Dietary Recommendations
Most H. pylori infections are related to an imbalance of the proper bacteria in the intestinal system.
Good bacteria colonization with probiotics is essential in creating an environment that does not support the growth of H.pylori (and many other bacterial and yeast infections).
Ninety-five percent of people respond favorably to this strategy if they can also stop all sugar, which feeds bad bacteria and restrict all their fluids to water only.
In one study, research on vitamin C has shown that in amounts of 5g a day, it can rid the body of H. pylori in up to 30% of individuals, diets high in fruit and vegetables, and therefore rich in vitamin C, are associated with lower rates of infection and less disease outcome when infection is present.
Fiber is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system, particularly soluble sources from vegetables, oats, legumes and seeds, and duodenal ulceration and gastric cancer.
The introduction of steel rolling mills to produce white flour in the latter part of the nineteenth century coincided with a rise in cases of duodenal ulcer.
Consumption of gluten causes H. pylori growth to explode, gluten should be eliminated if you are infected with H. pylori.
Six to eight glasses of water ensure proper hydration and optimal conditions for the mucus layer in the stomach. This is the simplest way to treat H. pylori. Many infections resolve with this simple treatment alone.
Consumption of tea, both black and green, and red wine is associated with lower incidence of the infection, while coffee and spirits have negative associations.
Vitamin A has also been shown to increase mucous production in the stomach. This can be found in orange colored vegetables and cod liver oil.
The phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil had strong antibacterial effects against eight strains of H. pylori, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
Foods to be avoided on any anti-H. pylori diet are those which allow the bacteria to proliferate: all sugar, fruit, gluten, chocolate, coffee, dairy products, processed meat, pickled products, refined grains, flour and alcohol.
Many plants have shown an ability to kill H. pylori like garlic, Manuka honey, cinnamon. Mastic gum from the Pistacia lentiscus plant, an ancient remedy for digestive problems, is currently being used with some success.
Here is a summary
- You must drink 2 liters of pure spring water a day! This simple and usually enough to eradicate the infection.
- Increase vitamin C rich foods — fresh vegetables — sweet peppers, green vegetables, watercress, for instance.
- Increase iron rich foods – dark leafy greens and legumes.
- Increase carotenoid and Vitamin A rich foods — carrots, apricots, parsley, watercress, spinach, cantaloupes, mangoes and sweet potatoes.
- Increase soluble and insoluble fiber — vegetables and seeds.
- Eliminate gluten
- Avoid sugar
- Use sea salt
Supplements
- Antibacterials. Garlic, citrus seed extract, mastic gum, and berberine are great to eradicate H. pylori. These can be found in a great formula called Pyloricil by Ortho Molecular Research. You can also take a great garlic product called Allimax that contains concentrated amounts of allicin, the active antibacterial part of garlic. Or simply eat two cloves of raw garlic per day.
- Manuka Honey. Take 1 teaspoon of honey 3 times a day for 3 months. This eradicates many cases of H. pylori. This is how I beat my h. pylori in addition to the Pyloricil mentioned above. I took Manuka Health 550 Manuka Honey (25+). This is the strongest antibacterial Manuka Honey you can buy. For more information, see my article Medicinal Manuka Honey.
- Antioxidants. Vitamins A (I get mine from Cod Liver Oil), Vitamin C and selenium, N-acetyl cysteine (glutathione), alpha lipoic acid will help to support immune function.
- Probiotics. Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus acidophilus are both found in HLC Intensive Probiotics are known to kill H. pylori. For more information on probiotics, read my article Probiotics–The Foundation of Health. I have my favorite recommended clinical strength probiotics in the Live to 110 Store.
- Gastro-intestinal. It is wise to increase your digestive strength and support the gut lining to help you digest foods and absorb B12. And since most people with h. pylori have impaired digestion I recommend a whole range of digestive aids:
- Carbo-G digestive enzymes
- GB-3 with ox bile and pancreatin
- Mucosa Support to heal the gut lining
- Taking HCL is contraindicated for H. Pylori.