Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria which can enter and live in your digestive tract for years. About two-thirds of the world`s population has it in their bodies. After some time, they cause ulcers in the upper part of the small intestine. These bacteria attack the stomach lining because they thrive in acidic environments. The symptoms vary in each individual, depending on their immune system. These bacteria can stay in people’s body for decades.
Helicobacter pylori have the ability to move easily around the area due to their 4-6 tentacles. It can also be found in the plaque of your teeth, sore and oral cavity. Generally, it is transmitted through lack of hygiene. Therefore, almost 80% of people infected come from poor and undeveloped areas. Also, a number of people get infected while they are children but they are not aware of it since the bacteria do not give any clear symptom.
Other possible causes can be contaminated water, mouth to mouth act, and dirty hands. Some people have symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, skin changes and severe pain.
What are the consequences that these bacteria are causing?
Helicobacter was discovered by two Nobel Laureates, Dr. Berry Marshall and Dr. Robyn Warren in 1982. It can lead to inflammation in the digestive system, malignant disease and cancer.
Test for Helicobacter presence
There are invasive and non-invasive tests for Helicobacter. Tests and procedures used to determine whether you have an H. pylori infection include: blood test, breath test, stool test and scope test. You need to stop any drug treatment before doing the test.
Therapy
Conventional treatment of the infection lasts 7-14 days. It includes two types of antibiotics at once and acid-suppressing drug (proton pump inhibitor). You will also have to make some changes in your daily diet. Cut off spicy foods and eat several times a day but in small amounts. There can be certain side effects, such as metallic taste in the mouth, indigestion, stomach cramps and diarrhea. If the patient consumes alcohol, he will experience intense headache, sweating, vomiting and increased heart rate. The therapy is successful if the test shows negative results 4 weeks after the therapy has been finished.
Nutrition
Key factor to successful treatment is certainly proper nutrition. It is recommended that you avoid foods that contain gluten, pasta, biscuits etc. Also, you should cut off caffeine, alcohol, processed meat, sugar fizzy drinks and salt.
You should consume more vegetables, fruits and fish.
You can treat it naturally as well. Take 1 tablespoon flaxseed and 2 dl water. Warm the water and add the flaxseed. Consume one tablespoon of the resulting mixture before every meal. It will protect your stomach lining and will prevent pain.