Have you ever felt like something just isn’t right with your gut, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? It’s easy to brush off occasional bloating, discomfort, or indigestion, thinking they’re part of life. But what if there’s something deeper going on that you can’t see? Enter Helicobacter pylori, or H. Pylori—a common bacteria that quietly lives in the stomachs of many people.
For some, it can remain under the radar, causing little to no symptoms. But for others, it can become a hidden source of discomfort, slowly impacting gut health. And because it doesn’t always announce itself with dramatic signs, it’s easy to overlook—until it’s affecting your day-to-day life.
In this blog post, I’ll help you understand whether H. Py
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Have you ever felt like something just isn’t right with your gut, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? It’s easy to brush off occasional bloating, discomfort, or indigestion, thinking they’re part of life. But what if there’s something deeper going on that you can’t see? Enter Helicobacter pylori, or H. Pylori—a common bacteria that quietly lives in the stomachs of many people.
For some, it can remain under the radar, causing little to no symptoms. But for others, it can become a hidden source of discomfort, slowly impacting gut health. And because it doesn’t always announce itself with dramatic signs, it’s easy to overlook—until it’s affecting your day-to-day life.
In this blog post, I’ll help you understand whether H. Pylori could be influencing your gut health, the signs to watch out for, and the steps you can take to address it before it leads to more serious issues. Whether you’ve been dealing with unexplained stomach discomfort or just want to ensure your gut is in tip top shape, this is the information you need to take control and start feeling better.
How H. Pylori Impacts Gut Health
H. Pylori has a sneaky way of disrupting the delicate balance within your stomach. This bacteria can burrow into the protective lining of your stomach, weakening the barrier that normally shields your stomach wall from its own acid. Over time, this disruption can lead to the breakdown of the stomach lining, making it vulnerable to irritation and damage.
But it doesn’t stop there–when H. Pylori weakens this barrier, it can also interfere with your stomach’s ability to maintain a healthy level of stomach acid. On the flip side, for others, the infection can reduce stomach acid production, impacting your ability to properly digest food and absorb essential nutrients.
As the bacteria takes hold, it often triggers a cascade of chronic inflammation in the digestive system. This ongoing inflammation can spread beyond the stomach, affecting your overall gut health and contributing to some very unpleasant symptoms (which we’ll discuss below). Left unchecked, the persistent inflammation caused by H. Pylori can lead to more serious complications, making it essential to address the infection early.
Signs and Symptoms of H. Pylori Infection
One of the trickiest aspects of an H. Pylori infection is that it often flies under the radar, showing symptoms that many people dismiss as minor or unrelated. However, if left untreated, these subtle signs can gradually evolve into more severe health issues. In the early stages, common symptoms may include:
- Persistent bloating
- Nausea
- Stomach pain (especially after meals)
- Frequent burping
- Indigestion (that doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you eat)
Unfortunately, these symptoms can be frustratingly vague, making it easy to ignore the possibility of a deeper problem. In more severe cases, H. Pylori can lead to the development of ulcers, causing sharp, burning pain in the stomach.
GERD (acid reflux) is another condition linked to this bacteria, where stomach acid repeatedly irritates the esophagus. For some, unintentional weight loss may occur as a result of decreased appetite or the body’s inability to properly digest food.
Catching H. Pylori early is crucial to preventing these long-term complications. By addressing the infection before it progresses, you can protect your gut health and prevent more serious digestive conditions from taking hold.
How to Diagnose H. Pylori
If you suspect that H. Pylori might be affecting your gut health, it’s essential to get a proper diagnosis. There are several reliable diagnostic methods that can help identify the presence of this bacteria, each offering different benefits based on your symptoms and medical history:
1. Blood Test
- One common option is a blood test, which can detect antibodies your body produces in response to an H. Pylori infection. However, while this test can confirm past exposure, it may not show whether the infection is currently active.
2. Breath Test
- A more precise method is the urea breath test, where you’re asked to swallow a solution containing urea. If H. Pylori is present, it breaks down the urea, releasing carbon dioxide that can be measured in your breath. This test provides a direct indicator of an active infection.
3. Stool Test
- The stool test is another effective way to diagnose H. Pylori. This method checks for antigens related to the bacteria in a stool sample and is particularly useful for confirming current infections.
4. Endoscopy
- In some cases, if symptoms are severe or persistent, your doctor may recommend an endoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a small camera down your esophagus to visually inspect the stomach lining and collect a tissue sample (biopsy) for further testing.
I can’t stress enough just how important seeking professional medical guidance is for accurate testing and appropriate treatment. Self-diagnosing based on symptoms alone can be misleading, as these symptoms often overlap with other digestive issues. A proper diagnosis not only confirms the infection but also helps tailor the best course of action for your recovery.
Natural Treatment Options for H. Pylori
If you’ve been diagnosed with H. Pylori and prefer to take a natural approach to treatment, there are several remedies that can support your gut health and help manage the infection. These options focus on rebalancing your gut flora, healing the stomach lining, and reducing bacterial activity—all without the use of antibiotics:
1. Probiotics for Gut Flora Balance
- Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in your gut microbiome, which is often disrupted by H. Pylori. Taking a high-quality probiotic can help restore this balance, reduce inflammation, and potentially inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like H. Pylori. Look for strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which have been shown to be effective in supporting gut health.
2. Mastic Gum for Stomach Lining Healing
- Mastic gum, derived from the resin of the mastic tree, has been traditionally used to heal stomach ailments. It has natural antibacterial properties that specifically target H. Pylori, while also helping to repair and strengthen the stomach lining. Taking mastic gum as a supplement can soothe irritation and protect the stomach from further damage. PMID: 35276949
3. Manuka Honey for Antibacterial Properties
- Manuka honey, known for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, can be a powerful ally in fighting H. Pylori. It has been shown to reduce bacterial levels in the stomach and promote healing of the gastric lining. Incorporating a spoonful of high-quality Manuka honey into your daily routine may help inhibit the bacteria while providing additional immune support.
4. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) for Soothing the Gut
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a special form of licorice root that helps soothe and protect the digestive tract without raising blood pressure. DGL works by boosting the production of mucus in the stomach, which creates a protective barrier over the stomach lining. This can be particularly helpful if H. Pylori has caused inflammation or ulcers. PMC: 7348626
5. Dietary Adjustments
In addition to these natural remedies, making strategic changes to your diet can further support your recovery and gut health.
Foods to Include:
- Fermented foods (like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir) to boost probiotics and gut health
- Garlic for its natural antibacterial properties.
- Green tea, which contains catechins that may help reduce H. Pylori activity.
- Broccoli sprouts, which are high in sulforaphane—a compound that has been shown to fight H. Pylori.
Foods to Avoid:
- Spicy foods, which can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate symptoms.
- Alcohol, as it can inflame the stomach and make symptoms worse.
- Processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats, which may encourage bacterial overgrowth.
By combining these natural approaches with a mindful diet, you can create a supportive environment for your body to heal from H. Pylori, improving your gut health and overall well-being.
Conclusion
H. Pylori may be a common bacteria, but its effects on gut health can be anything but ordinary. Left unchecked, it can silently lead to chronic inflammation, digestive discomfort, and even more serious complications down the line.
If you’ve been experiencing unexplained stomach issues, or simply want to ensure your gut is in optimal shape, don’t wait to take action. Book a discovery call with me, and let’s assess your gut health together. With a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs, you can restore balance, ease discomfort, and start feeling your best again.
Restore Your Gut Health Program
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"Information courtesy of www.mebykatie.com; Katie Marshall is a certified Medical Esthetician, Acne Specialist, Functional Nutrition Counsellor, Holistic Chef, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Specializing in skin health, gut health, hormone health, and the whole body. The basic premise is that functional nutrition gets to the root of the problem and resolves the actual problem. This differs from conventional medicine, which prescribes multiple meds to deal with symptoms, with little regard for resolving the root cause of the symptoms. Functional nutrition is more personalized, customized, and holistic. My job is to work with your medical team and advocate for you if necessary."
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