Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped, gram-negative bacterium that can colonize the lining of the stomach. Around half of the world’s population is infected, many without showing any noticeable symptoms. However, chronic colonization can have far-reaching consequences.
Symptomes
The symptoms of an H. pylori infection are often nonspecific and do not occur in all affected individuals. In many cases, the infection remains without noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they usually present as a feeling of pressure or burning in the upper abdomen, especially shortly after eating. Many people also experience discomfort such as bloating, nausea, occasional burping, and loss of appetite. These general symptoms are collectively known as functional dyspepsia.
In more advanced stages, peptic ulcers may develop, meaning small lesions in the lining of the stomach or duodenum that can cause stronger pain and sometimes gastrointestinal bleeding. When inflammation persists for many years, the risk of developing MALT lymphoma or stomach cancer increases.
Causes
Transmission occurs mainly through the fecal-oral or oral-oral route, for example via contaminated food, water, or close contact involving saliva. Infection most commonly takes place during childhood, often due to poor hygiene or close family exposure. Genetic factors and the composition of an individual’s microbiome also play a role in determining susceptibility to H. pylori.
Diagnosis
An H. pylori test can now easily be done at home, for example as a stool test or a breath test available online. These tests offer a simple way to get initial indications of a possible infection without the need to visit a doctor’s office right away.
Medically, three methods are considered particularly reliable. The 13C urea breath test measures the enzyme activity (urease) produced by the bacterium, the stool antigen test detects H. pylori directly in the digestive tract, and gastroscopy (endoscopy of the stomach) with tissue sampling is used in cases of persistent symptoms, suspected ulcers, or chronic gastritis.
Blood tests for H. pylori antibodies are also available, but they cannot distinguish between a past and an active infection and are therefore not suitable for monitoring treatment success. A combination of medical history, laboratory testing, and, if needed, imaging diagnostics provides the most reliable results and forms the basis for effective, targeted therapy.
Therapy
Conventional medical treatment for H. pylori eradication usually involves a combination of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor. When an infection is confirmed, this therapy may be necessary, especially in cases of ulcers or an increased risk of gastric cancer.
As a complementary or, in some mild cases, alternative approach, natural treatments can help relieve symptoms and support the regeneration of the stomach lining.
A key component is an anti-inflammatory diet, focusing on easily digestible, alkaline foods such as cooked vegetables, oats, flaxseeds, ghee, and aloe vera gel. Sugar, coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods should be avoided, as they may irritate the stomach lining and promote bacterial growth.
Several plant-based compounds have shown antibacterial effects against H. pylori in studies:
Broccoli sprouts (sulforaphane) have been proven to inhibit bacterial growth. Clinical studies show that daily consumption significantly reduces bacterial load.
Mastic gum, derived from the mastic tree, has antibacterial and mucosal-protective properties. Taken over several weeks, it has been shown to partially eliminate H. pylori in some studies.
Zinc-carnosine, a stomach-protective compound, promotes mucosal healing and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Probiotics such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Saccharomyces boulardii can help stabilize the gastric microbiota, reduce symptoms, and improve eradication rates when used alongside standard therapy.
