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What is H. Pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterial infection that colonizes the stomach lining and is linked to conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, acid reflux, and even stomach cancer. While conventional medicine typically treats H. pylori with antibiotics, functional medicine focuses on eliminating the infection naturally while restoring gut health and preventing recurrence.

1. pylori infections are widespread, affecting nearly 50% of the global population. Many people carry the bacteria without symptoms, but when it becomes overgrown or interacts with other gut imbalances, it can cause chronic digestive issues, malabsorption, and systemic inflammation.

How H. Pylori Affects the Digestive System

1. pylori survives in the stomach by neutralizing stomach acid, allowing it to thrive in an environment where other bacteria cannot. This leads to:

• Reduced Stomach Acid Production (Hypochlorhydria) – Impairs digestion and increases the risk of bacterial overgrowth.
• Gut Lining Damage – Leads to ulcers, gastritis, and acid reflux.
• Nutrient Malabsorption – Lowers absorption of iron, B12, and magnesium, contributing to fatigue and anemia.
• Chronic Inflammation – Increases the risk of autoimmune conditions, leaky gut, and food sensitivities.
• Microbiome Disruption – Creates an imbalance in the gut, promoting dysbiosis and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

Symptoms of H. Pylori Infection

1. pylori can present with a range of symptoms, some of which mimic other digestive conditions:

• Burning or gnawing stomach pain (especially on an empty stomach)
• Acid reflux and heartburn
• Bloating and excessive belching
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and brain fog (due to nutrient deficiencies)
• Frequent stomach infections or ulcers
• Bad breath (Halitosis) linked to gut dysbiosis

Functional Medicine Testing for H. Pylori

A functional medicine approach prioritizes comprehensive gut testing to confirm an H. pylori infection and assess overall digestive health:

1. H. Pylori Stool Antigen Test – Detects active infection by identifying bacterial proteins in stool.
2. Urea Breath Test – Measures carbon dioxide produced by H. pylori metabolism.
3. Comprehensive Stool Analysis – Assesses overall gut health, dysbiosis, and inflammation markers.
4. Blood Test for H. Pylori Antibodies – Detects past or current infection but is less accurate.
5. Gastric pH and Stomach Acid Test – Evaluates hypochlorhydria, a common issue with H. pylori.
6. Organic Acids Test (OAT) – Identifies nutrient deficiencies and metabolic imbalances linked to gut dysfunction.

Functional Medicine Approach to Treating H. Pylori

Functional medicine goes beyond symptom management, focusing on eliminating the infection naturally, repairing the gut lining, and restoring digestive function.

1. Natural Antimicrobial Protocol for H. Pylori

Rather than relying solely on antibiotics, functional medicine uses natural compounds to eliminate H. pylori effectively while preserving beneficial gut bacteria.

• Mastic Gum – A powerful resin that directly eradicates H. pylori and soothes stomach lining inflammation.
• Berberine & Oregon Grape Root – Potent antimicrobial herbs that kill H. pylori and support gut microbiome balance.
• Matula Tea – A blend of herbs clinically shown to eliminate H. pylori.
• Garlic Extract & Allicin – Natural antibiotic properties help fight bacterial overgrowth.
• Manuka Honey (UMF 15+ or higher) – Known to inhibit H. pylori growth and reduce ulcer symptoms.
• Broccoli Sprouts & Sulforaphane – Support detoxification and have anti-H. pylori properties.

2. Restoring Stomach Acid and Digestion

1. pylori lowers stomach acid production, leading to poor digestion and microbial imbalances. Restoring healthy stomach acid levels is essential for proper digestion and preventing reinfection.

• Betaine HCl with Pepsin – Increases stomach acid and improves protein digestion.
• Digestive Enzymes – Support food breakdown and nutrient absorption.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Helps rebalance stomach pH and aids digestion.
• Ginger & Licorice Root – Soothe inflammation and enhance gastric motility.

3. Healing the Gut Lining and Reducing Inflammation

1. pylori damages the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to ulcers, leaky gut, and inflammation. Functional medicine uses gut-healing nutrients to repair the damage:

• L-Glutamine – Supports gut lining repair and prevents further permeability.
• Aloe Vera & Slippery Elm – Soothe irritation and enhance mucosal healing.
• Zinc Carnosine – Reduces inflammation and accelerates stomach healing.
• Colostrum & Bone Broth – Provide growth factors to strengthen the intestinal barrier.

4. Supporting Gut Microbiome Balance

Eliminating H. pylori can leave the gut susceptible to dysbiosis and reinfection. Restoring a balanced microbiome is critical for long-term gut health.

• High-Quality Probiotics (Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium Strains) – Support gut flora recovery and improve immune function.
• Saccharomyces Boulardii – A beneficial yeast that prevents harmful bacterial overgrowth.
• Prebiotic Fiber (Resistant Starch, Psyllium, Inulin) – Feeds good bacteria and supports microbiome diversity.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Diet for H. Pylori Recovery

An anti-inflammatory, gut-healing diet is crucial for eradicating H. pylori and preventing recurrence.

• Foods to Include:
  • Wild-caught fish (omega-3 anti-inflammatory properties)
  • Leafy greens & cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale)
  • Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, coconut oil)
  • Bone broth & collagen (repair gut lining)
  • Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi) to restore gut flora
• Foods to Avoid:
  • Processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates (feed H. pylori and disrupt gut balance)
  • Alcohol and caffeine (increase stomach irritation and acid imbalance)
  • Dairy and gluten (can exacerbate gut inflammation in sensitive individuals)

Preventing H. Pylori Reinfection

1. pylori reinfection is common, so long-term gut health maintenance is essential.

• Proper Hand Hygiene – Wash hands thoroughly before eating.
• Avoid Contaminated Food & Water – Drink filtered water and eat properly prepared foods.
• Reduce Stress & Support the Nervous System – Chronic stress weakens gut immunity, increasing reinfection risk.
• Periodic Functional Testing – Check for H. pylori reactivation and gut microbiome balance.

When to See a Functional Medicine Practitioner

If you experience chronic digestive issues, ulcers, acid reflux, or nutrient deficiencies, working with a functional medicine practitioner can help identify H. pylori infections, restore gut health, and implement a long-term healing plan.

Conclusion

H. pylori is a common yet overlooked cause of chronic digestive disorders. Functional medicine offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to eradicating H. pylori while restoring gut health, improving digestion, and preventing reinfection. By addressing the root causes, you can achieve long-term relief from H. pylori-related symptoms and enhance overall digestive wellness.