22/01/2025
Let's talk H. Pylori or Helicobacter Pylori
This is a bacteria that, most of us know it's bad and dangerous and for sure it is but did you know many healthy individuals have it residing in their stomach and not causing any problems?
For this bacteria to be a problem, you'll have destroyed the protective mucus lining of your stomach, first.
The worst culprit is taking painkillers, anti-inflammatory and/or antibiotics regularly. Add an inflammatory diet of wheat, sugar, seed oils, junk and processed foods, and things can only get worse.
The damage they cause makes H. Pylori and other microbes to get deeper into the stomach lining and impair acid production, leading to low stomach acid production.
This, not so acidic environment makes h. Pylori and other microbes to overgrow and cause problems such as
-Bloating
-Indigestion
-Belching and burping
-Acid Reflux
When you take anti acids, for reflux and bloating, you reduce the stomach acid production further.
If no effort is put to change lifestyle and diet, things get worse long term. A person can develop ulcers, and even stomach cancers.
What can you do to prevent?
1. Medicine is not food. Avoid abusing and taking them regularly. This includes hormonal contraceptives.
2. Make fasting your lifestyle, it concentrates your stomach acid and creates a hostile environment for H. pylori to thrive and flourish.
3. Take probiotics regularly. Make kefir milk and/or fermented cabbage/sauerkraut a daily dose. They're powerful for maintaining the integrity of your gut.
4. Ensure you are well hydrated. Starting your day with some salt and water is so good. Take meat soups and bone soup, great for nourishing the gut..
5. Avoid sleeping late. By 10pm it's a good time to be in bed and aim for 7 to 8hrs of quality night sleep
6. Exercise and enjoy some sunshine
7. Keep your body as chemical and toxin free as possible - commercial toothpastes, body care products with heavy metals, parabens etc.
8. Go natural and organic. Herbicides, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals are antibiotic in nature. Go to the farmer's markets and get your own food. If you can grow your own food, the better.
Do that and make it a lifestyle, and enjoy quality health.
Remember your body can heal itself when given the right space, nutrition and environment.
As always, I'm Beth Waweru, a nutritionist committed to sharing helpful and practical wellness info for quality, healthier, and happier lives.
