I have often encountered patients asking me about natural treatment for Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori). This bacterium has been known for causing ulcers and gastritis.
Once you’ve tested positive, going for treatment is a no brainer, and most people do feel better afterwards, but people may be surprised to learn that this bug can be protective and beneficial too.
Let’s learn a bit about the history first.
Helicobacter Pylori is an old bug.
It has been found in human body for thousands of years and has evolved with the human race. H. Pylori is quite intelligent as it learns how to make the stomach its home. Normally, the acidic environment in the stomach is our first line of defense to kill off any bacteria or fungi that we ingested with drinks and foods, but H. Pylori secretes urease to neutralize the acid in its surrounding.
It also can break down the stomach lining cells so that it can swim more easily around. This ability to break down the mucosal layer of the stomach lining is what causes ulcers and inflammation in the stomach. We also know that there are people who suffer no gastritis or ulcers with H. Pylori in their gut. How could this be?
It turns out that there are many strains of Helicobacter Pylori.
Some are more harmful; some are just taking space in the gut, and some are even beneficial. A 12-years observational study reveals that H. Pylori can actually help reduce risk of asthma, lung cancer and stroke.
There is an animal study to show that when mice were treated with antibiotics, their risk to develop asthma is much increased. This bacterium teaches our immune system to stay cool when pollen or dust invade so that the body can build tolerance and not to overreact.
As we know that H. Pylori can be good and bad, the question to treat or not to treat becomes more complicated.
We have learned that H. Pylori is associated with peptic ulcers, acute and chronic gastritis, idiopathic iron deficiency anemia, gastric cancer, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura and MALT lymphoma.
If you are suffering these conditions, Helicobacter Pylori should be treated. If not, let’s better leave this bacterium alone and appreciate its protective effect.
Ready to learn more? Feel free to schedule a consultation with the providers at Naturopathic Family Health if you have any questions.
Follow us on Instagram to learn more from our team.
Dr. Sherry Su, ND, FABNG
Naturopathic Doctor San Jose
408-356-1364
Sign up for a free 10-minute consultation here.
