Natural Help for H. Pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a deceiving bacteria that can enter the system (usually through tainted food, compromised water, or poor hygiene) and cause serious digestive and other systemic problems. In many cases it can lie dormant in the intestines for years showing no symptoms at all. However, sometimes it can “activate” and takeover the gut leading to possible sores, ulcers and occasionally cause an infection that may lead to stomach cancer. 

Thankfully there are western medications (primarily antibiotics) capable of terminating the bacteria allowing sores or infections to heal. In addition, natural help for H. Pylori can be utilized to help protect, recover and sometimes diminish this bacterial interloper.

Science Recommended

Although medication has been successful in eradicating the H. Pylori bacteria, research has shown some benefits of alternative treatments. One study, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (WJG), stated this conclusion regarding natural remedies for H. Pylori,

“Alternative therapies have proved to be useful in maintaining low bacterial levels, controlling inflammation, modulating the immune response, inhibiting adherence to the gastric epithelium, and neutralizing some of the bacterial virulence factors such as the urease enzyme and the vacuolating toxin. Based on these results, the inclusion of natural products in the diet of asymptomatic patients could reduce the risk, as well as the development, of an unfavorable outcome of the infection.”

It is important to consider nutritional and supplemental choices that may support optimal immune system and gastrointestinal health. Always check with your health practitioner before administering any natural remedy.

Garlic

The super herb garlic has been used for many centuries in various healing applications. For H. Pylori, adding more garlic to your diet or supplemental protocol may be a good idea.

According to the published JAMA Internal Medicine study, ‘Is Garlic an Effective Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Infection?’, it was stated that,

“In vitro experiments have demonstrated that the growth of H. pylori can be inhibited by garlic extracts. Epidemiological investigations suggest that regular garlic consumption protects against H. pylori infection. Moreover, a large body of evidence implies that a high intake of garlic is associated with a reduced risk of stomach cancer.”

Garlic is easy to cook with and it can also be added to vegetable smoothies. Garlic supplements are also excellent as many remove the odor causing compounds so all you get is the healing effects without the smell on your breath or seeping out of your pores.

Green Tea

The health benefits of drinking green tea on a regular basis are significant.From metabolic support to anti-inflammatory properties there is a reason this tea continues to be a healing go-to since ancient times. 

“In one case, green tea decreased the number of bacteria and the inflammatory score of H. pylori-infected [] mice, but the greatest impact on these two parameters was obtained when mice received green tea prior to infection. In another assay [metal test], infected Mongolian gerbils received green tea extract in drinking water [] for 6 wks; interestingly, gastritis and the prevalence of H. pylori-infected animals were suppressed in a dose-dependent manner.” 

Green tea is highly beneficial, either hot or cold and should not be loaded with sugar. Good sweeteners with green tea include honey, stevia, monk fruit, and agave. 

Manuka Honey

Honey is another amazing food capable of supporting and repairing various health compromises. It is also one of the most stable foods as jars were found alongside 3000 year old mummified Egyptian corpses, still intact and edible.

A highly potent honey strain is Manuka Honey and when taken as a food, it connects and assists with digestive strength.

Egyptian researchers published a study in the Archives of Medical Research (2016) which concluded,

“Our findings suggest that natural honey exerts its inhibitory effects against H. pylori by inhibiting NF-κB and AP-1 activation and down regulation of COX-2 expression [all of these are inflammatory proteins]. These results provide new mechanistic insights into honey effects in the suppression of H. pylori infection.”

Although Manuka honey is considered the gold standard it can be more expensive than conventional honey. There may be protective properties in local raw honey as well. Always consult a medical professional regarding raw honey consumption and your health.

Aloe

The inside of the rigid, spiked aloe vera plant holds a pulp that links to digestive support. 

A study titled, ‘In vitro activity of Aloe vera inner gel against Helicobacter pylori strains’ by researchers out of the Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy, stated that, 

“The study demonstrates that the Aloe vera inner gel expresses antibacterial properties against both susceptible and resistant Helicobacter pylori strains. These findings may impact on the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon of H. pylori, proposing the A. vera inner gel as a novel effective natural agent for combination with antibiotics for the treatment of H. pylori gastric infection.”

You can drink aloe vera juice or mix the gel into food or smoothies for optimal support. There are also capsule supplements. 

This natural help for H. Pylori could significantly help you avoid digestive compromise. Watch what you eat being sure to diligently clean all foods before consuming. Bacteria is a tricky pathogen and staying ahead of it means maintaining good health for years to come. 

Sources:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/521970

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27751367/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322627#natural-treatments

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24597562/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3925854/