In our last article we have discussed about roles of H. pylori in stomach infection, gastritis, ulcers as well as cancer in stomach. Helicobacter pylori or in short h. pylori can even sustain against stomach acid as well as develops antibiotic resistance. And in this article we going to discuss about the Best natural treatments to eradicate H. pylori bacteria from your stomach. And, let’s find.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has a well known antioxidant profile and plays important roles in protection of the body from pathogens. It from food converts to its reduced form ascorbic acid or ascorbate in the body. Vitamin C helps to neutralize reactive oxygen spices or free radicals and thus gives protection to the body. Research suggests that high ascorbic acid intake could reduce gastric cancer risk, but its protective effect might be greater if gastritis is treated.(1) Ascorbic acid prevents the conversion of nitrites from food to carcinogenic N-nitroso compound and thus helps to prevent cancer.
H. pylori secrete urease to protect itself from stomach acid. Researchers concluded that high vitamin c in stomach juice might inactivate H. pylori urease and thus helps in killing H. Pylori. They also suggest that supplementing high dose of vitamin C along with other therapy, completes the therapy.(2)
Many individual may experience ascorbic acid form of vitamin c irritates stomach. Other form of ascorbic acid such as sodium ascorbate or calcium/magnesium ascorbate are well tolerated. In some cases calcium/magnesium may contribute to loose bowl but sodium ascorbate do less likely. However it is better to test with a smaller dose.
Probiotics
Supplement of friendly bacteria or probiotics favourably improve the intestinal microflora balance inhibiting growth of harmful bacteria including H. Pylori. Further friendly intestinal bacteria boost immune function and increase resistance to infection as well as promote health. Probiotics may also prevent antibiotic side effect as well as improve eradication rates. Probiotics cover many major roles in human body and improve overall wellness. Research found that probiotic Streptococcus boulardii eradicated H. pylori in 12% of the colonized children, and Lactobacillus acidophilus LB in 6% .(3)
Study published in the journal of Helicobacter, informed that probiotic Lactobacillus brevis decreases H. pylori colonization.(4)
Another study proposed the use of probiotics for the treatment of H. pylori infection as an effective approach. They tested probiotic Lactobacillus casei against H. Pylori. (5)
Yogurt also contains friendly bacteria but not the all. Individual should check the availability of concerned bacteria in probiotic supplement.
Mastic the Helicobacter Pylori Killer
Mastic is a rare and remarkable product in the form of resin obtained from mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) used in Middle East and Greece as traditional folk medicine. It is used in wide range of field including digestive disorder from bad breadth to peptic ulcer. Hipprocrates, Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides and Galenus had mentioned healing properties of mastic. Mastic is highly valued in the time of Columbus as best available treatment for treating various gastro intestinal distress.
What are the researches?
I am picking up some researches as
A Nottingham University study published in The New England Journal of Medicine finds that even low doses of mastic gum — 1 g per day for two weeks — can heal peptic ulcers very rapidly by killing Helicobacter pylori, which causes peptic ulcers, gastritis, and duodenitis. (6)
Mastic gum from mastic tree contains an insoluble, sticky compound called poly-β-myrcene. A extensive study published showed that mastic gum reduced H. pylori populations after removal of poly-β-myrcene and taken for a longer period of time. Further analysis showed the acid fraction of mastic was the most active antibacterial extract. And the most active pure compound was isomasticadienolic acid. (7)
A double‐blind clinical trial was carried out on thirty‐eight patients with duodenal ulcer in Iraq, concluded that mastic has an ulcer healing effect.(8)
In a prospective randomized double-blind placebo controlled study applied one hundred and forty eight patients fulfilling Rome II criteria for functional dyspepsia concluded that Chios mastic gum significantly improves symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia.(9)
In a study as published in Pharmaceuticals journals, researchers tested and examined mastic whole gum from mastic tree as well as its various models against various strains of Helicobacter pylori. And the study finally confirmed it poses anti-H. pylori activity.(10)
Various form of mastic
You can find mastic in different form as capsule, powder, pure mastic resin, direct from tree or tree drops, essential mastic oil, toothpaste as well as chewing gum and mouthwash. The resin can be chewed like chewing gum, oil and powder form can be added with food. Mastic has no known major adverse effect and considered to be safe. However in some cases, it may cause effects like headache, stomach upset, and dizziness. It is safer to test anything new with low dose to check body’s response as well as allergic reaction. One g daily dose can be divided into three equal doses. Individual may also chew mastic gum like chewing gum.
Other natural product
Garlic also poses anti-bacterial effects against H. pylori residing in the stomach. So, taking two-three bulbs daily will help to fight colonization of H. pylori. (11)
Many use green tea as natural remedies. Green tea component also help in prevention as well as treatment of Helicobacter-induced gastritis in humans.(12)
Honey also contains antibacterial properties. However most of the commercial honeys contains added sugar. So it is better to choose organic honey to get result. Manuka honey is one best form of honey.
One thing I like to mention, same food may act differently to different people depending upon health condition, body’s reaction, allergic reaction to a particular food. So, it is safer to test with a small dose.
