Helicobacter pylori infection

This is a bacterium, that is commonly found in the stomach and duodenum, but which can infect the mucous lining causing damage to the stomach wall allowing the formation of stomach ulcers. Only known since 1980, this infection is usually acquired in childhood and in the vast majority of cases, it becomes chronic, along with an inflammation of the gastric mucous and is the cause of 90% of all the chronic gastritis.

It is present in approximately one-half of the world’s population. 40% of the European population are infected and more than 80% in poor countries. The vast majority of people infected with H. pylori have no symptoms and will never develop problems. However, it is capable of causing a number of digestive problems and in some cases stomach cancer. It is not clear why some people with H. pylori get these conditions and others do not.

The H. pylori bacteria live exclusively in the human stomach and is the only known organism that can survive in an environment so acidic. It has a helical shape (hence the name “Helicobacter“) and can literally screw into the stomach lining to colonise it. The stomach produces two substances, hydrochloric acid and pepsin. These very irritating substances are kept at a distance from the stomach wall by the mucus. The pathologies from the bacteria appear during an excessive secretion of acid or during an insufficient protection by the mucus.

H. pylori are spread by consuming food or water contaminated with faecal matter. Then it causes changes to the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The bacteria infect the protective tissue that lines the stomach. This leads to the release of certain enzymes and toxins and activation of the immune system.

Together, these factors may directly or indirectly injure the cells of the stomach or duodenum. This causes chronic inflammation in the walls of the stomach (gastritis) or duodenum (duodenitis). As a result of these changes, the stomach and duodenum are more vulnerable to damage from digestive juices and stomach acid.

In developed countries, infection with H. pylori is unusual during childhood but becomes more common during adulthood. However, in developing countries, most children are infected before age 10.

Most individuals with chronic gastritis or duodenitis have no symptoms. However, some people develop more serious problems, including stomach or duodenal ulcers. Ulcers can cause a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Common ulcer symptoms

Acid reflux
Pain or discomfort (usually in the upper abdomen)
Bloating
Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
Lack of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Dark or tar-coloured stools
Ulcers that bleed can cause a low blood count and fatigue.

Less commonly, chronic gastritis can lead to certain forms of cancer.

It is uncommon to develop cancer as a result of H. pylori infection but because so many people in the world are infected with H. pylori, it is considered to be an important cause of stomach cancer. People who live in countries in which H. pylori infection occurs at an early age are at greatest risk of developing stomach cancer.

The presence of H. pylori multiplies by 30 the risk of stomach cancer and it seems that stomach cancer cannot develop in its absence. A strong relationship is established between poverty and infection by Helicobacter pylori.

Natural remedies for Helicobacter pylori infection

Brassicas like cabbage or broccoli contain glucosinolates which, under the action of an enzyme, are transformed into sulphoraphane. This molecule inhibits the growth of helicobacter pylori in 8 of 11 cases. The antacid activity of these vegetables disappears in the cooking.

Cranberry has an anti-infective action and allows a better absorption of vitamin B12 in atrophic gastritis. The high molecular weight polysaccharides of cranberry inhibit the adhesion of helicobacter pylori on human gastric mucus.

Some isoflavones found in foods naturally inhibit the growth of helicobacter pylori. This coupled with their oestrogenic action is useful for treating this infection. Both essential oils and teas can have this effect.

Natural sources of isoflavones

Chickpeas
Red clover
Soybeans

Ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” is an orexigenic polypeptide, secreted mainly by the stomach It is produced in the stomach by specialised cells in the gastric lining. Ghrelin is also produced in smaller quantities by other organs including the gut (specifically the small intestine), pancreas, kidneys, and even some parts of the brain such as the hypothalamus, pituitary glands.

Ghrelin accelerates the gastric draining and intestinal transit. It is a powerful prokinetic agent. Helicobacter pylori infections are associated with reduced circulating ghrelin levels independently of sex and body mass.

Ghrelin possesses a protective gastrointestinal action. It also increases appetite, which good for people with a chronic Helicobacter pylori infection but can be a disadvantage in the case of the overweight or obese.

Short-term fasting and consistent exercise, particularly intense aerobic activity, can boost ghrelin levels. Additionally, consuming a diet rich in fibre and protein can indirectly support ghrelin production.

The combination of several pre and probiotics will help to reestablish the balance and help the friendly bacteria in the intestines thrive such as Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces and Lactobacillus. These bacterium also help with the prevention of helicobacter pylori infection. See>> Feed your friendly bacteria

Natural antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infection

Essential oils are in first place in the fight against helicobacter pylori infection but must not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women. The anti-infective and antispasmodic properties of plants are mainly essential oils such as phenol as in thymol, aldehydes, sequiterpene and monoterpenes.

Teas made by steeping the herbs for 30 minutes in hot water and then straining and gently reheating. Drink 6 cups per day for 2 or 3 days. This can help fight off the infection and heal the stomach lining.

Apples (Malus domestica)
Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
Dragon’s blood (Dracaena cinnabari)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Gentian root (Gentiana lutea)
Ginger (Gingiber officinalis, Zingiber officinale)
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Marshmallow root (Alcea diditata, Althea officinalis)
Oregano (Origanum compactum)
Pau d’arco (Tabebuia serratifolia, Tabebuia impetiginos)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Tarragon (Artemisia dranunculus)
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and lemon thyme (Thymus citriodoru)

NOTE: Avoid peppermint oil if pregnant or suffering from gastric reflux or active stomach ulcers.

What to avoid

Avoid ingesting the following which can feed the Helicobacter pylori bacteria and add to the acidity and sluggishness of the stomach:

Alcohol
Coffee and other caffeinated beverages
Hot spices
Meat, especially processed meat products
Sugar

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