Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram negative bacteria that lives in your digestive track, mainly in the stomach It’s endemic to the Body but with certain conditions it can become overgrown. It’s likely that suboptimal stomach acid (low or stomach being too alkaline) allows H Pylori to flourish.

Overgrowth of H. pylori is common. About two-thirds of the world’s population (likely more) have it in their bodies. For most people, it doesn’t cause ulcers or any other symptoms.

At least 80% of ulcers and atrophic gastritis are connected with an overgrowth of H. pylori. But not everyone experiencing an overgrowth of h. pylori will experience ulcers. It weakens the protective gastric mucus layer and impairs internal acid regulation.

It attacks the mucosal lining of your stomach, where most of your immune system resides. When that precious mucosal lining gets damaged, undigested food, toxins, bacteria can come out of the gut into the Body, leading to all sorts of inflammation.

Multiple antibiotic regimens have been evaluated for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) therapy with the goal of eradication. This typically includes: clarithromycin, amoxicillin or metronidazole (Flagyl) or Levofloxacin (fluoroquinolone) and a PPI like Omeprazole.

This combination of medications actually create the perfect environment for H. Pylori and other opportunistic bacteria, yeasts to come to an overgrown state, along with impair nutrient digestion and absorption.  Eradication/kill/cure attempts have a great potential to lead to more disruption within the gut microbiome and depletion of vital minerals and vitamins.

The ultimate goal must be to re-establish the acidic environment of the stomach.  The acidic juices of the stomach manage the gut microbiome.

Antibiotics are damaging to the mucosal lining with the potential of leading to intestinal permeability or leaky gut. This can trigger an autoimmune dynamic in the Body.

Natural herb remedies are much gentler on the Body and will address some of the causes leading to h. pylori overgrowth.
Mastic gum, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and supporting healthy stomach acid, along with plenty of rest, and stress reduction are major lifestyle factors which contribute to re-establishing the acidic environment of the stomach and regain balance within the gut microbiome.

Low stomach acid or hypochondria is one of the main reasons for h. pylori overgrowth. Along with pulling apart proteins and helping to absorb minerals, stomach acid is important for maintaining balance of the gut microbiome. When the acidic environment of the stomach becomes too alkaline, opportunistic microbes begin to thrive and proliferate.

Symptoms of h. pylori overgrowth are:
• diagnosed with an ulcer
• frequent belching
• gastritis
• feeling full shortly after eating
• a sense of fullness after eating protein
• frequent heartburn
• frequent nausea
• associated with autoimmune diseases
• hypothyroid
• ear infections
• iron-deficiency anemia