All about Helicobacter
Helicobacter pylori is not obtained from food itself, but is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through contact with saliva, vomited contents or stool, most often due to poor hygiene or in childhood.
Main modes of transmission
Direct contact (person to person): Spread through close contact such as kissing, or sharing cutlery, glasses, bottles and toothbrushes.
Feco-oral route: Occurs when stool particles enter the mouth (for example, if hands are not washed after using the toilet, and such hands touch food or the face).
Contaminated food and water: Ingestion of food or water that has been in contact with impurities and contaminated with this bacteria.
Important facts
Infection most often occurs in early childhood, but the bacterium can live in the stomach for decades without symptoms ever appearing. Poor hygienic conditions and living in a community with a large number of people increase the chance of transmission.
Symptoms
The main symptom of the presence of Helicobacter pylori is a dull or burning pain in the stomach, which most often occurs when the stomach is empty (between meals or during the night). This pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours, and often subsides temporarily after you eat something or take an antacid. Many people live with this bacteria their whole lives without having any symptoms. However, when bacteria cause inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or an ulcer, the following symptoms occur:
Most common symptoms Heartburn and belching:
Frequent belching and a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Bloating and gas: A feeling of heaviness and bloating in the stomach, even after small meals. Nausea: An occasional feeling of weakness in the stomach, which may be accompanied by vomiting. Loss of appetite and weight: Decreased desire for food and unexplained weight loss.
Alarming symptoms (Require immediate medical examination)
If the bacteria causes more serious damage or ulcers, dangerous signs may occur:
Severe, sharp and long-lasting pain in the stomach that does not stop.
Black colored stools (like tar) or traces of blood in the stool.
Vomiting contents that look like coffee grounds or contain blood.
Difficulty swallowing or feeling tired and pale skin (signs of anemia).
Some additional information and theories about Helicobacter pylori
Under specific conditions, it is theoretically possible to contract Helicobacter pylori through dairy products, particularly if they are produced from raw (uncooked) milk or become contaminated during production. However, purchasing standard, pasteurized dairy products from the store poses no risk, as the pasteurization process effectively eliminates this bacterium. Here is how dairy products might be linked to Helicobacter pylori:
When Can Dairy Products Be a Source of Infection?
- Raw (Unpasteurized) Milk: Scientific studies indicate that Helicobacter pylori can survive in raw milk from cows, sheep, or goats. Consuming milk immediately after milking, without prior heating, presents a risk of infection.
- Traditional Homemade Cheeses: Young cheeses made from uncooked milk can also harbor the bacteria.
- Poor Packaging Hygiene: Even if the milk itself is safe, the final product can be contaminated by individuals involved in its preparation or packaging if they have not practiced proper hand hygiene (fecal-oral route of transmission).
Which dairy products are SAFE (and even beneficial)?
Industrial and pasteurized products are completely safe. Moreover, certain dairy products are excellent in the fight against Helicobacter pylori
Young cheese (from pasteurized milk): It is easy to digest and does not irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach.
Important note during treatment
If you have already done a test and it was determined that you have Helicobacter pylori, be careful with milk during treatment. Certain antibiotics that are taken against this bacteria (such as tetracycline) should not be taken close to the intake of milk, because calcium can reduce their effect. Also, regular cow's milk can temporarily increase acid secretion in some people and make recovery difficult
Natural medicinal therapy
In addition to medicinal therapy, nutritional therapy is crucial in the treatment and recovery process. To prevent digestive and non-digestive disorders caused by Helicobacter pylori—such as nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, heartburn, stomach pain, indigestion, belching, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia, mood changes, depression, and anxiety—a specialized diet is implemented. This diet involves a comprehensive nutritional approach, personalizing nutrition to reduce inflammation, enhance digestion, and boost the body's immune response.
Light-ulcer diet - in which preference is given to foods that are gentle on the stomach - foods that stimulate digestion and reduce inflammation.
Changing the way of eating helps in reducing the discomfort and faster elimination of this bacteria which can cause very serious complications and even the development of intolerance to many foods. It can also be the main cause of gastritis, ulcers and even stomach cancer.
H. pylori significantly affects every step in digestion - in order to survive, it reduces the amount of hydrochloric acid, which further disrupts the digestion process - pepsin, which starts the first step of protein digestion, is not activated. As a result, protein maldigestion and malabsorption are likely to occur.
Depression and anxiety often result from H. bacteria infection due to low levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Amino acids that are produced by the digestion and absorption of proteins are the building material of these neurotransmitters. Amino acids are essential for many key functions in the body, including enzyme production, hormone balance, immune strength, energy production, skin and hair health, and not just muscle building.
H. pylori can also delay gastric emptying, causing pain and discomfort. People often describe it as a "stone in the stomach". The food can then ferment and the gases produced can "push" the muscles that separate the stomach from the esophagus causing reflux and heartburn.
H. bacteria also affects the further course of digestion - when the contents are released from the stomach into the duodenum, the pancreas and gallbladder need to release digestive enzymes and bile in order to continue the digestion process. Since H. pylori interferes with acid production, it also interferes with the pancreas and gallbladder, and the reduction of digestive enzymes and bile can lead to dysbiosis and intestinal infections. H. pylori can reduce the production of enzymes in the small intestine. Some people may have lower levels of the enzyme lactase (an enzyme that breaks down lactose), compared to people without the infection.
A light-ulcer diet consists of regular, more frequent and smaller meals - 4-5 smaller meals during the day. Eat slowly - chew food well (at least 20 times) before swallowing. Take care of the temperature of the food, which must be neither hot nor too cold. Food should be cooked, soft and moist. The first meal should be around 9 in the morning and the last around 7 in the evening and should be the lightest. It is recommended that it be nutritionally complete and not burdensome for the digestive tract - for example, lean meat or fish + boiled vegetables or potage/meat and vegetable broth. It is not recommended that the last meal is rich in carbohydrates and fats.
Fluid intake - 8-10 glasses of water - drink slowly, one sip at a time. Do not drink water during meals. In addition to water, we recommend marshmallow tea, flax tea, green tea, chamomile, mint, thyme...Carrot juice and spinach juice are considered extremely useful in treatment. Many different foods should not be mixed in the same meal.
Lean meat - chicken - without skin (drumstick, chicken thighs, chicken white meat, turkey, lean red meat and fish, as well as vegetables) - prepared by cooking, stewing - add cold pressed oil at the end of preparation. Meat broths as well as bone broths should be an integral part of the menu. Chicken soup with noodles, carrot, celery, zucchini, broccoli. Dry and tough pieces of meat are not recommended, and therefore the food preparation process is very important. Even chicken fillet, which is recommended for feeding patients, should not be prepared in a piece by frying, frying or baking - where it will dry out and become rough, but it should be boiled in water or stewed - so that it softens and becomes easier to digest. You can prepare the fish by boiling it in water or baking it in the oven, covered with foil, and after preparation, add cold pressed oil and natural herbal spices. You can cook lean ground beef, chicken or turkey with the addition of water or broth with vegetables (carrots, broccoli, zucchini, etc.). You can consume it with baked, boiled or mashed potatoes (sweet potato or white) as well as rice. Cereals - wholemeal double-baked bread, toasted bread/toast, bread with added sprouts, barley, oats, wholemeal pasta and rice.
Probiotics are present in food and can be taken as supplements, in the form of powder or capsules. Probiotics form good bacteria that live in the intestines and stimulate the production of flora that fights against this bacteria and reduces complaints that occur during the treatment of diseases, such as diarrhea, constipation, indigestion. Yogurt - enriched with the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus - can prevent the proliferation of the stomach germ Helicobacter. This significantly reduces the risk of stomach ulcers. All other fermented milk products - kefir, sour milk, sour cream, young cheese - also have a favorable effect on reducing the number of Helicobacter bacteria in the stomach.
Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids - help reduce inflammation and prevent the growth of H. pylori - present in oils: sesame, sunflower, olive oil, fish oil, salmon, trout, anchovy, sardine, tuna, avocado, flax seed and flax oil and chia seeds, walnuts and poppy seeds...
Cooked fruits and fruits with low acid content should be consumed during treatment. It is easily digestible and improves bowel function. Antioxidants, especially vitamins A, C and E have a positive effect and fight germs. Fruits with a higher PH value - bananas, peaches, kiwi, pear, watermelon. Certain fruits such as blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries - due to the abundance of antioxidants, optimal intake can be considered. Fruit can be consumed in the form of compote, porridge, baked (baked apples, grated apple with peel, fruit compote, apple, pear, peach... and in the form of fruit juice or porridge-pureed. Fresh from 100% fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, red grapes and pomegranates - 1/4 - 1/2 cup a day - and fill the rest of the cup with water.
Vegetables with a higher Ph value (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, celery, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, potato...)
Broccoli - briefly thermally processed - steamed or blanched or stewed - it should be included in an integral part of the menu - florets as a side dish or in a salad. Avoid eating it raw except in juice form. It can also be added to vegetable broth or potage. Broccoli contains the antioxidant sulforaphane, which kills Helicobacter pylori (acts bactericidal) and thus prevents its colonization in the stomach. Daily intake 70 g.
Steam carrots with slow-cooked diced chicken. Save and use the broth. In order to best tolerate vegetables - steam or stew them.
Cabbage - used raw - in the form of juice or in salads - in some people gives excellent results for the treatment of ulcers. If it helps you and does not cause indigestion - you can continue to drink it. Dilute freshly squeezed cabbage juice with water. If you feel gas and bloating after eating this vegetable, limit the portion to ½ cups per meal.
Foods that stimulate digestion - foods that support the release of enzymes, as well as the production of bile and its release from the gallbladder - artichokes, arugula, beets, radishes, broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, parsley, cucumbers, eggplant, endive, ginger, turmeric, nettles, spinach, Swiss chard, lettuce. If you have acid reflux or heartburn - throw out citrus fruits - lemon, orange, grapefruit. Do not combine too many plants because in this case more is not always better. Cook vegetables as cooking can make them more effective. You don't have to eat them raw.
Turmeric - make golden milk with turmeric root or turmeric powder - cooked with low-fat cow's milk or plant-based milk. Peeled and chopped turmeric root can also be cooked with pieces of ginger.
Ginger-inhibits the growth of bacteria and at the same time shows its anti-inflammatory effect in relation to inflammation of the gastric mucosa. It has an antibacterial effect. Helps prevent stomach cancer. It is recommended to drink ginger tea - pour 250 ml of boiling water over a piece of ginger, let it steep for about 10 minutes, and then strain. Ginger can be used as a powder or extract in the form of capsules.
Green tea- Stimulates the digestive process. It has a favorable effect on the entire metabolism. It contains a lot of antioxidants and nutrients. It reduces the number of germs in the stomach. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect on inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Tea should be consumed lukewarm, never hot. With or without honey.
Useful to know
It is useful to eliminate all foods that stimulate the secretion of gastric acid (coffee, black tea, soft drinks) as well as foods that irritate the stomach lining (strong spices, processed foods, dried meat products). Eliminate from the diet all those foods that have no nutritional benefit and contribute to inflammation.
Foods that are not recommended - black tea and coffee is not a good idea, so replace it with green tea.. Sugar, chocolate, refined flour, refined oils, fatty cheeses. The use of salty and spicy food is prohibited. Fatty and fried and fried foods as well as fatty cheeses, because they are rich in fat, which makes digestion difficult and prolongs the time the food stays in the stomach.
Processed meat and canned food - they contain many preservatives and additives that can irritate the stomach and intestines, increasing inflammation - should also be excluded.
Sweet drinks - industrially processed juices as well as squeezed lemon, orange and pineapple juice.
Strong spices, sauces, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, garlic sauce, soy sauce, etc. Pepper and garlic are also not recommended.
All harmful stimulants such as alcohol and cigarettes should be banned. If you have acid reflux, avoid onions - black and white, citrus fruits (lemon, orange, grapefruit)
It is important to emphasize that all fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned and washed due to the possible presence of bacteria on them and only then carry out further preparation procedures.
Hand hygiene is necessary and essential in all processes of food processing and food preparation, but it is especially important in these circumstances
Sample menu
Breakfast-
D-Oatmeal 60 g with yogurt and berries
UI-potage from broccoli 200 ml
Toast 1 pc + sour milk 200 ml
Lunch-
R- Spinach puree 200 g
Salmon - 150 g
Toast-2 pieces + beet salad 100 g
UII- Fruits- banana-1 ripe + nuts 10g
Dinner-
Stewed zucchini with carrots 300 g
Boiled chicken white meat 150 g
Proper Nutrition
One of the basic things for eliminating Helicobacter pylori from the body is a proper and reduced diet and a change in lifestyle. It is necessary to have breakfast, lunch and dinner at approximately the same time. The interval between meals should not be less than 3 hours, and ideally around 4 hours. In the diet, strictly avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, especially white wines, coffee, sweets and sugars, refined foods (eg white flour products...), breaded, fried and highly spicy food. Instead of coffee, consume green or black tea.
Against increased acid secretion, at least half an hour before breakfast, drink unsweetened tea made from chamomile, flax seeds, thyme, sage, nettle, and buckthorn (not hot). Strictly avoid tobacco smoke because it stimulates the secretion of stomach acid. Consume whole grains, oats and barley. Avoid fresh, white, wheat, corn bread.
Integral or red rice is recommended for lunch until 3 pm in combination with grilled vegetables or lean fish.
Do not season soups or broths and cooked dishes with strong spices that contain additives and flavor enhancers.
Do not brown the food. From dairy products, sour milk, cottage cheese and sometimes butter are recommended.
Cow's milk is prohibited. Legumes (beans, peas) should be consumed in the form of puree, but in principle be careful and limited enter them.
Cabbage, broccoli, spinach, artichokes, kale, Brussels sprouts, rocket, turnips, cauliflower are recommended vegetables.
Tomatoes and tomato products, onions and garlic, cucumbers, green peppers, mushrooms should be avoided or at least limited, because they increase the secretion of stomach acid.
Consuming fiber-rich fruits such as raspberries, pears and plums is recommended. Cranberries and apples contain flavonoids – chemicals that can stop the growth of Helicobacter pylori.
Cranberry juice is also rich in flavonoids. Consume fruit between 4 and 6 p.m., every third or fourth day.
Meat (veal, beef, chicken, rabbit...) or fish (sea or river) should be boiled, stewed or grilled. Avoid fattier and stronger types of meat or fish.
The use of fresh and fried eggs is prohibited.
Soft-boiled eggs are recommended.
Food should be moderately warm and drinks should be moderately cold, eat slowly and chew well.
How can nature help us?
Flaxseed is one of the effective natural remedies that can help treat an infection caused by this bacterium.
Recipe
A tablespoon of flaxseed is added to a cup of warm water. It should stand for a maximum of three hours. The mixture should be strained and a spoonful of flaxseed should be taken before each meal. The mucus obtained from flaxseed reaches the walls of the stomach and reduces pain.
NOTE:
With all this natural remedy and information you should consult your doctor!
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