The 'H' of H. pylori is short for Helicobacter. Helico means spiral. H. pylori's spiral shape helps it burrow into the mucus layer coating the stomach, where it is protected from immune cells and lethal stomach acids. There, H. pylori uses its threadlike tendrils to attach itself close to the stomach lining, where it enjoys a relatively neutral pH environment. Adherence to the stomach wall also protects the bacteria from being flushed away by peristalsis or mucus turnover.^[5] In people producing large amounts of acids, H pylori avoids the acid-producing parietal cells of the upper stomach and instead colonizes the pyloric antrum (exit of the stomach). In those with less acid, H. pylori colonizes the entire stomach.^[6] Occasionally, H. pylori burrows inside the cells of the lining itself, where it is impervious to antimicrobials.^[7]

To borrow into the mucosa, it also releases chemicals that degrade the mucus gel structure, effectively liquefying the protective mucus layer of the stomach. The degradation of mucus exposes gastric tissue to caustic acids. These acids, ammonia, as well as other oxidising waste products produced by H pylori cause inflammation of gastric tissue (gastritis), erosion (ulcers) and damage to DNA, leading to increased risk of stomach cancer. Inflammation is present in all individuals with H. pylori infections, even patients without symptoms. Chronic gastritis may result in loss of acid-producing cells and reduced stomach function (atrophic gastritis).

Many doctors believe that testing and treatment of H pylori is not necessary unless symptoms are present. This is because Hp infected individuals have lower rates of asthma, food allergies and IBD. This is due to the fact that H pylori colonizes the stomach mucosa, not the stomach itself. Since the immune system recognizes that H pylori is not an invader, the immune system 'backs off' so to speak. The voluntary retreat of the immune system is adaptive, otherwise everyone would have some form of inflammatory bowel disease simply due to the large number of bacteria present in the intestines. Instead, the body simply suppresses this response to bacteria that colonize the GI.

Specifically, H pylori has been shown to protect against inflammation from Shigella and Salmonella attacks as well as inflammatory bowel diseases in general.^[9] Salmonella is a potentially fatal disease that was responsible for the fall of Athens and the rise of Sparta. Thus, having a H pylori infection may be a selective advantage. Other organisms in the gut were found to dampen inflammation caused by H pylori. The presence of C difficile, for example, was shown to reduce H pylori related inflammation in mice.

Doctors may recommend bismuth salts (such as Pepto Bismol ?), yogurt or probiotics containing lactobacillus, and herbs to enhance the effect of the antibiotics and aid in eradication.^[10] Bismuth salts have been used for over three centuries to cure various forms of dyspepsia due to their antimicrobial action and ability to soothe & coat the stomach. Although bismuth salts may suppress an active H pylori infection, cure rates are low.

The presence of infection in the gut causes buildup of free radicals released by the immune system to combat the bacteria. Antioxidant supplements are thus supportive for individuals with H pylori infection. One such antioxidant is vitamin C, naturally found in many berries as well as the ayurvedic herb amalaki. Vitamin C levels were found to be significantly lower in individuals with H pylori infection. Improving vitamin C levels led to eradication of H pylori in 30% of cases^[11] ,^[12] .

Antimicrobials such as ginger, cinnamon, garlic, oregano & turmeric can inhibit H pylori growth. Antimicrobial herbs are especially useful if they are anti-inflammatories as well, such as barberry, turmeric, fresh ginger, and cinnamon. Cinnamon extract also interferes with H pylori's ability to use urea for protection against stomach acids. Fresh ginger also promotes regeneration of the protective mucus layer^[13] . Licorice root may be soothing and cooling. Green tea has been shown to block adhesion of H pylori to the stomach lining.

A Japanese study suggests that broccoli sprouts can reduce the presence of H pylori antigenin stool tests by 40%, indicating reduced presence of infection. The use of broccoli sprouts over mature heads is preferred because sprouts are higher in sulfurophane, an anti-bacterial compound believed to be behind the results. However, stool antigen returned to pre-treatments levels within 8 weeks.^[14]

From bismuth salts, to broccoli, most supplements reduce H pylori infection, inflammation, and ulcers only, but have not been proven in scientific studies as a reliable method for eradication. I.e. the infection returns after the supplement is stopped. Furthermore, many alternative therapies showed promising results in vitro (meaning in a test tube) but these results did not transfer over to in vivo (meaning in a live person) studies.^[15] Numerous website make wild claims about the effectiveness of alternative therapies based up these in vitro studies. Given the increasing resistance of H pylori to antibiotics, these alternative therapies may be helpful to quell infection long enough for an ulcer to heal. Additionally, these therapies may possibly be used in conjunction with antibiotics to improve eradication rates.

Additionally, avoid the following when you have an H pylori infection

When attempting to eradicate or minimize presence of H pylori, the following may be useful. Consult your doctor to find out which therapies are best for you.

An Ayurvedic diet consistent with the constitution of the client reduces stress on the digestive system and may improve the efficiency of herbs used, as well as efficacy of antibiotics. The client should follow all of the rules of maintain optimum digestive during the treatment.

Specific foods not mentioned with beneficial properties include:

Alternative Herbs:
To licorice root: Marshmallow Root 1 - Soothes stomach
To neem: Barberry 1 - Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

Take 1 tsp in warm water, aloe vera, and wedge of lime 3x/day. If Aloe vera irritates take with pomegranate juice & lime only.

Cover broccoli with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Meanwhile, mix turmeric and cinnamon with several drops of water to form a paste. Sautee chopped garlic in coconut oil. Add spice paste and continue frying for 10 seconds. Deglaze pan with a cup of water from broccoli and pour into pot. Continue simmering until broccoli is soft. Serve with rice and a protein source.

[1] Pounder RE, Ng D (1995). "The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in different countries". Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 9 (Suppl 2): 33 - 9. PMID 8547526

[2] Brown LM (2000). "Helicobacter pylori: epidemiology and routes of transmission" (PDF). Epidemiol Rev 22 (2): 283 - 97. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.epirev.a018040. PMID 11218379.

[3] Goodman KJ, O'rourke K, Day RS, Wang C, Nurgalieva Z, Phillips CV, Aragaki C, Campos A, de la Rosa JM (December 2005). "Dynamics of Helicobacter pylori infection in a US-Mexico cohort during the first two years of life". Int J Epidemiol 34 (6): 1348 - 55. doi:10.1093/ije/dyi152. PMID 16076858.

[4] Scientists discover how helicobacter survives gastric acid. Abi Berger (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1117475)

[5] The Role of Helicobacter pylori Outer Membrane Proteins in Adherence and Pathogenesis - Monica Oleastro 1 and Armelle M?nard 2,3,* -https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/2/3/1110

[6] Kusters JG, van Vliet AH, Kuipers EJ (July 2006). "Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection". Clin Microbiol Rev 19 (3): 449 - 90. doi:10.1128/CMR.00054-05. PMC 1539101. PMID 16847081.

[7] "Helicobacter pylori: an invading microorganism? A review". FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 36 (3): 117 - 26. doi:10.1016/S0928-8244(03)00020-8. PMID 12738380.

[8] Leptin and Ghrelin in Relation to Helicobacter pylori Status in Adult Males. Jatin Roper, Fritz Francois, Peter L. Shue, Michelle S. Mourad, Zhiheng Pei, Asalia Z. Olivares de Perez, Guillermo I. Perez-Perez, Chi-Hong Tseng, and Martin J. Blaser. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2435636)

[9] Prior Helicobacter pylori infection ameliorates Salmonella typhimurium-induced colitis: mucosal crosstalk between stomach and distal intestine. Higgins PD1, Johnson LA, Luther J, Zhang M, Sauder KL, Blanco LP, Kao JY. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21560200)

[10] Wang KY, Li SN, Liu CS, Perng DS, Su YC, Wu DC, Jan CM, Lai CH, Wang TN, Wang WM (September 2004). "Effects of ingesting Lactobacillus- and Bifidobacterium-containing yogurt in subjects with colonized Helicobacter pylori" (PDF). The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 80 (3): 737 - 41. PMID 15321816.

[11] Effects of high dose vitamin C treatment on Helicobacter pylori infection and total vitamin C concentration in gastric juice. Jarosz M1, Dzieniszewski J, Dabrowska-Ufniarz E, Wartanowicz M, Ziemlanski S, Reed PI. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9926292 )

[12] Nontraditional therapies to treat Helicobacter pylori infection. Morris O Makobongo, Jeremy J. Gilbreath, D. Scott Merrell (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261221943_Nontraditional_therapies_to_treat_Helicobacter_pylori_infection )

[13] Mahady et al., 2005; Nanjundaiah et al., 2011; Haniadka et al., 2013

[14] Gutsy Germs Succumb to Baby Broccoli (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/Gutsy_Germs_Succumb_to_Baby_Broccoli)

[15] Exploring alternative treatments for Helicobacter pylori infection. Guadalupe Ayala, Wendy Itzel Escobedo-Hinojosa, Carlos Felipe de la Cruz-Herrera, and Irma Romero (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3925854)