What is Helicobacter Pylori? How Is It Treated?

Helicobacter pylori (Helikobacter pylori) is called the most successful pathogen in human history. This type of bacteria has been around for about 200,000 years, and many people live unaware of the presence of this bacteria in their body. {one*}

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA, approximately 66% of the world’s population is infected with helicobacter pylori . It is thought that 80% of adults and 10% of children in developed countries have Helicobacter pylori  infection.  

A significant proportion of people infected with Helicobacter Pylori do not show any symptoms and therefore do not know that they are infected. The existence of this bacterium in the human body increases the risk of developing stomach cancer approximately 6 times. In addition , Helicobacter pylori often causes important digestive problems such as peptic ulcers and gastritis. Most of the time, this bacteria not only harms the stomach, but also damages other organs of the digestive system. It can cause ulcers in the esophagus and small intestine. {one*} 

To get Helicobacter pylori infection, it is enough to share the same items with someone infected with this infection. There are some methods to treat this type of bacteria. However, many treatment methods cause various side effects. Antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori . However, while antibiotics destroy these bacteria, they can also harm beneficial bacteria. There are other ways to prevent and treat  Helicobacter pylori infection with less side effects.

What is Helicobacter Pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium. This bacterium causes chronic inflammation and infection in the stomach and duodenum (this part called the duodenum is located where the small intestine connects to the stomach). Helicobacter pylori is often referred to as ulcer bacteria.  

Helicobacter pylori lives in the mucosal layer lining the stomach and small intestine. When this bacterium is found in the inner lining of the stomach, it can cause ulcers. More than 90% of duedonal (upper small intestine) ulcers and about 80% of stomach ulcers are thought to be caused by helicobacter pylori.  {2*} ,  {3*} 

Experts state that helicobacter pylori is contagious. Although it is still not known exactly how it is transmitted from person to person, it is known that this bacterium is more common in people who are in crowded environments and do not take care of their personal health. {4*} 

What Are the Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori?

The majority of patients infected with Helicobacter pylori do not have any symptoms. However, symptoms that occur in people with symptoms include: 

• Swelling 
• Vomiting 
• Nausea 
• Stomach ache 

In some cases, Helicobacter pylori  can cause more serious symptoms. Some of these symptoms are: 

• Stomach ache 
• heartburn 
• Tiredness 
• Vomiting and nausea attacks, which can go up to blood vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• bad breath 
• Anemia  
• decreased appetite 
• Peptic excuses 

Is Distilled Water Drinkable? How Is Distilled Water Obtained?

What Causes Helicobacter Pylori?

A person’s  infection with Helicobacter pylori is caused by direct contact with the saliva, vomit or feces of an infected person. Taking the belongings of foreign people to the mouth or using other people’s belongings together causes the spread of this infection. In addition , eating from the food or drinking water from the glass of a person infected with helicobacter pylori  infection can cause helicobacter pylori infection.  Children are in the group with the highest risk of contracting Helicobacter pylori  infection.  Some of the conditions that increase children’s risk of contracting  helicobacter pylori infection are: {5*} 

• Living with an individual infected with Helicobacter pylori 
• living in a crowded environment 
• Lack of access to clean and safe water 
• Living in an underdeveloped or developing country with more health problems  

Traditional Helicobacter Pylori Treatment Methods

To diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection, a urea breath test, stool test and blood test are required by the doctor. When the person is diagnosed with this infection, antibiotics are usually started to kill the bacteria. In addition to antibiotics, acid-reducing drugs are also used to treat helicobacter pylori infection.  More than one antibiotic is usually required to treat Helicobacter pylori infection. This is because an antibiotic alone cannot kill bacteria caused by  a helicobacter pylori infection. 

If people with ulcers and heartburn problems are infected with Helicobacter pyloriinfection, drugs such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole or pantoprazole are used in the treatment process. Bismuth subsalicylate is also widely preferred in the treatmentof Helicobacter pyloriIn addition to all these, histamine blocking drugs may be prescribed during the treatment process.   

Commonly Used Antibiotics That Harm The Body

This means that more than 10 drugs are consumed per day for weeks. Tests performed approximately one or two weeks after the treatment will show whether the treatment of this disease has been successful. In some cases, tests show that the person is still infected with a Helicobacter pylori infection. In this case, patients are told to use the drug for 2 more weeks. Approximately 20% of people infected with Helicobacter pylori infection recur.

Sibo Bacterial Overgrowth in the Small Intestine

Helicobacter Pylori Natural Treatment

People who do not prefer medical treatment methods usually resort to natural treatment methods. In addition, over time, the body’s resistance to antibiotics and the ineffectiveness of antibiotics cause people to resort to natural treatment methods.

Some of the natural treatment methods that are very effective in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection are: {6*}

probiotics

Probiotics are known as beneficial bacteria. Probiotics help destroy unwanted and harmful bacteria in the gut when they are present. A study published in 2012 examined the effects of probiotics in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori . Within the scope of the study, eight strains of probiotic supplements were given to 40 patients, and it was observed that 13 of these patients fully recovered. {7*}  

Another study was conducted in 2017. In this study , it is mentioned that antibiotics used in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (including amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole) generally cause antibiotic resistance. In the study, it was noticed that antibiotics did not contribute to the treatment after a while. This shows that the antibiotics used to treat helicobacter pylori infection in some cases both do not cure the helicobacter pylori infection and cause the beneficial bacteria to die. {8*}    

This research shows that it will be very beneficial for a person to take a probiotic supplement while taking antibiotics. Probiotics reduce the negative effects of antibiotics. Therefore, it is recommended to take probiotic supplements during the treatment process.  

Scientific studies show that Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus brevis probiotics are the probiotics with the highest ability to fight helicobacter pylori infection. {9*}, {10*}, {11*}

Soil Based Probiotics

Black   Cumin

Black cumin has many health benefits. One of them is that it helps treat helicobacter pylori infection. As part of a study conducted in 2010,  patients infected with Helicobacter pylori  infection were given 2 grams of ground black cumin daily together with omeprazole (acid drug). As a result of the research, it was noticed that black cumin  is more effective than antibiotics and acid-reducing drugs in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori  infection. It has been observed that black cumin has the ability to reduce acidity and helps maintain digestive system health.  {12*}

What are the Benefits of Black Cumin Oil? How to Use Black Cumin?

Broccoli Ore 

Broccoli sprouts are a few days old broccoli plants. These plants contain a chemical that contains high levels of sulfur called sulforaphane. This chemical shows antioxidant properties and ensures that harmful substances in the body are thrown out of the body. Broccoli sprouts are used to make broccoli oil and to obtain various supplements.  

In a study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, subjects consumed broccoli sprouts (14, 28, or 56 grams) 2 times a day for 1 week.  As a result of this study, 78 percent of the subjects tested negative for Helicobacter pylori .  {13*}  

A study published in Current Pharmaceutical Design in 2017 mentions that the sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts not only fights gastritis caused by helicobacter pylori, but also protects against gastrointestinal health problems caused by NSAIDs. {14*} 

Green tea 

Green tea inhibits the growth ofHelicobacter pylori bacteria. Studies in the laboratory show that green tea inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria and that consuming green tea before exposure to Helicobacter pylori infection inhibits mucosal inflammation in the stomach.  As a result of the studies, it has been noticed that green tea provides the prevention and treatment of gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori{15*} 

Other studies show that the catechins in green tea, especially epigallocatechin gallate, are very effective in fighting helicobacter pylori bacteria because of their antibacterial properties.  

Green tea is a very rich source of catechins. Catechins are good antioxidants and good antivirals. It is also known that catechins protect against the risk of cancer. {16*} 

Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and natural antibiotic. Both cooked garlic and raw garlic help kill Helicobacter pylori bacteria. In a 2016 study, people infected with Helicobacter pylori infection were given two medium garlic cloves for lunch and dinner. As a result of the research, it was noticed that there was a significant decreasein the helicobacter pylori infection in the body of these peopleThis indicates that garlic has antibacterial effects against Helicobacter pylori infection. {17*}  

Propolis

Propolis is a resinous mixture made by honeybees using various plant sources to keep the hive intact. Scientists examining the chemical composition of propolis realized that it contains more than 300 natural compounds. These compounds  include amino acids, coumarins, phenolic aldehydes, polyphenols, sequiterpene kinins and steroids. Many studies show that propolis extract contains high phenolic compounds and thus prevents the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. {18*}, {19*}, {20*} 

herbs

In a study conducted to prevent the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, it is mentioned that the extracts of Agrimonia eupatoria, Hydrastis canadensis (Echinacea), Filipendula ulmaria  (Meadowsweet) and Salvia officinalis (Sage) plants can be quite beneficial. {21*}, {22*}, {23*} 

Avoiding Stress 

Stress makes Helicobacter pylori symptoms worse. In addition, people suffering from anxiety or living under intense stress are more likely to get helicobacter pylori infection and various stomach ailments such as stomach inflammation and stomach ulcers. Studies show that the immunity of people who experience intense stress is weakened.  {24*} 

It is recommended to include stress-relieving activities in daily life. For this, the person can do deep breathing exercises, yoga , acupuncture , meditation or tai chi. 

How should people with Helicobacter Pylori be fed?

Some of the foods that should be consumed to prevent or help treat a Helicobacter pylori infection are: 

• Probiotic-rich foods like kefir 
• Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids 
• Flax and chia seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Therefore, it is recommended to be consumed frequently.  
• It is recommended to consume honey.  It is known that especially manuka honey provides protection against  Helicobacter pylori infection. {25*} 
• The fruits are known to protect against Helicobacter pylori infection. It is especially recommended to consume blueberries, strawberries and blackberries.   
• It is recommended to consume broccoli and broccoli sprouts and to consume plenty of vegetables in the cruciferous family. 

Foods that should not be consumed or should be consumed less in order to fight Helicobacter pylori infection are as follows: 

• Caffeine 
• carbonated drinks 
• Pickled (salted water in which foods such as cheese, meat, fish are kept in order not to spoil) foods 
• spicy food 
• Foods low in fiber

How to Prevent Helicobacter Pylori Infection?

Some of the things to do to prevent Helicobacter pylori infection are:  {26*}, {27*} 

In order to avoid Helicobacter pylori infection, the person must be consuming clean and safe drinking water. Drinking contaminated water significantly increases the risk of contracting Helicobacter pylori infection. 

Paying attention to the hygiene rules of the person  significantly reduces the risk of contracting Helicobacter pylori infection. Since touching the belongings of someone infected with Helicobacter pylori is one of the causes of infection, hand hygiene should be given great importance. 

Helicobacter pylori  infection can be transmitted to food. For this reason, it is recommended that people eat in places where they are sure of their cleanliness and reliability.  

Precautions for Helicobacter Pylori Infection 

If you think you have a Helicobacter pylori infection, you should get tested as soon as possible .  

Some of the symptoms of helicobacter pylori are: {28*} 

• difficulty swallowing 
• severe abdominal pain 
• bloody or black vomit 
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds 
• Burning sensation in the area under the ribs (if the pain decreases after eating or drinking milk, a doctor should definitely be consulted)

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

If your helicobacter pylori test is positive even though you do not show any symptoms of helicobacter pylori infection, then you should consult your doctor to start the treatment. In addition, if you are taking medication for a different ailment or have various health problems, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before trying new methods for the treatment of helicobacter pylori infection.  {29*}