpful step to getting low levels of nutrients to rise. When I see unexplained low vitamin b12 or abnormal iron panel on bloodwork, H. pylori is one culprit I question.
• Peptic ulcer disease: This is an open sore in either the gastric or duodenal mucosa. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, weight loss or gain, and black, tarry stool caused by gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Gastric (stomach) cancer: H. pylori is the leading cause of gastric cancer, which approximately 1-2% of infected individuals will eventually develop
• Gastritis: Many individuals infected with H. pylori will develop stomach inflammation and are alerted by stomach pain, burping, feeling full, heartburn, nausea, and bloating.
• Infertility: via several mechanisms in the female and the male, infertility is possible. For men, it can can reduce sperm concentration, motility, and the percentage of sperm with normal morphology. For women, H. pylori antibodies have also been found in follicular fluid, which surrounds the developing egg, potentially affecting egg quality or the environment for fertilization
• Migraines: this one people don’t always think of relating but H. Pylori is a trigger of migraines.

Why is addressing H. pylori controversial?

There is a hypothesis that links early childhood exposure to certain microorganisms (including H. pylori) to strengthening the immune system. Many allopathic aligned physicians do not treat unless both symptoms are present AND there are abnormal levels found via testing.

How do allopathic aligned doctors treat H. pylori?

Antibiotics (aka “triple therapy” or “quad therapy”) which consists of two different antibiotics to kill the H. pylori, plus another class or drugs plus a proton pump inhibitor which lowers the stomach acid thus increasing the pH which H. pylori does’t love. A meta-analysis of 55 studies say antiobiotic therapy only has a 81% eradication rate.

Also, antibiotic resistance is on the rise, making it difficult to successfully eradicate H. pylori with antibiotics and often at what cost? One con of using antibiotics many functional medicine aligned practitioners cite is that antibiotics can also kill off the beneficial gut bacteria. (*This is not medical advice. Always discuss with your healthcare team the best path for you and your history).

Are there any complementary and alternative options?

Yes! Studies show this and I personally see it on repeat GImap testing! The following may also be used to address H. pylori:

• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root (DGL) is a root extract that reduces H. pylori growth by inhibiting its ability to adhere to the stomach lining. Multiple clinical trials have found that supplementation with DGL eradicates H. pylori when used at appropriate doses. This is also cited in one of my favorite textbooks, Integrative Medicine, written by 140 Integrative Medicine experts. Note DGL should be avoided in those with liver disease, renal insufficiency, hypokalemia, hypertension and pregnancy.
• A 2023 systematic review with meta-analysis concluded that the polyphenols in curcumin, cranberry, garlic, licorice, and broccoli are effective in eradicating H. pylori infection. What must be noted is that the duration for eradication takes much longer, which can make compliance challenging. Drinking 500ml (2 cups) of cranberry juice every day for 90 days is effective, but arguably challenging to fulfill.
• Mastic gum is a resin collected from an evergreen tree. Mastic gum has potent bactericidal actions against H. pylori, which human studies have supported.
• An antimicrobial or two alongside DGL plus mastic gum is a common approach.

The following have been studied to suppress H. Pylori and are often added on to allopathic or holistic therapies to enhance eradication rates. Various studies show that by adding a fourth line to triple therapy, can increase the odds of 81% eradication to a higher success rate – which the exact rate depends on the “add-on” in question and the duration it was utilized. These are studied nutraceuticals (a non-exhaustive list) that suppress H. pylori:

• Saccharomyces Boulardii 500mg twice daily
• Vitamin C 500mg twice daily
• Zinc carnosine 75mg daily
• Fish oil 1000mg daily
• Olive oil 2 TBSP daily
• Dentalcidin – a toothpaste to break down biofilms in the oral cavity.

Get one of my protocols right here from a non-counterfeit source, a source that offers free shipping and studied, third party supplements.

Given all this information, it is wise to:

• Practice good handwashing
• Avoiding sharing drinks, straws with others
• Consume a nutrient rich diet
• If symptomatic, schedule with your Doctor and your Dietitian

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