Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) infection and Gut Symptoms
Introduction to Helicobacter Pylori
The story of H. Pylori is an interesting one.
For years, the mainstream medical establishment believed ulcers were caused by lifestyle and stress-A rare case of mainstream medicine asserting the role of lifestyle in disease.
However, two Australian researchers Barry Marshall and Robin Warren went against the establishment at the time.
They proposed the idea that gastritis (Inflammation of the stomach) and ulcers were caused by a species of bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) that lived in the stomach.
This theory was met against resistance, and to prove the hypothesis, Barry Marshall gave himself an ulcer by drinking a beaker of H. Pylori!
He then biopsied his stomach to show the bacteria.
21 years later, both Barry Marshall and Robin Warren were awarded the Nobel prize in physiology.
What is H. Pylori?
As mentioned above, H. Pylori is a bacteria that resides in the stomach.
It tends to lie deep in the mucous lining of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) where it causes symptoms.
What are the symptoms of H. Pylori?
The commonest symptom of H. pylori is stomach pain, which can be due to peptic ulcers or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
Other common symptoms of H. pylori include nausea, poor appetite, belching, indigestion, bloating, and stomach pain.
Your GP would typically suspect H. pylori if your gut symptoms persist despite the usual drugs like lansoprazole, ranitidine or similar ones.
There is, however, another group of vague symptoms which your GP might not realise are caused by H. Pylori.
This is simply because conventional medical books do not mention them, but that does not mean they do not exist.
These symptoms include fatigue, feeling out of sorts, muscle and joint pain and even anxiety and low mood (depression)
This is the subgroup of patients I generally see in my private practice, and once the infection is eradicated, most patients feel better.
How do you test for H. Pylori?
There are four ways to test for H Pylori: A breath test, a stool test, a blood test and a biopsy of the stomach during an endoscopy.
H. Pylori breath test
The H. Pylori breath test detects urea, a waste product formed from H. Pylori’s activity.
It is important to stop any antacids, especially proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, lansoprazole and similar drugs two weeks before the test to avoid false-negative results.
H. Pylori stool test
The H. Pylori stool test checks for antigens produced by the bacteria. It is therefore also called the H. pylori stool antigen test.
Similar to the breath test, it is imperative to stop any proton pump inhibitors at least two weeks before the test.
H. pylori blood test
The blood test detects antibodies to H. pylori.
Endoscopy
During an endoscopy, a biopsy of the stomach is often made and sent off to detect H. pylori.
Find out more about Helicobacter Pylori
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What is H. Pylori treatment?
From a conventional medicine point of view, treatment for H. pylori involves a proton pump inhibitor alongside two different antibiotics for one to two weeks.
This is called triple therapy, and the regimes vary depending on the proton pump inhibitor and antibiotics prescribed.
In other words, one regime could involve Lansoprazole alongside the commonly prescribed antibiotic Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin, while another regime could be Omeprazole alongside Amoxicillin and Metronidazole.
Triple therapy is a very effective treatment for H. pylori, but like any treatment modality, there are resistant cases.
Furthermore, some patients simply don’t tolerate the combo of drugs prescribed, while some get worse, possibly due to worsening dysbiosis resulting from the antibiotic combination.
This is where herbal or natural treatments for H. pylori come in, which tend to be gentler on the gut.
What are the natural treatments for H. pylori?
Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane, a phytonutrient found in broccoli sprouts has been shown in some studies to kill some strains of H. pylori.
I recommend Fermented Broccoli Sprouts by Dr Mercola.
Green tea extract
Green tea extract, found in green tea has been found in some studies to kill some strains of H. pylori.
I recommend Life Extension, Mega Green Tea Extract.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains phenolic compounds, which have been shown in some in vitro studies to be effective against H. pylori.
Berberines
Berberine is a phytochemical found in the goldenseal plant.
It possesses antifungal and also antimicrobial properties and has been shown to be effective against some strains of H. pylori.
I recommend Berberine Balance by Douglas Laboratories.
Allicin
Allicin is a phytochemical found in garlic and onions.
It possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties and has been shown to be effective against some strains of H. pylori alongside triple therapy.
Probiotics
Although probiotics are only transient visitors in the gut, they help maintain the balance between your good and bad bacteria.
Some good results have been found when used alongside triple therapy to eradicate H. pylori.
I recommend Dr Ohhira's, Probiotics 12 Plus Original Formula.
Combination therapy
Apart from triple therapy, in my experience, the most effective way to eradicate H. pylori is to combine various treatment strategies.
In effect, this means, doing more than one thing.
Practically speaking, this involves optimising your immune system and encouraging liver detoxification pathways alongside any of the antimicrobials mentioned above.
Every case is different, and a personalised approach I have found is the most effective.
Conclusion
Helicobacter pylori, commonly known as H. pylori is a bacteria that resides in the deep mucous layer of the stomach.
It is the commonest cause of stomach pain from peptic ulcers, but also commonly causes nausea, poor appetite, belching, indigestion, and bloating.
In the presence of gut symptoms, it is therefore always worth checking for H. pylori either with a breath test, blood test, stool test or endoscopy.
Triple therapy is a highly effective way to eradicate H. pylori, but natural therapies are viable alternatives, especially in those who do not tolerate antibiotics.
Please share this article with anyone you know might benefit, and if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Thank you!
Disclaimer - The content in this blog and supplements mentioned are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Please consult with your doctor or any other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition you may have and follow their advice.
About the Author
Dr. Leke is an NHS GP and Functional Medicine Doctor with deep expertise in gut health. His approach emphasises the relationship between the gut and overall wellness.
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