by Jackie Hart, MD
Q: Are there alternative methods of treating Helicobacter pylori infection?
A: Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a bacterial infection thought to be responsible for causing up to 90% of ulcers. The organism can also be in the stomach with no presence of an ulcer and may or may not cause symptoms such as heartburn, discomfort, indigestion, etc. H. pylori is also thought to be associated with stomach cancer.
Some lifestyle habits may help lessen the risk of H. pylori infection or the associated complications. Smoking, for example, may increase the risk of contracting H. pylori, while eating a diet rich in antioxidants, including lots of fruits and vegetables, and, possibly, supplements of vitamins C and E may decrease the risk of stomach cancer. Check with your physician regarding the safety of supplementation. Vitamins B1, B3, B6 and beta-carotene may also help lower risk of developing stomach cancer as well.
Several studies have found substances that kill H. pylori in test tubes, including fish oil, sunflower oil, catechins (potentially beneficial compounds found in green tea and black tea), and allicin, a compound found in fresh garlic. Although it remains unclear how these laboratory studies will translate to the treatment or prevention of H. pylori in people, the information is intriguing and it seems fairly safe to incorporate these substances into your diet. Quercetin, another potentially beneficial substance available in supplement form (500-1000 milligrams per day) may have the same theoretical benefit as catechins.
Other dietary measures to follow in the case of an ulcer, whether it is caused by H. pylori or not, include avoiding alcohol, coffee (caffeinated or decaffeinated), and, contrary to popular belief, dairy products, as these can actually increase acid production and aggravate ulcers.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is an herb traditionally used for ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining (also called gastritis). Some experts theorize that DGL is effective for ulcers because of antibacterial activity against H. pylori. To treat ulcers, DGL can be taken as an extract (400 milligrams three times per day) or as chewable tablets (300-400 milligrams twenty minutes prior to a meal). DGL should not be taken for longer than four to six weeks and the non-deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice should not be used if you have high blood pressure. All forms of licorice should be used under the guidance and supervision of a physician or other health care professional who can check your blood potassium levels.
Q: Are there alternative methods of treating Helicobacter pylori infection?
A: Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a bacterial infection thought to be responsible for causing up to 90% of ulcers. The organism can also be in the stomach with no presence of an ulcer and may or may not cause symptoms such as heartburn, discomfort, indigestion, etc. H. pylori is also thought to be associated with stomach cancer.
Some lifestyle habits may help lessen the risk of H. pylori infection or the associated complications. Smoking, for example, may increase the risk of contracting H. pylori, while eating a diet rich in antioxidants, including lots of fruits and vegetables, and, possibly, supplements of vitamins C and E may decrease the risk of stomach cancer. Check with your physician regarding the safety of supplementation. Vitamins B1, B3, B6 and beta-carotene may also help lower risk of developing stomach cancer as well.
Several studies have found substances that kill H. pylori in test tubes, including fish oil, sunflower oil, catechins (potentially beneficial compounds found in green tea and black tea), and allicin, a compound found in fresh garlic. Although it remains unclear how these laboratory studies will translate to the treatment or prevention of H. pylori in people, the information is intriguing and it seems fairly safe to incorporate these substances into your diet. Quercetin, another potentially beneficial substance available in supplement form (500-1000 milligrams per day) may have the same theoretical benefit as catechins.
Other dietary measures to follow in the case of an ulcer, whether it is caused by H. pylori or not, include avoiding alcohol, coffee (caffeinated or decaffeinated), and, contrary to popular belief, dairy products, as these can actually increase acid production and aggravate ulcers.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is an herb traditionally used for ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining (also called gastritis). Some experts theorize that DGL is effective for ulcers because of antibacterial activity against H. pylori. To treat ulcers, DGL can be taken as an extract (400 milligrams three times per day) or as chewable tablets (300-400 milligrams twenty minutes prior to a meal). DGL should not be taken for longer than four to six weeks and the non-deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice should not be used if you have high blood pressure. All forms of licorice should be used under the guidance and supervision of a physician or other health care professional who can check your blood potassium levels.