Helicobacter Pylori: Symptoms & Causes
Date:
05 Jun 2024
What is Helicobacter Pylori?
Helicobacter Pylori is an infectious bacteria that causes certain types of illness and can lead to nasty symptoms.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that grows in the mucus layer that coats the inside of the human stomach, which makes it hard for the immune system to catch.
It can cause open sores, such as peptic ulcers in your upper digestive tract, and can even cause stomach cancer.
It can damage the tissue in your stomach and the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum) and it affects up to 50% of the population worldwide, being more prevalent in developing countries due to poorer sanitation.1
What are the symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori
Symptoms include dull or burning stomach pain, unplanned weight loss, and bloody vomit. H-pylori-caused ulcers are commonly treated with combinations of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
The most common symptoms include an ache or burning pain in your stomach (abdomen) that may be worse when your stomach is empty, as well as nausea, low appetite, bloating, burping, and weight loss.1
What causes Helicobacter Pylori?
There are many causes of Helicobacter pylori, but the most common is transmission from person to person through direct contact with saliva, vomit, or stool. H. pylori can also spread through contaminated food or water.2
In most populations, the bacterium is first acquired during childhood due to immunity being more susceptible to infection. Infections are also more likely in children living in poverty, in crowded conditions, and areas with poor sanitation.2
When to see a doctor about Helicobacter Pylori?
If your gastrointestinal symptoms are ongoing or chronic, and you have low energy, persistent stomach pain, and fatigue, you should see your doctor, GP, or qualified health professional. You can then be tested for infection and treated quickly to prevent exposure to family members or others. It is also best to catch any infection early to prevent long-lasting damage to your health.1
How to prevent Helicobacter Pylori
There are several things that we can do to prevent Helicobacter pylori. One is always washing our hands with water and soap after using the bathroom and before eating to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
All food should be cleaned and cooked safely. Ensuring your drinking water is safe and clean is also important, as H. pylori can also be present in contaminated water.2
Lifestyle factors may also make us more resilient to contracting Helicobacter pylori/
Probiotics are essential to maintaining good immune function and can help to prevent harmful bacteria build-up. We recommend our products: Immune Boost and Gut Care!
Gut Care contains 6.1 billion live bacteria + yeast microorganisms (6.1 x 109 Colony-Forming Units) to boost your good bacteria and is an excellent starter and all-around probiotic for boosting your gut health.
If you are looking for a probiotic with some extras, try Immune Boost! It contains proven immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and prebiotics, AND 8.5 billion+ (8.5 x 109 CFU) for an added nutrient boost.
Maintaining a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, being regularly active, and managing stress will also maintain good immunity.
Conclusion
Helicobacter Pylori is a nasty bacteria that can cause negative side effects in many people and lead to more serious health complications, so we want to avoid it at all costs!
The best way to avoid it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid contamination of food and water, and practice good personal hygiene.
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