Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium commonly found in the stomach. It develops and infects the gastric mucosa, thanks to its ability to survive in an acidic and hostile environment.
While the causes are not perfectly established, it is believed that its spread comes from poorly washed foods or contaminated water.
Although often asymptomatic, the presence of Helicobacter Pylori can lead to intestinal disorders, vomiting, gastritis, gastric reflux, and even an ulcer.
To combat this bacterium, the implementation of triple antibiotic therapy is often recommended. This involves taking two antibiotics along with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) type antacid.
To promote the elimination of Helicobacter Pylori and the efficacy of the treatment, as well as prevent and alleviate symptoms, certain natural remedies can help you, complementarily.
N.B: These natural tips are not officially validated by the scientific community. I recommend scheduling an appointment with a healthcare professional for any suspicion of infection to establish a treatment adapted to your situation.
1. Probiotics
If you may know them for fighting bloating and everyday intestinal discomfort, probiotics have also been studied numerous times in the context of an Helicobacter Pylori infection.
According to this scientific review, taking probiotics could be beneficial in limiting the harmful effects of Helicobacter Pylori. But also those induced by antibiotics.
However, depending on the antibiotic treatment, individual variabilities, and the dose of probiotics consumed, probiotics may have a limited effectiveness.
I believe it is truly necessary to conduct further studies to determine more precisely the optimal dose. And the best synergies of probiotic strains that will yield the best results.
📚 Read also | Géraldine Dubois, doctor and nutrition expert, has selected the 4 best probiotics
2. Red Berries
Some scientific studies have shown that consuming berries such as raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, or elderberries could enhance the effect of one of the antibiotics in the treatment against Helicobacter Pylori, clarithromycin.
It would be the presence of anthocyanins, antioxidants, that could make the bacterium more sensitive to the medication by preventing its adhesion to the mucosal walls.
Already known for its effectiveness against cystitis, a 2022 meta-analysis highlights the effects of cranberry juice on the elimination of Helicobacter Pylori. According to 4 studies and 1,935 individuals included, its consumption could increase the chances of eradicating H. pylori by 1.27 times. However, the results are not statistically significant.
I therefore think that new research needs to be conducted before claiming the power of berries on the elimination of the bacterium.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is often considered a second natural remedy against the appearance and spread of the bacterium. According to this in vitro study, the phenolic antioxidants contained in olive oil are believed to have antibacterial properties and facilitate the eradication of H. Pylori.
I also noted this other 2022 study that observed a reduction in stomach lesions in infected mice that consumed olive oil.
However, future human studies should be undertaken to establish the mechanism of action. And provide additional proof of evidence.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli, like other cabbages, contains a compound known for its antibacterial virtues: sulforaphane. It is precisely this molecule that has interested researchers.
A 2022 study conducted on 110 subjects concluded that after two months of taking an aqueous broccoli extract, the risk of gastric mucosal lesions in infected individuals had decreased, and that broccoli could be a potential additional aid.
Nevertheless, I also found a study with results contradicting the previous one. According to scientists, consuming broccoli alongside clarithromycin-based antibiotic treatment did not reduce the side effects. Nor did it eradicate the bacteria.
5. Black Cumin
Black cumin could also be beneficial for patients infected with Helicobacter Pylori. At least, that is the conclusion of this pilot study conducted on 51 patients.
Supplementing with N. sativa, alongside medical treatment, could provide positive results on the eradication of H. pylori, weight, BMI, food intake and the quality of life of infected patients.
A promising avenue. But it requires a better understanding of the mechanism of action and larger-scale research.
6. Propolis
Propolis is a resinous substance renowned for its numerous benefits for the body. Among them is its ability to combat Helicobacter Pylori.
How? It could limit the spread of the bacteria, according to some research in vitro.
Another research conducted on mice showed that taking propolis restricted the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in infected animals, as well as certain virulence factors of the bacteria.
A promising avenue that calls for further studies.
Which foods to avoid to combat Helicobacter Pylori?
Certain foods could be your enemies in the case of a Helicobacter Pylori infection. In this situation, I advise you against consuming in excess:
- Sodium, which may promote bacterial growth
- Sugar
- Animal fats, which can exacerbate gastric mucosal inflammation
- Spices
- Tea and coffee, which are irritants for the mucosa
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
Sources and scientific studies
- Nikbazm R, Rahimi Z, Moradi Y, Alipour M, 2022, The effect of cranberry supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication in H. pylori positive subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Romero C, Medina E, Vargas J, 2007, In vitro activity of olive oil polyphenols against Helicobacter pylori
- Arismendi Sosa AC, Mariani ML, 2022, Extra virgin olive oil inhibits Helicobacter pylori growth in vitro and the development of mice gastric mucosa lesions in vivo.
- Guo K, Wang L, Mahe J, Li L, Jiao S, 2022, Effect of aqueous extract of seed of broccoli on inflammatory cytokines and Helicobacter pylori infection: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in patients without atrophic gastritis.
- Chang YW, Park YM, Oh CH, 2020, Effects of probiotics or broccoli supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication with standard clarithromycin-based triple therapy.
- Alizadeh-Naini M, Yousefnejad H, Hejazi N, 2020, The beneficial health effects of Nigella sativa on Helicobacter pylori eradication, dyspepsia symptoms, and quality of life in infected patients: A pilot study.
- Bai X, Zhu M, He Y, Wang T, Tian D, Shu J, 2022, The impacts of probiotics in eradication therapy of Helicobacter pylori.
- Governa P, Romagnoli G, Albanese P, Rossi F, Manetti F, Biagi M, 2023, Effect of in vitro simulated digestion on the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of different Propolis extracts.
- Song MY, Lee DY, Han YM, Kim EH, 2022, Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Korean Propolis on Helicobacter pylori-Infected Gastric Mucosal Injury Mice Model.
