Is Helicobactor Pylori causing your digestive problems?

Helicobactor Pylori is a bacteria that is cork screw in shape and thrives in the stomach and small intestine, where it burrows into the lining of the digestive tract causing inflammation, gastritis. It has been strongly linked to the development of ulcers in the digestive tract.

The world health organisation classifies H.pylori as a grade 1 carcinogen supporting the idea that H. pylori is as cancer causing to the g.i.t as cigarette smoking to the lungs. The most concerning thing is that many people that have this bacteria don’t even know it!!! Some of the symptoms associated with H. pylori are:

• Indigestion, heart burn
• Gas, bloating
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Bad breath
• Hunger pains between meals
• Abdominal pain
• Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract

It has been estimated that as many as 1 in 4 people have this bacteria and it is usually very difficult to treat, modern medicine usually employs antibiotics as part of a treatment plan, however it is suspected that there are some strains that are resistant to antibiotics rendering them ineffective in some cases.

It is often thought that stress, smoking and diet are the only causes of stomach ulcers. However it is now known that the majority of stomach ulcers well over 50% of them are caused by H.pylori infection. However in order to avoid exacerbation of the condition stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive coffee and tea intake and particular anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided.

This is a condition that is often difficult to treat, for best results you may want to consult a naturopath, however there are some remedies and herbs that you may use to help:

• Tumeric- has a strong anti-inflammatory action on the digestive tract, it is particularly good for stomach pain and reflux and is often used to promote the healing of ulcers.
• Glutamine- Is an amino acid that promotes the healing in the lining of the gut, raw spinach and parsley are good sources of this amino acid.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus- these are the good bacteria that help to maintain a healthy gut, particularly useful for those who have been on antibiotics for the treatment of helicobactor pylori.
• Pistacia lentisens resin is commonly used in the mediterranean, trials have shown this particular plant to have a positive effect in treating helicobactor.
• Licorice- This herb fights bacterial and parasitic infections, also has a strong anti-inflammatory affect.

If you have unresolved digestive issues it is a good idea to consult your health care provider to discuss the possibility of Helicobactor pylori and consider testing to eliminate it as a cause. As with any condition it is best treated when detected and  treated early.