Foods & Herbs That Inhibit Helicobacter Pylori

Triple therapy antibiotics that are typically used to treat H pylori are declining in effectiveness. Whereas treatments used to yield 80-90% success rates, some studies published in the medical journal Helicobacter are now showing cure rates of only 50%. It appears as though the H pylori bacteria are becoming resistant to the antibiotics, especially Clarithromycin.

In addition, the medications used in triple therapy also cause very unpleasant side effects for some people and may also lead to yeast and fungal overgrowth, particularly with the Candida organism, which can lead to further digestive symptoms.

Many people are now seeking natural alternatives to triple therapy as a result of the decline in antibiotic efficacy. However there are many spurious and false claims from websites claiming that they have the best solution. In fact, only a few herbs and supplements are effective against H pylori and they need to be used in the right way otherwise they may not be effective.

It is also very important to understand that 'inhibit' does not mean 'eradicate'. Just because a claim is made that something 'inhibits' H pylori does not mean that it will solve the problem!

#1 - Mastic Gum

Mastic Gum is a very good supplement to use against H pylori. Studies have shown that it not only inhibits H pylori, it also kills it. It should be used for 60-90 days and combined with dietary changes to reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestine. If the diet changes are not made, it does not work as effectively. It is also very important to purchase high quality mastic gum.

#2 - Matula Herbal Formula

Matula is, in my experience, the most effective herbal supplement for cleansing the stomach. Stool tests have shown time and time again that H pylori is no longer present after a 30-day course of Matula. Because Matula works so quickly it is actually the least expensive option.

#3 - Olive Oil

The polyphenols in olive oil have been shown to have anti-H pylori action although there is no evidence that olive oil alone can completely eradicate the bacteria. Because olive oil is generally a healthy oil, it is wise to use it regularly in one's diet.

#4 - Cabbage Juice

Vitamin U, which is not actually a vitamin at all, is a component of cabbage juice that has been shown in Russia to help heal ulcers. It is possible to juice cabbage using a vegetable juicer.

#5 - Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an excellent anti-microbial agent. It contains lauric acid, which can break down the cell membranes of bacteria and parasites. It is also a wonderful oil to cook with and although it contains saturated fats, the structure of the fatty acids helps support the thyroid gland, improve metabolism and helps people lose weight.

#6 - DGL

DGL is an abbreviation for deglycerrhized licorice root. It protects the stomach lining and has shown some anti-microbial action against H pylori. Taken on its own, however, it is unlikely that DGL can defeat H pylori.

Using these foods and herbs in the correct manner can inexpensively help reduce and eliminate the symptoms associated with H pylori in a matter of 5-60 days, with no side effects.

Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral shaped bacterium that lives in the stomach and small intestine of humans and some animals. It can cause a vast array of symptoms both in the digestive system and in other parts of the body.

Drs Robin Warren and Barry Marshall won the Nobel Prize for Physiology & Medicine when they proved that H pylori causes stomach ulcers. In fact, H pylori is now known to cause 80% stomach ulcers and 90% duodenal ulcers. It is also thought to cause stomach cancer and has recently been associated with heart disease.

When I had H pylori, from 2004-2007, I suffered many of the symptoms listed below. It is important to understand that chronic digestive infections can cause symptoms outside the digestive system.

Symptom #1 - Heartburn & reflux. Contrary to belief, these symptoms are not usually caused by excess stomach acid. They are caused by acid burning irritated tissue that has been damaged by H pylori or foods. Some people gain significant relief by actually taking acid supplements!

Symptom #2 - Gastritis. H pylori causes an inflammatory response in the stomach, leading to gastritis.

Symptom #3 - Nausea. As with many digestive infections, H pylori causes nausea, particularly in the mornings. This can be confused with morning sickness in women.

Symptom #4 - Vomiting. When people first acquire the infection, it can cause severe vomiting. Chronic infections can also cause morning sickness. If there are bleeding ulcers, coffee-like grains can be seen in the vomit. Medical attention should be sought immediately.

Symptom #5 - Bloating. Helicobacter actually shuts down acid production in the stomach (which is why antacids like Nexium, Zantac and Prilosec should not be used long term). If food cannot be digested properly it can putrefy and cause bloating in the intestines.

Symptom #6 - Diarrhoea. The disruption to the digestive process caused by Helicobacter pylori can lead to excess water being secreted into the intestines, causing diarrhoea.

Symptom #7 - Constipation. If a chronic H pylori infection shuts down acid production in the stomach, the entire digestive process can be shut down and 'backed up'. Some individuals may experience constipation whereas some may develop diarrhoea.

Symptom #8 - Bad Breath / Halitosis. Gases produced by improperly digested foods and oral H pylori infections can cause bad breath.

Symptom #9 - Fatigue. It is known that B vitamin and iron absorption does not function correctly when people have H pylori. If the infection stops food being digested and absorbed, metabolism cannot run properly, leading to fatigue.

Symptom #10 - PMS / Depression / Anxiety. Similarly, if nutrition depletion occurs the chemicals needed to maintain mood, such as hormones and neurotransmitters, cannot be produced by the body. This can lead to many mood disorders.

Power Food For Powerful Health

Secret of good health is healthy food. Our life has become so mechanized and we tend to eat which is fast and easy, which triggers eating disorder and results in many diseases. There are two very important things related with good health first one is knowledge: It is very important to know what is good for health so read and question about values addition about food. Second is Good habit, It can be developed over the time.

There are many types of food available but only few qualify for power food, why so? Power food is that food which carries all essential elements required for building better health. You must know about them i.e. acquire knowledge and include them in your everyday meal i.e. cultivate good habit.

Following are the list of important and essential five power food, include them in your meal and you will realize the difference in with in a week's time.

Yogurt and skim milk: Yogurt has active culture bacteria which helps preventing any yeast related disease. It has calcium which helps strengthening bone. Skim milk has calcium, vitamin D. it helps improving vision, eczema and allergies.

Fish (salmon, mackerel, crab, clams, tuna and mussels): it gives you Vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, Iron and potassium. It is good for brain and reducing chances of heart attack.

Wheat gram, Lentils and peanut, apricot and figs: It is good source of magnesium, vitamin E, Fiber, Protein, Fat, vitamin A, Vitamin B6, potassium. This pack is known as energy pack. One must make sure to use any three from this pack every day.

Tomato, Lemon Barriers (cranberry, raspberry), Raisins: Lycopene, Limonene, furocoumarins and vitamin C, iron, ellagic acid. This pack is known as protector pack. It is advisable to eat them daily.

Garlic, ginger, onion, broccoli and spinach: Quercetin, Indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, vitamin C and beta-carotene. Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids, sulfur compounds, Wellness power food, must be included in lunch, power break fast and dinner.

One must take blanched combination of above mentioned power food pack. You must include at least two to three ingredients from each pack; this will ensure strong immune system, good health and active body all day.

You have been thinking about becoming healthier. You know you are a few or several pounds overweight. You want to do the right things to improve your quality of life. Becoming a healthier person requires several key elements to be successful. You need a plan. You need to change. You need a goal or goals. Once you establish these your chance for success will be greatly improved. Start today to be a healthier person.

Your life is the most important part of you. It is a gift that you must not take for granted. You must do everything in your power to keep your health in order to function at the best or optimal level you can. For some it is easy but for most people it is very hard. You must concentrate everyday of your life on doing things right for your health. You must exercise. You must eat right. You must study. You must do constant and effective research on the art of being healthy.

Our world has evolved into an amazing place with technological wonders that provide information to your fingertips. Your cell phone, computer, iPod are all devices that provide sources of information. Their ability to help you become a healthier person can be done so by providing you information quickly. 

If you need advice on any subject pertaining to health, you can call, email, text message, do a web search and answer any question you have about health. You will be provided so much information that you will need to research out what is fact and what is fiction. For example, what should you eat? That simple and basic question will require hours of research, years of learning what you can and cannot eat, and being vigilante about any and every thing that enters your mouth and body.

Here are just a few things you need to work on in order to become a healthier person:

1. You need to remove toxins from your life
2. You need to stop smoking or smoke healthier e-cigarettes
3. You need to see yourself as the healthy person you want to become
4. You need to evaluate your current health and fitness program
5. You need to get the support of your family, friends and partners
6. You need to learn to eat nutrient rich foods to replenish your body.