The presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria is frequently observed in the gastric mucosa. In certain instances, these factors have the potential to induce peptic and duodenal ulcers. Natural remedies, including honey, aloe vera, and probiotics, have the potential to aid in the regulation of bacterial populations.
Gastric inflammation may occur if the body is unable to regulate levels of H. pylori. This condition has the potential to result in gastritis, ulcers, and potentially even stomach cancer. Helicobacter pylori infections generally necessitate triple therapy with the administration of two antibiotics in conjunction with a proton pump inhibitor.
Symptoms of H. pylori infection
Signs or symptoms of H. pylori infection are usually related to gastritis or peptic ulcers and may include:
- Stomach ache or burning pain in abdomen.
- Stomach pain worsens on an empty stomach.
- Nausea.
- Decreased appetite.
- Burping often.
- Bloating.
- Unintentional weight loss.
Ulcer pain due to an H. pylori infection can be dull or burning in the belly. You may feel it most when your stomach is empty, like between meals or at night. It can last for minutes or hours. Eating, drinking milk, or taking an antacid may help you feel better. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Bloody, dark red, or black stool.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Bloody or coffee ground-like vomit.
- Severe stomach pain.
H. pylori infection treatment with medications
Treatment is necessary for H. pylori-induced ulcers to eliminate the germs, heal the stomach lining, and prevent recurrence. Treatment typically takes 1-2 weeks to improve.
Your doctor may prescribe multiple medications. Options available are:
- Antibiotics like amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, or tinidazole kill bacteria in your body. You’ll probably take at least two from this group.
- Acid-reducing drugs that block stomach pumps. The medications include dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, or vonoprazan/amoxicillin/clarithromycin.
- Bismuth subsalicylate may help kill H. pylori with antibiotics.
- Histamine-blocking medicines reduce stomach acid production. The medications are cimetidine, famotidine, and nizatidine.
Effective natural treatments for H. pylori infection
Numerous studies have been conducted on natural H. pylori treatments, both in vivo and in vitro. Treatments reduced stomach bacteria but didn’t permanently eliminate them.
Consult your doctor before starting natural treatment. Don’t replace recommended H. pylori treatment with natural remedies. You can use natural treatments with your doctor’s approval. This may enhance conventional drug effects.
Probiotics
Probiotics replenish good bacteria in your stomach after antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria. They may reduce yeast overgrowth risk. Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most effective bacteria.
Advantages:
- promotes gut bacteria, aids in belly fat loss
Cons:
- may cause digestive discomfort
- may cause headaches or adverse reactions
Licorice root
Licorice root is a remedy for stomach ulcers. May help fight H. pylori. A 2020 review found that licorice root has antibacterial effects and increases bacteria eradication rates. It helps prevent H. pylori from sticking to cell walls and promotes ulcer healing. Licorice root may have drug interactions when purchased online. Consult your doctor before using licorice root in your treatment.
Advantages:
- may alleviate indigestion, acid reflux, and treat peptic ulcers
Cons:
- Interacts with drugs like NSAIDs, blood thinners, statins, diuretics, etc. Not recommended for long-term use.
- Chronic use and large doses of licorice root can cause glycyrrhizin accumulation in your body, affecting cortisol levels and causing dangerous symptoms.
Broccoli
A study found that broccoli sprout powder fights H. pylori in people with type 2 diabetes. It improved cardiovascular risk factors. Two recent studies (2020 and 2021) suggest that sulforaphane may not effectively eliminate or reduce H. pylori, especially in severe cases.
Advantages:
- Sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts may fight H. pylori. Broccoli sprouts reduce inflammation and improve bowel health. It may reduce bacteria colonization and its effects.
Cons:
- may cause side effects
- Wash before consuming due to high risk of bacterial contamination
- Overeating can affect thyroid function.
- More studies needed to prove effectiveness against H. pylori.
Phototherapy
LED blue light therapy may treat antibiotic-resistant H. pylori. Phototherapy uses UV light to eliminate H. pylori in the stomach. A 2020 study found that blue LED endoscopy improved curcumin therapy, reducing tissue damage and H. pylori production and activity. Phototherapy in the stomach is believed to be safe by some researchers. Use when antibiotics are not available.
Advantages:
- helpful for avoiding antibiotics
Cons:
- temporary fix- Bacteria will return after phototherapy in a few days.
Takeaway
Some people have bacteria without symptoms. Untreated chronic gastric inflammation can lead to serious complications. Possible complications include ulcers and stomach cancer. H. pylori is a major risk factor for certain stomach cancers.
FDA-approved antibiotic treatment has high eradication rates for H. pylori. Rates are highest with antibiotics and acid reducers. Natural treatments may provide extra healing benefits.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/h-pylori-natural-treatment
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322627#natural-treatments
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/h-pylori/symptoms-causes/syc-20356171
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21463-h-pylori-infection
