H. pylori:
Natural Treatment For H. pylori What Works?
Research has found that some natural remedies may help treat H. pylori infection. Olive oil may be effective against three antibiotic-resistant H. pylori strains. Eating raw or Manuka honey may shorten overall treatment time.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are bacteria that infect the lining of your stomach. According to 1998 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these bacteria are responsible for up to 80 percent of gastric ulcers and 90 percent of duodenal ulcers. They may also cause other stomach problems, including:
- burning pain in the abdomen
- bloating
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- frequent burping
- unexplained weight loss
The use of conventional treatments like antibiotics can be difficult for some people. It's possible to experience negative side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite. Some people are resistant to antibiotics, which can complicate traditional approaches to treatment. As a result, interest in natural treatments is growing.
7 Natural Treatments For H. pylori Infection
Many in vivo and in vitro studies on natural H. pylori treatments have been done. Most treatments reduced the number of bacteria in the stomach but failed to permanently eradicate them.
Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning a natural treatment regimen. You shouldn't replace your recommend treatment for H. pylori with natural remedies.
With your doctor's approval, you can use natural treatments as adjuvant therapy. This may increase the effects of conventional drugs.
Probiotics
Probiotics help maintain the balance between good and bad gut bacteria. According to a 2012 study, taking probiotics before or after standard H. pylori treatment may improve eradication rates. Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria in your stomach. Probiotics help replenish good bacteria. They may also reduce your risk of developing yeast overgrowth. Researchers found evidence to suggest that the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus delivers the best results.
Green Tea
A 2009 study on mice showed that green tea may help kill and slow the growth of Helicobacter bacteria. The study found that consuming green tea before an infection prevents stomach inflammation. Consuming the tea during an infection reduced the severity of gastritis.
Honey
Honey has shown antibacterial abilities against H. pylori. Additional research supports this conclusion. No research to date has shown that honey can eradicate the bacteria on its own. Researchers suggest that using honey with standard treatments may shorten treatment time. Raw honey and Manuka honey may have the most antibacterial effects.
Olive Oil
Olive oil may also treat H. pylori bacteria. A 2007 study showed that olive oil has strong antibacterial abilities against eight H. pylori strains. Three of those strains are antibiotic-resistant. Olive oil also remains stable in gastric acid.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is a common natural remedy for stomach ulcers. It may also fight H. pylori. According to a 2009 study, licorice root doesn't directly kill the bacteria, though it can help prevent it from sticking to cell walls.
Broccoli Sprouts
A compound in broccoli sprouts called sulphoraphane may be effective against H. pylori. Research on mice and humans suggests that it reduces gastric inflammation. It also may lower bacteria colonization and its effects. A study on people with both type 2 diabetes and H. pylori showed that broccoli sprout powder fights the bacteria. It also improved cardiovascular risk factors.
Phototherapy
Studies show that H. pylori are vulnerable to light. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light to help eliminate H. pylori in the stomach. Researchers believe phototherapy used within the stomach is safe. It may be most beneficial when antibiotics are not an option.
