H. pylori: The Silent Gut Assassin
This week, I am back with a super sexy, yet crucial topic…an update on my GERD. A recent stool sample test confirmed that I tested positive for H. pylori, a potentially cancer-causing bacteria.
In an effort to not make this a fear-mongering post, let me preface by saying that H. pylori is very common, affecting around ⅔ of the world’s population. Upon realizing that this might cause you even MORE anxiety, here’s the silver lining: the majority of people infected won’t display any symptoms or suffer any negative effects from it. Only around 20% of people infected by H. pylori will experience the bloating, pain, and acid reflux associated with this demon of a bacteria.
With that being said, those affected by it will find the recovery process…challenging..to put it lightly.
H. pylori, short for Helicobacter pylori, is a bacteria that primarily infects the stomach. While most doctors believe it is transmitted during childhood, it can also be caused by unwashed produce, contaminated water or swapping saliva with a partner who has it. H. pylori is not considered an STD, but, honestly, should be added to the list. This shit is harder to kill than chlamydia. From what I’ve heard…
This leads me to the next crucial point—testing. While I'm unsure of when, where or how I contracted H. pylori, my lovely introduction to this bacteria was through a GI Map stool sample in 2021. Unlike colorectal cancer screenings covered by insurance, obtaining other cost-effective stool tests can be as difficult as securing tickets to Taylor Swift’s Era’s tour.
While an effective stool sample test will set you back between $400-$500, I firmly believe it's the most scientifically-backed, extensive functional medicine test to invest in, considering the profound impact gut health has on your overall well-being.
Another more invasive yet highly reliable test for H. pylori involves an upper endoscopy, during which you are sedated, and a camera is inserted down your throat into your stomach to obtain a biopsy sample. It sounds grotesque but the anesthetic cocktail they give you makes up for it. Your gastroenterologist might be reluctant to perform this procedure if they consider your symptoms as “manageable” and “not life-threatening”.
However, I implore you to insist if you want to identify the cause of your pain. Eventually, they will comply, since they don’t want to be liable if something is actually wrong and will want you to stop bothering them.
Another troublesome fact about this bacteria is that it's very difficult to treat and impossible to eradicate without antibiotics. The typical regimen involves a combination of two antibiotics, usually selected from clarithromycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin, and tetracycline, along with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Unfortunately, this treatment will most likely wipe out your digestive system once completed.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have not yet undergone antibiotic treatment for H. pylori. When I initially tested positive back in 2021, I was given herbs and supplements that significantly reduced the bacteria but did not eliminate it entirely. I initially considered it a very benign issue and was extremely hesitant to expose myself to the potential harmful effects of antibiotics unnecessarily.
However, as previously noted, my symptoms returned with a vengeance, leaving me with no other option than to consider antibiotic treatment. I am scheduled for an endoscopy next week to confirm whether or not I have an ulcer, most likely caused by this aggressive pathogenic bitch.
Even with this rigorous treatment, there's only an 80% chance of completely eradicating the bacteria, due to factors such as antibiotic resistance, the right combination of drugs, and completion of the entire antibiotic course regardless of your body's reaction to the treatment.
If left untreated, you can develop ulcers, and in serious circumstances, stomach cancer. This bacteria is not the run-of-the-mill type I originally thought; it is a destructive bastard and requires attention.
While I highly suggest seeing your PCP or gastroenterologist if you're experiencing similar symptoms, there are some natural supplements you can take to help alleviate them.
Note: None of these supplements are approved by the FDA, nor have they been proven to effectively treat any infection. This is based on my own personal experience and should be taken at your own discretion.
Activated charcoal- This supplement is used to absorb toxins and bacteria in the body. In high doses, activated charcoal is used in hospital settings to treat drug overdoses and absorb poison that might have been accidentally ingested. In small doses, this supplement can be used daily to absorb toxins such as chlorine, phenol, and copper, along with parasites, bacteria, and viruses found in the body.
Mastic gum- I will warn you, its texture and taste is a tad repulsive, but its healing properties are hard to ignore. Mastic gum contains triterpenes, which are chemical compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. These compounds help slow the growth of H. pylori while also protecting the stomach lining cells from bacteria.
Oregano oil- Personally, I have a really hard time tolerating this supplement since it is super harsh on my stomach and esophagus, but oregano oil has a wide range of antimicrobial properties and has even been shown to help protect against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. It’s the real deal and has been administered to help fight infection for over 2500 years and is still used in traditional medicine across the world.
Glutamine- This powerful supplement has been shown to protect your stomach from gastric damage caused by H. pylori. This powder also helps reduce the occurrence of peptic ulcers and gastritis. Currently ingesting this by the gallons. Just kidding, 1 cap twice a day does the trick also.
After my endoscopy next week, I plan to, reluctantly, start the intense antibiotic course. I am pretty nervous about the side effects and the possibly of developing antibiotic resistance, but given the alternative, I’ll take my chances. Be sure to check out my instagram @katiebreunich for updates and to see whether I terminate this clingy, sneaky and relentless beast for good.
