Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori) is a spiral bacterium that attacks the gastric mucosa.
The bacterium damages the cells that cover the wall of the stomach and creates inflammation and ulcers.
Symptoms usually include severe gas and bloating, diarrhea, lack of appetite, nausea, heartburn, ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, anemia, and abdominal pain.
Sometimes the HP can live in the stomach for years, without causing any symptoms.
Conventional treatment
The most common conventional treatment is 2-3 types of antibiotics specific to H.Pylori alongside anti-acid drugs.
With the increasing use of Helicobacter Pylori's antibiotics, the incidences of H.Pylori are actually increasing and its destruction in the stomach has become more difficult due to the formation of more resistant strains.
The prolonged presence of the bacterium in the stomach can cause chronic inflammation.
Why Test Your Microbiome for Helicobactor Pylori?
If you're suffering from stomach pain, the difference between taking an antacid (which might temporarily mask symptoms) versus targeted antibacterials (which can actually solve the problem) comes down to knowing whether H. pylori is involved. Without testing, you might spend years treating symptoms while missing the root cause.
Beyond just solving your current discomfort, catching and treating H. pylori early can protect you from serious long-term risks. This bacterium is the primary cause of stomach ulcers and significantly increases your risk of stomach cancer. Unlike many cancer risk factors, this one can actually be eliminated with proper treatment.
Testing also provides a window into your broader gut health. H. pylori doesn't exist in isolation – it interacts with and affects the entire community of microorganisms in your digestive system. Understanding these relationships helps guide more comprehensive treatment approaches that restore balance, not just kill harmful bacteria.
Perhaps most importantly, testing isn't just about diagnosis – it's also critical after treatment. Many people assume their H. pylori infection is gone after completing antibiotics, but confirmation testing is essential to ensure the bacteria has truly been eliminated and won't continue causing damage.
The YourGutMap Parasitology test offers comprehensive screening for 22 of the most common gastrointestinal pathogens, including 12 bacteria (such as Helicobacter pylori, Clostridium difficile, and various E. coli strains), 5 viruses (including Norovirus, Rotavirus A, and Adenovirus), and 4 parasites (Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium, and Cyclospora cayetanensis), providing valuable diagnostic information for identifying the potential infectious causes of digestive symptoms and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
How Can Naturopathy Help?
For H. pylori infections, my naturopathy approach combines natural antimicrobials, such as mastic gum and licorice root, with dietary adjustments to support gut health.
I tailor treatment plans with probiotics to restore beneficial bacteria, an alkaline diet to minimise irritation, and gut-healing herbs like marshmallow root.
I work closely with you on stress management techniques, helping your body strengthen its immune response, with routine check-ins to adapt the plan based on your healing progress.
Everyone’s body and triggers are unique, which is why a personalised approach is essential to finding lasting relief and balance. If you have questions or would like to explore a tailored plan, please get in touch or book an introductory call to discuss how I can help.
FAQ
Have questions? We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common ones to help you on your wellness journey.