Natural Herbal Support for H. Pylori Management
Most modern treatments for H. pylori infection are aimed at reducing the secretion of gastric acid. The patients are often prescribed medications called antacids that reduce the acidic secretions in the stomach thus reducing the burning sensation and pain temporarily.
While these medications do help to relieve the symptoms, they also cause a few adverse effects as they tend to interfere with the secretion of the digestive enzymes. The reduced secretion of digestive juices in the stomach could hamper the breakdown of nutrients in the food, especially proteins. This could put you at a risk of deficiency of some essential nutrients.
Moreover, antibiotics prescribed for the treatment of H. pylori infection can also destroy healthy bacteria in the gut and cause imbalances in the gut microbiota.
Hence, there is a need to adopt natural ways to manage H. pylori infection that work by enhancing the body's own defense mechanisms without interfering with the secretion of digestive enzymes.
Here are some herbs that have been found to possess immense potential in the management of H. pylori infection.
Zinc
Zinc would help to boost the immune functions and strengthen the body's response to infection-causing bacteria including H. pylori. This would help to clear the infection and restore the healthy functions of the stomach and intestine. [8]
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus reuteri is one of the most powerful probiotic bacteria that could colonize your gut and improve digestive functions as well as immunity. It would regulate the gastric secretions and provide relief from hyperacidity, heartburn, and sour eructation. [9] [10]
Broccoli Sprouts
Broccoli sprouts contain bioactive compounds that would act as natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These compounds could play a role in reducing inflammation and damage to the stomach mucosa and reducing the risk of ulceration and cancer.
These benefits would be further supported by natural antioxidants in Mastic Gum that would attack and destroy free radicals thus preventing cancerous changes in the stomach. [11]
Berberine
Patients diagnosed with peptic ulcers due to H. Pylori infection may use Berberine in combination with Cat's Claw. These herbs would produce a powerful anti-inflammatory action and prevent damage to the stomach mucosa. [12]
The healing nutrients in these herbs would also accelerate the repair of the damaged mucosa thus restoring the digestive functions in a shorter duration.
Bismuth Citrate
Bismuth citrate is an anti-ulcer agent that has the ability to produce a bactericidal and anti-secretory action thus destroying H. Pylori bacteria in the stomach and reducing the excessive secretion of acid in the stomach. [13]
Green Tea
The use of green tea together with Licorice could boost the body's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses and protect the stomach mucosa against damage due to H. Pylori bacteria as well as the acidic secretions. [14]
Effective lifestyle interventions for the prevention of H. pylori infection
Practicing healthy dietary habits and hygiene could help prevent this infection. Here are some effective ways to avoid your risk of an H. pylori infection:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and cooking, or after using the washroom
- Drink clean water
- Avoid foods that have not been cooked safely or cleaned properly
Natural supplements vs modern drugs for an H. pylori infection
Natural supplements containing the herbs mentioned above could provide relief from the symptoms of H. pylori infection by protecting the stomach mucosa against ulceration, inflammation, erosion, and cancerous changes.
These herbal remedies would also improve the digestive functions and provide significant relief from the symptoms of H. pylori infection by promoting the body's own disease-fighting potential.
This is why; herbal supplements are considered superior to modern treatments like antacids and antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for the management of H. pylori infection.
Conclusion
H. pylori infection can put you at a risk of recurrent digestive issues, which can progress and cause serious life-threatening conditions like stomach cancer.
The herbs and nutrients discussed above have the ability to strengthen the body's response to the foreign invaders like bacteria thus clearing the infection while bringing about rapid healing of the damaged tissues.
These powerful herbs would also relieve the symptoms of H. pylori infection and protect you against the complications such as bleeding, perforation, and cancer.
Regular use of supplements containing these herbs and nutrients is highly recommended as a safe and effective way to manage H. pylori infection and boost your digestive health.
References:
[9] Helicobacter pylori treatment: antibiotics or probiotics
[11] The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study
[12] Berberine containing quadruple therapy for initial Helicobacter pylori eradication
[13] What is the role of bismuth in Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance?
[14] Green tea inhibits Helicobacter growth in vivo and in vitro