H. Pylori is an infection caused by the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. Pylori is often the underlying cause of many digestive health issues. Most gastric ulcers are caused by the bacteria.
It’s very common to be infected with H. Pylori and not even know it. However, if you are infected, you are at much higher risk for developing serious digestive health problems, like ulcers. Severe symptoms include burning stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, bloody vomit and more.
Conventional treatments for H. Pylori include the use of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The problem with this is that the overuse of antibiotics in our culture has caused a prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. As a result, the healthy bacteria in your gut are wiped out as well.
However, H. Pylori can be treated and prevented safely and naturally.
At Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC, we take a whole-person approach to treating H. Pylori infection using naturopathic therapies. We provide treatment in-person (in NYC) and online, nationwide!
Holistic and personalized treatment for H. Pylori includes a combination of evidence-based treatments, lifestyle changes, and traditional medicine. Rather than just treating your symptoms, our approach offers a much more viable and long-term solution for the digestive health problems caused by H. Pylori.
H. Pylori does not cause illness in most people. It is often picked up in childhood and will lie dormant. But when infection does occur, it can be debilitating.
H. pylori are found in saliva, plaque on teeth, and feces. Infection can be spread from person to person through the hands and mouths. Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions, or living with someone who has H. pylori, can increase the risk of infection. Infection can occur in the following ways:
The H. Pylori bacteria cause infection by attacking the lining of the stomach or small intestine, causing inflammation and irritation. Symptoms of H. Pylori infection include:
For some, H. Pylori doesn’t cause digestive issues, but they do suffer from dermatological conditions like rashes or rosacea. At Naturally Sue, we approach the diagnosis of skin rashes by also looking at H. Pylori infection.
The same goes for fertility issues. H. Pylori can cause nutrient deficiencies because of low stomach acid. This can make it difficult to get pregnant because of nutrient depletion from malabsorption issues. If a woman comes to us with fertility issues, we will look to see if H. Pylori is a factor.
If left untreated, H. Pylori can lead to ulcers, chronic gastritis, and stomach cancer. That’s why treatment mustn’t only focus on eliminating symptoms. Targeting the root source of your symptoms and eliminating the bacteria is essential to recovery from H. Pylori.
With proper, personalized treatment, you can heal from H. Pylori. A practitioner who has expertise in treating H. Pylori can determine the best course of treatment for you.
Book your free consultation with Naturally Sue Wellness and start healing from H. Pylori now.
As naturopaths, we believe in the body’s natural ability to heal when given the right conditions. Our approach to treating H. Pylori at Naturally Sue Wellness focuses on killing off the H. Pylori bacteria, while also supporting both the gut and oral microbiomes to ensure healthy microbial populations and reduced inflammation.
We use Diagnostic Solutions GI map with Zonulin or Genova stool testing to determine the most effective and safe plan for each individual with H. Pylori. Depending on your specific needs, our blend of modern, scientific methods combined with various natural therapeutic tools to help to foster the body’s innate healing process for long-term recovery and prevention of relapse.
An H.Pylori treatment plan usually includes herbal therapy, nutritional therapeutics, and lifestyle support.
The doctors at Naturally Sue are well-versed at treating H. Pylori. Our natural treatments are safe and effective at eliminating this stubborn bacteria that wreaks havoc on your digestive system.
Contact us for your personal plan for getting rid of H. Pylori infection and start healing now.
Some clients come to us having already been diagnosed with H. Pylori. If you have not yet been diagnosed with H. Pylori, but it is suspected, we can order a conventional Urea Breath Test and/or Stool Antigen test to detect H. Pylori infection through LabCorp, but we can also test via the GI Map and Genova stool tests mentioned above. The stool tests not only check for H. Pylori, but they give a comprehensive look into your gut. It is also important to note that some of the conventional testing may come up negative, but we may see the presence of H. Pylori on specialty stool testing because it tests different ranges.
Whether you come in with previously diagnosed H. Pylori, or come to us for testing, we will do a full health evaluation to assess the severity of your H. Pylori infection. The following diagnostic exams help us determine the best course for treatment for each patient:
Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA) testing through Diagnostic Solutions or Genova Stool panels:
The H. Pylori bacteria infect the protective lining of the stomach and small intestine, which leads to the release of certain enzymes and toxins, and activates the immune system.
A CSA is a stool test that shows us the status of the following in your gut:
We will also assess nutrient deficiencies through vitamin and macronutrient testing.
Our initial health assessment also includes a review of the following:
It’s not uncommon to live with H. Pylori and not get symptoms. But when symptoms are present, successful treatment and prevention of recurrence depends on an accurate and precise diagnosis.
Our approach for treating H. Pylori is different from conventional treatment. We integrate several holistic, therapeutic techniques when curating care plans for H. Pylori. The main areas we address include the Gut microbiome, the oral microbiome, and preventing reinfection by treating close contacts of our patients.
Gut Microbiome: As stated above, we use CSA to assess the state of the microbiome and a person’s immunity and choose herbal treatments accordingly. We use herbal treatments to kill the H. Pylori bacteria while also supporting the overall terrain of the gut to optimize the environment of the microbiome.
Oral Microbiome: Another area we focus on is the oral microbiome. The mouth is the very beginning of the digestive system. If the mouth isn’t healthy, this will affect the rest of the digestive tract.
Preventing re-infection: Treating close contacts and one’s environment is often a major factor in determining treatment outcomes. Since H. Pylori is transmitted from person to person through kissing and sharing food and drink, we often have to treat partners or other close contacts to stop it from being transmitted repeatedly.
H. pylori can be stubborn to treat. Treatment can take as little as 2 months. However, in some cases, it is not a “one-and-done” treatment. If a client is following our antimicrobial treatment for 2 months along with oral and gut microbiome support without success, it will be necessary to do another round.
Our approach includes personalized herbal, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations to treat the source of each patient’s H. Pylori infection and support digestive health.
The best herbs for H. Pylori will have antimicrobial properties, which will destroy the H. Pylori bacteria, have anti-inflammatory properties, restore the gut lining, and reduce inflammation. We hand-pick the most appropriate herbal remedies for each patient depending on their specific needs.
Common herbal treatments we use to treat H. Pylori include:
It’s important to remember that these are just some herbs that we can use with a patient, but there are so many more options that could be chosen based on the exact presentation of the patient, as well as their comprehensive stool results.
Herbal therapy is highly individualized and can be dangerous if used without a professional’s advice. It’s essential to make sure you are addressing the overall gut terrain before “killing” off bacteria. If the environment is one where harmful microbes can thrive, they will find their way back and you will be left with a relapse.
The Naturopathic Doctors at Naturally Sue make sure you have the right herbals in the right way to get optimal results.
Nutrition is one of the first areas we address in natural medicine for H. Pylori. Infection is known to cause nutrient deficiencies, so we will determine where there are gaps and address those areas first.
Restore Gut Health
The first step to treating H. Pylori after killing the bacteria is supporting gut health. H. Pylori often annihilates the healthy microbes in the gut along with the lining of the gut and intestines. Restoring the landscape of the digestive tract is of the utmost importance when dealing with H. Pylori infection. We do this by addressing your diet with gut-friendly foods and probiotics.
Address Nutrient Deficiencies
Because of the negative H. Pylori bacteria has on the digestive system, nutrient deficiencies are not uncommon. Iron deficiency is very common with H. Pylori. We will determine nutrient needs through testing, but a well-rounded diet that is rich in macronutrients and micronutrients will support digestion and nutrient needs, and also help fight off this bacteria. For example:
It’s also important to eliminate food items that further deteriorate gut health. Common dietary adjustments we make for managing H. Pylori infection include reducing or eliminating the following:
Nutritional supplementation may be necessary to fill gaps in nutrition. Again, recommendations will be personalized based on your needs, but some we commonly use, when needed, include:
Lifestyle Recommendations
If you have H. Pylori, stress can make your symptoms worse. Addressing lifestyle to ensure you are managing stress is an important part of treatment.
Stress: Practicing stress management should be a high priority during H. Pylori treatment. Activities that calm and regulate your nervous system work well. Try mindfulness techniques like breathwork, meditation, or yoga. Reading, getting outside, moving your body, and anything fun and creative are all good ways to keep stress under control. Find the things that work well for you.
Sleep: Like stress management, getting good, quality sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Poor sleep will increase the presence of cortisol, your stress hormone and exacerbate your symptoms related to H. Pylori infection. Getting good, recuperative sleep will allow your body to heal. Aim for 6-8 hours a night, manage screen time at least an hour before bed, and create a cool, dark, and relaxing sleep environment.
Exercise: Physical activity supports stress management. Our bodies are designed for movement, and its essential for immunity and overall health to stay active and manage stress.
Practice Good Hygiene: Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before meals. Do not share utensils, drinking glasses, bottles of water, etc. since H. Pylori is transmitted easily through direct contact with infected saliva.
Environment: Ensure your living environment is clean. Drinking contaminated water is one of the main ways H. Pylori is contracted. Drink water from a clean, safe source. If you travel, remember to be cautious when drinking water or ice. Make sure that you eat food items that are washed and cooked thoroughly and safely under clean conditions.
Mental Health Support
If you’ve had H. Pylori, it can take a toll on your emotional health, especially if you’ve been treated over and over again. If you have ulcers, the symptoms can be debilitating and can affect one’s outlook.
A depleted gut microbiome is directly related to mental health disorders, like anxiety. As well, people with anxiety have higher stress, weaker immune systems, and higher than normal rates of H. pylori infections and stomach inflammation/stomach ulcers.
For some, addressing mental health is a fundamental part of a treatment plan for H. Pylori. The doctors at Naturally Sue can help you with your mental health needs, and refer out if necessary.
Case Studies/Testimonials
A 31-year old male reported to our virtual practice with frequent loose stools, bloating, and fatigue. Patient had H. Pylori and he also had low Secretory IgA, which is a marker for mucosal immunity and leaky gut. Although it was important to work on the H. Pylori infection, I also had to support those IgA levels. This is what I love doing a comprehensive stool analysis, because it gives me more information I need to look at the patient’s entire picture. I had this patient on a plan for H. Pylori with herbal recommendations, but the infection did not go away because his partner had H. Pylori.
It is essential to ask your partner if they have symptoms of H. Pylori and also get them tested so there is not a transfer back and forth. When his partner was treated for her H. Pylori and we did another round of herbals on him, the H. Pylori infection was resolved and the patient reported his gut symptoms greatly improved!
-Dr. Sue, N.D.
We understand that there are many other issues that H. Pylori can cause, and we are open to non-conventional testing for the diagnosis of H. Pylori.
We are not using antibiotics as first line treatment, as we see patients who have been on these medications get the infection again and again.
Book your free consultation with Naturally Sue Wellness and start healing now.
Yes. A naturopath is a good choice to help you get rid of H. Pylori. We use the many tools at our disposal to create a holistic and patient-centered treatment plan to clear your gut of H. Pylori bacteria and prevent it from returning, naturally. In short, our holistic approach includes:
Natural treatments for H. Pylori are not only safe, they are effective and better at eradicating the disease altogether. Conventional treatments are great at killing off the bacteria, but it also kills off the healthy bacteria we need while not working on underlying conditions.
Conventional treatment doesn’t treat the source of the bacteria, often causing patients to become reinfected again and again.
As Naturopaths, we take a whole picture approach to treatment, which means we treat more than just the patient. We make it a point to treat the source of the bacteria. This means involving family members and close contacts in the treatment, encouraging good hygiene practices, and clean living environments.
We also ensure a person has the immunity and healthy microbes needed to fight off bad bacteria. This includes healing and restoring gut and oral health.
Because we identify and treat the root cause of the bacteria, natural treatments may be better at preventing relapse and improving outcomes than conventional treatments.
Treatment outcomes will be different for everyone depending on the severity and the cause of their infection.
A typical naturopathic healing protocol for H. Pylori infection can take about 2 months. However, treatment for H. Pylori isn’t always a one-shot deal. Antibiotics may not even work initially.
H.Pylori can be difficult to kill, especially if a client has been overprescribed antibiotics causing the bacteria to evolve into an antibiotic-resistant strain.
Also, since H. Pylori spreads through saliva, a person will become reinfected if family and close contacts aren’t treated and treatment will have to be repeated.
That’s why working with an expert who can treat the whole person and not just their symptoms is important.
Ready to start healing from H. Pylori infection for good? Contact Naturally Sue Wellness and start healing now.
Understanding Anxiety Anxiety is a complex condition that can have both physical and psychological components. From a holistic medical perspective, anxiety involves the interplay between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Here are a few takeaways from a holistic viewpoint: It’s
The month of April sees National Infertility Awareness Week, a full seven days dedicated to a struggle that roughly 17.5% of women in the world experience. Infertility can be one of the most isolating experiences for both men and women.
The art of relaxation… Some people reach for a glass of wine; others book a yoga class. But what if we told you there’s a new wave of relaxation taking the wellness world by storm? And what if we told
Sign up for my newsletter for the latest holistic health advice. By signing up, you will receive my Healthy Lifestyle Guide right away to your inbox! This guide will have the most important tips and tools to get started on a holistic lifestyle!
© 2024 Naturally Sue Wellness, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
Website designed with 🖤 by Mel Judson Design
Sign up for my newsletter for the latest holistic health advice. By signing up, you will receive my Healthy Lifestyle guide right away to your inbox! This guide will have the most important tips and tools to get started on a holistic lifestyle!
We will never spam you or share your email with anyone. In addition to the guide you’ll also receive semi-regular email updates with tips, tools, offers and exclusive resources. All emails include an unsubscribe link, you may opt-out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy to see how your data is handled.
