H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a type of bacteria often discussed in the context of digestive health. There is a lot of fear around it and understandably so as there can be some pretty scary correlations in some cases. It is our goal to create clarity, awareness, and even some closure giving some actionable steps you can take. In today’s blog we are going to discuss what h.pylori is, how it can be transmitted, possible contributing factors, and symptoms of H.Pylori. We will be diving into testing options as well as things you can do or might want to consider if you have h.pylori in later blogs so stay tuned!
H. Pylori It is a common infection, affecting around 40-50% of the world's population. While this high prevalence might suggest it is a minor issue, it is important to recognize that H. pylori overgrowth can be implicated in serious health conditions progressive damage to the gastric mucosa, potentially leading to gastritis, peptic ulcers, and although not as common important to note gastric and colon cancer. However, eradication of H.Pylori may not necessarily be the goal despite what you may have been told, nor is treatment always suggested.
Despite its prevalence, not everyone with H. pylori will experience severe symptoms that prompt testing or treatment. Many individuals may only associate symptoms as being digestive related, or perhaps believe that symptoms need to be extreme, or perhaps wait till they are extreme prior to seeking out resolution. Other factors such as access to testing, knowledge, and the willingness of healthcare providers do play roles in the diagnosis and management of H. pylori.
At the Houston Consensus Conference, experts from various regions of the United States discussed key factors in diagnosing H. pylori infection. Topics that were discussed included the importance of identifying appropriate patients for testing, considering antibiotic susceptibility, and confirming infection and eradication. It was found that "despite established guidelines, recommendations for testing before and after therapy are often not followed in the United States”.
We understand how frustrating and disheartening it can be to experience these challenges firsthand. However, it’s not solely on medical providers if there is no follow-through. We've seen many clients get tested for H. pylori and then do nothing with the results, or start treatment and feel better quickly, only to stop before completing an organized follow-through and exit strategy.
This is where functional health coaches can make a significant difference in managing H. pylori and improving overall health. Having functional health coaches rounding out a healthcare team can make a significant difference in this case the management of H.Pylori, amongst other things. As functional health coaches we can perform initial base assessments through symptom questionnaires and reassessments through check-in’s as well as establishing foundational health practices that include: an established exercise, movement, weight training, nutrition, mindset and lifestyle which is by large a massive and facilitate testing to support the next steps in treatment.
What is h.pylori? With a special nod to testing
H. pylori is a gram-negative bacteria. Gram-negative meaning it needs very little to no oxygen to survive (feisty!). Now if that was not a flex enough h.pylori can also change shapes! It can go from a spiral rod shape to what is known as a coccoid shape, essentially a round ball. It can also stay in this round ball shape for up to a year! It is these characteristics that make dedication difficult or even missed entirely especially if you are reliant on blood, biopsy, cultured stool tests or even have other over growths such as yeast.
We do have a preference for testing h.pylori and will go into greater detail on that in part 2.
How can H. pylori be transmitted?
The transmission of H. pylori is not entirely understood or perfectly nailed down, but it has been shown to spread through several common pathways:
Person-to-Person Contact: This can occur through direct contact with oral to oral, fecal to oral, saliva, vomit, the birthing process, it has even been proposed as vaingal to oral, etc.
A direct quote from THIS journal , “ detected in the dental plaque, saliva, tonsil tissue, root canals, and on the oral mucosa (including on the surface of the tongue).
Contaminated Food and Water: Consuming food or water that has been contaminated with H. pylori can lead to infection. This is more common in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices, however if you aren’t using a water filter this could be a call to action.
Environmental Factors: The bacteria can also be present in the environment, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation. It can survive on surfaces and in water for extended periods, increasing the risk of transmission in certain settings.
What Could Contribute to H. pylori Overgrowth? (Not an Exhaustive List)
Our bodies can be quite resilient even with potential H. pylori transmission. However, several factors can diminish this resilience and contribute to H. pylori overgrowth:
Poor Diet: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can impair digestive health and overall nutrient status, creating a more favorable environment for H. pylori.
Low Stomach Acid: Factors such as age, stress, nutrient deficiency and certain medical conditions can lead to reduced stomach acid production, which means less protection at controlling H. pylori growth. Remember stomach acid is just as much as a party monitor in our gut as much as a substance that helps breakdown food.
Poor Oral Hygiene and Health: There is a higher risk of H. pylori with periodontitis, and poor oral hygiene can exacerbate this risk. The association can also work in the reverse direction.
Structural Abnormalities: Conditions like hiatal hernia, scar tissue, and developmental abnormalities can disrupt normal digestive processes and contribute to bacterial overgrowth.
Lack of Microbial Diversity: A diverse gut microbiome helps maintain balance and prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Lack of diversity can create an imbalance that favors H. pylori.
Other Overgrowths: Conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can coexist with H. pylori, contributing to an overall imbalance in gut flora.
Hypothyroidism: Reduced thyroid function can slow down metabolic processes, including digestion, making it easier for H. pylori to thrive.
Medications: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and other medications that reduce stomach acid can create a more hospitable environment for H. pylori.
Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and alter stomach acid production, both of which can contribute to H. pylori overgrowth.
Surgery: Surgical procedures, especially those involving the stomach or digestive tract, can alter the gut environment and promote bacterial overgrowth.
Symptoms of H. pylori
In our experience, relying solely on a list of symptoms can provide a narrow perspective. Focusing only on specific symptoms can lead to missed investigations or an overly simplistic view, especially for those unfamiliar with the complexities involved. Symptoms often have many cross-connections with different systems in the body. We need to look at the forest, the trees, and the entire ecosystem to understand the bigger picture. However, it's important to recognize that H. pylori can have widespread effects, including:
Micronutrient Deficiencies: H. pylori can impair the absorption of essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins such as B12, leading to deficiencies that can cause fatigue, weakness, cognitive changes, difficulty managing blood sugar, etc
These deficiencies can affect other systems
An interesting point on Iron and Nickel can also promote the growth of H.pylori
Immune System Burden: Chronic H. pylori infection can place additional stress on the immune system, making the body more susceptible to other infections and illnesses.
Impaired Medication Utilization: The infection can affect how the body processes and utilizes medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
They have seen this with thyroid medication which presents with an potential interesting conundrum
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: These include abdominal pain (often a burning or gnawing sensation), bloating, frequent burping, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
There has been studies looking at the effects of hunger hormones “H. pylori infection leads to a decrease in circulating ghrelin and an increase in gastric leptin” this was found to reverse itself after eradication.
Peptic Ulcers: H. pylori is a major cause of peptic ulcers, which can manifest as severe stomach pain, especially when the stomach is empty. In some cases, bleeding ulcers can lead to vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools.
Gastritis: Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to discomfort, pain, and indigestion.
Fatigue: Ongoing infection and the body's response to it can result in general fatigue and a feeling of being unwell.
Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent bad breath can sometimes be a sign of H. pylori infection due to bacterial activity in the stomach.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant unexplained weight loss can be a more concerning symptom of H. pylori infection.
Skin Disorders: Some individuals may develop skin conditions such as rosacea, hives, or other rashes potentially linked to H. pylori.
Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Although less common, some people may experience heartburn or acid reflux.
Coughing and throat clearing can be a sign of both of these
Feeling Full Quickly: A sensation of fullness after eating small amounts of food can be related to H. pylori infection, affecting the normal digestive process.
Mood Changes: Chronic infection and ongoing discomfort can sometimes lead to mood changes, such as increased anxiety or depression, although these are indirect effects.
As you can see, there is a lot of overlap in symptoms and a significant amount of information to understand regarding H. pylori overgrowth. We will be diving into testing options in future blogs, exploring the common methods and their limitations. Additionally, we will discuss steps you can take if you test positive for H. pylori or suspect you might have H.Pylori . Stay tuned!
If this blog resonated with you—whether you've been diagnosed with H. pylori but felt overwhelmed, started treatment but didn't follow through, or have ongoing, unaddressed symptoms—now is the time to take action. Managing H. pylori or any digestive health issue doesn’t have to be complex. Each situation is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We believe in creating a tailored, adaptable plan for each individual.
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