In this post, I’m going to help you recognize the symptoms caused by Helicobacter Pylori infections of the stomach. H. Pylori is a bacteria that can injure the stomach lining and if not detected it can cause a host of serious problems.
Years ago, ulcers and stomach indigestion were thought to be caused by “stress”. In the 1990’s, it became widely known that a bacteria can also cause these symptoms. Helicobacter Pylori is the nasty bacteria in question and it is prevalent in our food supply. Poultry and eggs can contain H. Pylori and some people become infected when they eat these products. H. Pylori can inhabit the stomach cell lining known as the “mucosa.” It thrives in a low acid environment and many people have abnormally low stomach acid. Additionally, H. Pylori functions to cause inflammation, injuring parietal cells which make stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). This becomes a viscous cycle as the bacteria contributes to low stomach acid levels.
Depending on the severity and location of H. Pylori infection can play a role in causing:
- Heartburn
- Reflux
- Burping, bloating, stomach pain
If left untreated it can cause:
- Ulcer of the stomach and small intestine
- Certain cancers
- Heart disease
In our clinic, when a patient complains of any of the first three symptoms we might try a course of hydrochloric acid therapy. If this reduces or eliminates all symptoms, we will continue for about four weeks with the supplement. If the symptoms return upon stopping the hydrochloric acid supplementation we’ll consider testing for H. Pylori.
The test that we utilize is called the “Urea Breath Test” and is easy to administer, causes no side effects and is fairly inexpensive (approximately $100).
To perform the Urea Breath Test, the patients submits a baseline breath sample by taking a deep breath and blowing into a specially designed plastic bag. Then the patient drinks a very sweet solution, and after a few minutes takes another deep breath and blows into a second bag. The bags are sent to a lab where carbon dioxide levels are contrasted between the two bags. An increase of carbon dioxide in the testing sample indicates the presence of H. Pylori.
The organism can be eradicated by an antibiotic or by using nutritional compounds designed to kill the bug and heal the stomach.
4 Step Approach to Detecting & Correcting H. Pylori Infections:
If you have any of the symptoms listed above
1. Try taking small doses of hydrochloric (stomach) acid. This is available at any health food store. Click here for a warning and tips regarding how to supplement with hydrochloric acid. Note: do not take it if you have an ulcer!
2. If the hydrochloric acid helps, stay on it for a month and then discontinue use.
3. If your symptoms do not return, you probably don’t have H. Pylori. If they reappear, contact a provider who can help you get the Urea Breath Test.
4. If the test is positive use antibiotics or products from your local health food store designed to eradicate this bacteria. Some of the nutritional compounds to consider are:
Golden Seal root extract
Oregano Oil extract
Barberry extract
Oregon Grape root extract
Berberis Aristata extract
Coptis Chinensis extract
Yerba Mansa extract
Bismuth
If you follow these steps, many of you will cure your stomach problems. Once H. Pylori is accurately diagnosed, it is usually not too hard to treat successfully.
Good luck and keep me posted on your experiences!
Dr. Ungaro
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