What does the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori feed on?

What is the Helicobacter Pylori bacterium?

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped gram-negative bacterium that can be found in the stomach’s mucous layer and can cause a variety of problems in the digestive system, such as:

• Chronic gastritis
• Changes observed in endoscopy, such as peptic ulcer and, in severe cases, gastric cancer.

It is also considered one of the main causes of chronic bacterial infection worldwide.

Its entry point is through the mouth, meaning it occurs when a person comes into contact with contaminated food or water. It then settles and thrives in the stomach.

What does Helicobacter Pylori feed on?

Helicobacter pylori mainly feeds on the gastric mucosa, which contains a variety of compounds that the bacterium can use as a source of energy and nutrients, including amino acids, sugars, lipids, and proteins.

It also feeds on other components of the stomach, such as gastric juices, bile, and the nutrients released when food breaks down. In other words, the bacterium eats what you eat, so a risk factor would be if your lifestyle includes foods that are harmful for you, such as /.

It is capable of producing enzymes that allow it to break down these foods and use them as an energy source.

It produces an enzyme called urease that converts urea into ammonia, which helps it neutralize stomach acid and create a more favorable environment to survive. (Carolina Palomino Camargo et al., 2012).

The bacterium also produces a toxin called vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), which can cause the formation of vacuoles (or empty spaces) in the stomach cells and lead to tissue damage. (Dash NR et al., 2021).

What are the symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori infection?

The symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori infection can vary from person to person. According to the World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines on Helicobacter pylori (May 2021), the following symptoms may occur:

• Stomach pain or abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Heartburn
• Abdominal bloating and gas
• As a long-term side effect, gastric ulcers and even stomach cancer may also develop.

Many of the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection are similar to those of other gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention if persistent symptoms like those described above are experienced.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

Treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection generally involves a combination of antibiotic therapy, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors to control stomach acid.

Other medications may also be recommended to reduce acid production in the stomach and, of course, having the support of experts in Immunonutrition can help you create an easily digestible meal plan that provides protection for the stomach and small intestine.

What is the best diet to treat Helicobacter Pylori?

‍

When diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori, it is most advisable to follow an easy-to-digest diet that is friendly to your body and adapted to your individual tolerance. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, a soft diet or puréed foods may even be helpful.

The best diet to help manage this bacteria is one that includes foods rich in:

• Lean, gut-friendly proteins: red meats, white meats such as skinless chicken, turkey, or fish, preferably baked or steamed.
• Anti-inflammatory micronutrients from cooked fruits and vegetables: sweet potato, pumpkin, and boiled potato help soothe stomach irritation. The most recommended fruits are peeled red apple, peeled pear, banana, watermelon, melon, and papaya.
• Anti-inflammatory healthy fats: even when on a weight-loss plan, fats such as olives, olive oil, and avocado in small amounts are key anti-inflammatories, as well as incorporating other fats like nuts.

Which foods should be avoided?

• Completely remove or eliminate dairy products, gluten (cereal flours), and sugar (which also feed this microorganism).
• Completely remove or eliminate carbonated beverages (with or without sugar), including sodas and beer.
• Limit spicy and heavily seasoned foods: they can irritate the stomach lining and cause heartburn.
• Limit acidic foods: this includes citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, as well as vinegar.
• Limit fried and greasy foods: French fries, breaded foods, and fast food are examples of foods that should be avoided.
• Limit caffeinated beverages: coffee, tea, and energy drinks can stimulate stomach acid production and worsen H. pylori symptoms.

Regain your health and make the decision to live better by scheduling a 3-Consultation Plan with NutriWhite, personalizing your 3R Protocol.

Sample menu for Helicobacter pylori

Here is an example of a menu that can help relieve symptoms. Remember to always take your individual food sensitivities into account:

Keep in mind that not everyone has the same tastes, tolerances, or requirements. The most advisable option is to personalize this menu through your NutriWhite Consultation Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have Helicobacter pylori?

To determine if you have Helicobacter pylori, a doctor may recommend some of the following tests:

• Breath test: After ingesting a special substance, the air you exhale is measured to detect the presence of the bacteria.
• Blood test: Can detect antibodies against H. pylori.
• Stool test: Looks for the presence of the bacteria or its genes in a stool sample.
• Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the stomach and, if necessary, take biopsies for analysis.

If I have Helicobacter pylori, can I infect my family?

Yes, the Helicobacter pylori bacterium can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact, such as the exchange of saliva. In fact, different studies have shown a high risk of intrafamilial infection. It is believed that most people acquire the infection during childhood, and it can persist into adulthood.

To prevent infection, we recommend:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Do not share utensils, glasses, or toothbrushes.
• Drink bottled or boiled water if you live in an area where water quality is questionable.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.

Which food kills the Helicobacter pylori bacterium?

There is no specific food that «kills» the Helicobacter bacterium. Some studies suggest that certain foods, such as garlic, broccoli, and probiotics, may have antibacterial properties that help inhibit the growth of H. pylori. However, further studies are needed to determine their real impact, and consuming these foods alone is not enough to eradicate the bacterium.

Before making any significant changes to your diet, it is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist. Some of these foods may have shown positive results in studies, but they could be difficult for you to digest or poorly tolerated.

How long can a person live with Helicobacter pylori?

H. pylori infection can persist for years or even decades if left untreated. Many people may be infected since childhood and not show symptoms until adulthood. This bacterium can chronically colonize the stomach, and if not eradicated, it may remain in the system throughout a person’s lifetime.

Can I die from Helicobacter pylori?

Por sí sola, la bacteria Helicobacter pylori no es letal. Sin embargo, puede causar enfermedades gastrointestinales como gastritis, úlceras pépticas y, en casos raros, cáncer gástrico. Si estas condiciones no se detectan y tratan adecuadamente, pueden tener complicaciones.

Recupera tu salud y toma la decisión de vivir mejor agendando un Plan de 3 Consultas con NutriWhite personalizando tu Protocolo 3R.

On its own, the Helicobacter pylori bacterium is not lethal. However, it can cause gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, and, in rare cases, gastric cancer. If these conditions are not properly detected and treated, they may lead to complications.

Regain your health and make the decision to live better by scheduling a 3-Consultation Plan with NutriWhite, personalizing your 3R Protocol.

REFERENCES:

• Lee YC, Dore MP, Graham DY. Diagnosis and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection. Annu Rev Med. 2022 Jan 27;73:183-195. doi: 10.1146/annurev-med-042220-020814. PMID: 35084993.
• Carolina Palomino Camargo y col. Transmision del Helicobacter pylori. An Venez Nutr 2012; 25(2): 85 - 93 .
• Dash NR, Khoder G, Nada AM, Al Bataineh MT. Exploring the impact of Helicobacter pylori on gut microbiome composition. PLoS One. 2019 Jun 18;14(6):e0218274. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218274. Erratum in: PLoS One. 2021 Aug 11;16(8):e0256274. PMID: 31211818; PMCID: PMC6581275.
• World Gastroenterology Organisation Global. May 2021.