Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that attack the digestive tract and stomach lining. The major symptoms of this infection are vomiting, bloating, belching, nausea, stomach ache, and gastritis. This chronic inflammation can impede the proper functioning of the digestive system and the gastrointestinal tract and thus, cause a long-term distress in the stomach.
Infection with H. Pylori is very common, especially in developing countries where it is estimated that more than 80 percent of adults and 10 percent of children have it. It is important to mention that having these germs thrive in your body increases the risk of stomach cancer sixfold. This is why it is pivotal to treat the infection as soon as possible and bring more good bacteria in your stomach. The conventional therapy is usually consisted of over-the-counter meds’ however; they will not just destroy the bad bacteria, but can also have a negative effect on the bad ones.
Natural Remedies for H. pylori
Green tea
According to science, green tea consumed in moderation is able to slow down the growth of the infection. One cup of green tea per day is able to avert stomach inflammation and lower the gastritis symptoms.
Garlic
Garlic possesses antibiotic and anti-inflammatory characteristics and you can eat it raw or cooked. One study showed that people who have the H. pylori and ate 2 medium-sized cloves of garlic with lunch and dinner meals had a higher reduction in the presence of the bacteria.
Propolis
Did you know that propolis has more than 300 compounds? What’s more, studies have shown that propolis was able to impede the growth of the germs.
Broccoli sprouts
Sulforaphane, a compound in this green veggie, is highly effective in treating H. pylori. Laboratory studies indicate that it can lower gastric inflammation and bacterial presence too.
Manuka honey
This type of honey is abundant in antibacterial characteristics and it has been long used for a variety of health issues. To remove H. pylori, consume a tbsp of the honey in the morning prior to breakfast. You can also eat toast and manuka honey with toast for breakfast.
Cranberry juice
With certainty, this is one of the most beneficial natural cures for gastrointestinal and urinary tract problems because it has strong antibacterial properties. If you consume it regularly, it will help you impede the bad bacterial colonization in the stomach and encourage their elimination through the urine.
Black seed
A study from 2010 showed that people who were suffering from H. pylori and consumed 2 grams of ground black seeds per day in combination with omeprazole experienced more improvement that the participants who received conventional therapy only.
Probiotics
As you may already know, there are bad and good bacteria and when it comes to the good ones; we need them for proper digestion and healthy gut. This being said, when the amount of bad bacteria is higher than that of good bacteria, the risk of inflammation and chronic health problems elevates, for example, H. pylori infection. This is where probiotic foods can be of aid and supply the gut with the necessary good bacteria.
Beneficial Diet Changes for H. pylori Sufferers
Eat more flaxseed and chia seeds because they are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids
Drink more kefir which is abundant in probiotics
Make sure to add cruciferous veggies to your daily diet
Opt for wild-caught fish
Consume manuka honey daily
Eat more berries
If you are suffering from this particular infection, make sure you avoid spicy and pickled foods, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and grains low in fiber.