Dealing with Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori also called H. pylori are little known bacteria live in the stomach and duodenum. It is responsible for stomach ulcers and inflammation. There is also strong evidence that it is a contributory factor to stomach cancer. It is believed that approximately 50 percent of the world’s population has the condition. Interestingly the bacteria rarely affect children and when it does it rarely causes them any problems.

How is it Spread

Water and food contaminated with feces or fecal matter is one route of infection. There is a belief that the condition is contagious. In fact, research has found that the bacteria exist in the saliva as well. This makes it possible for it to be transmitted through kissing.

Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori

There are quite a few symptoms and signs associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. The most common include:

• Pain in the stomach, especially the upper stomach
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Bloating feeling
• Feeling full after eating very little
• Extremely dark stool

How is Helicobacter Pylori Diagnosed?

The three most common means of diagnosing the condition are:

- Stool tests which look for protein in stool. This test is known as the Helicobacter pylori antigen test.

- Blood tests to identify antibodies that the body develops to fight against the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

- Breath tests where the patient is given a special liquid called a urea solution to drink. The bacteria then breaks this down leading to a peculiar smell on the breath. Breath tests are also used to check if treatment was successful.

- Endoscopy where the lining of the stomach is examined using an endoscope. In most cases a sample of tissue is removed for testing to confirm the presence of the H. pylori bacteria. This procedure is done while the patient is sedated.

In many cases there are no signs that something is wrong.

Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori

Like most illnesses and diseases, Helicobacter Pylori can be treated by both alternative and western medicine. To date there is no one medication that has been found to be effective at treating the condition.

The main treatment is used to decrease the amount of acid the stomach produces. To do this, a proton pump inhibitor is given. These inhibitors include medications such as:

-  Lansoprazole known as Prevacid
-  Rabeprazole known as AcipHEX
-  Esomeprazole known as Nexium

In addition, the patient is also prescribed antibiotics to help ensure that the treatment works and kills the bacteria. Even with this however, at least 20 percent of all treatment fails. Common antibiotics used are amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline.

Bismuth subsalicylate is given to help protect the lining of the stomach. This is especially important for preventing peptic ulcers.

Alternative Remedies for Helicobacter pylori

Persons affected by H. pylori have used a number of natural remedies to find relief. These include apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, garlic and ginger. Some other popularly used natural treatments for the condition include:

DLG: This derivative of the licorice root works to treat stomach ulcers in a similar fashion to drugs like Zantac and Prevacid.

Broccoli: This vegetable has many uses including helping to control the growth of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach.

Cinnamon: This herb has been shown to prevent Helicobacter pylori bacteria from functioning in much the same way antibiotics do.

Alcohol: Reduction of alcohol consumption especially while treating the condition is also important.

Proper food handling, eating habits and diet can help in treating helicobacter pylori and the associated peptic ulcers which can result.

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No Responses to “Dealing with Helicobacter Pylori”

• I found a supplement by Sedona Labs called Pro HP that helps reduce the side effects of triple therapy treatment for Helicobacter Pylori and that helps balance microflora to prevent future overgrowth. This natural supplement contains probiotics plus lactoferrin, and is a natural alternative to a lot of harsh treatments out there. You can ask for it through your MD or naturopath.
  - Anna M

  Comment by Anna M — September 29, 2009