Could Hidden H. Pylori Infection Be Making You Sick?

By
Dr. Craig A. Maxwell
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47
88258
Is it H. Pylori Infection?

by: Dr. Craig A. Maxwell

Do you have chronic stomach problems, sinus problems, and allergies? Is chronic fatigue weighing you down? Your health problems could be caused by a bacterial infection known as Helicobacter pylori. You may know that the H. pylori bacterium is a common contributor to the development of acid reflux and stomach ulcers. You may not realize that H. pylori can also cause symptoms you have never associated with it. In this article, I discuss the best foods and natural treatments for H. pylori.

What is Helicobacter Pylori?

H. pylori infection is often contracted in childhood from direct person-to-person contact. It may take years for symptoms to begin. H. pylori infection can also be picked up at any age from exposure to contaminated food or water, kissing, saliva (using the same drinking glass, for example) and the fecal-oral route by not washing hands after touching contaminated surfaces.

Some individuals are “carriers” and have no symptoms.

5 Common Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori

  1. Gastrointestinal Problems

One of the primary indicators of H. pylori infection is chronic gastrointestinal upset. Gastrointestinal reflux disease, diarrhea, gas, flatulence, bloating, and leaky gut syndrome are all indicators of a possible H. pylori infection.

  1. Weight Gain/Loss

An inability to lose weight or a sudden drop in weight could be another tell-tale indicator of an H. pylori infection. By affecting levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, people can be affected differently depending on their metabolic makeup.

This could cause either an inability to lose weight or a sudden drop in weight due to lack of appetite and feelings of anxiety. Furthermore, H. pylori infection interferes with the level of acidity in your gut, often affecting your ability to digest fats and proteins. This could cause you to lose muscle mass, which is a dangerous way to lose weight.

  1. Mood Swings and PMS

H. pylori infection can cause irregular fluctuations of your cortisol levels, which can contribute to the hormonal fluctuations associated with mood swings and PMS.

  1. Oral Health Problems

Receding gums, gingivitis, chronic oral infections, bad breath, and even dental cavities can often be traced back to H. pylori infection.

  1. Chronic Sinus Problems

Your sinuses are closely connected to the function of your gastrointestinal system. A chronically-blocked nose, frequent sinus infections, painful sinuses, and post-nasal drip may all be subtle indicators of a hidden H. pylori infection.

How to Determine if Your Symptoms are Related to H. Pylori

If you’re living with any of the symptoms listed above, you’ve likely seen your doctor about them. He or she may have given you one or two prescription drugs to stop your symptoms but these drugs did nothing to address the underlying cause. They may have even contributed to the development of even more symptoms.

In my opinion, the best way to treat any type of chronic disorder is to get to the source of the problem. That’s why, if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, I recommend using the Stool Antigen Test. It is a very good way of detecting the presence of H. pylori infection.

This test can be taken in the privacy of your home, and sent to the lab in a prepaid mailer. The results are reported directly to you. If you wish, the results may also be sent to any doctor you choose.

Conventional H. Pylori Treatments May Worsen Problem 

The most common conventional course of treatment for H. pylori infection is a course of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The antibiotics may eliminate the H. pylori infection from your gut, but they’ll also destroy your healthy bacteria as well. This can leave you more vulnerable to the development of chronic candida (yeast) infection.

Proton pump inhibitors may temporarily stop the pain of acid reflux, but extended use may cause nutritional deficiencies due to disruption of acid production. Extended use is also linked to osteoporosis.

Natural Treatments to Eradicate H. Pylori

Over the years, many patients with H. pylori infection have come to me at the end of their rope. Antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors have only made the problem worse (or not worked) and they just don’t know what else to do. In many cases, they simply cannot tolerate the “triple treatment” or are reluctant to take it due to potential side effects.

In each case, I’ve recommended a two-fold supplement process that has been met with great success:

Here Are My Recommendations For Eliminating Helicobacter Pylori

How do you get rid of H. pylori and keep it gone? I am glad you asked this question! Over the years, I have recommended the following two supplements:

1.) Diamond Nutritionals’ Stomach Support Formula contains a synergistic blend of healing ingredients designed to eliminate H. Pylori without the side effects associated with conventional treatments.

These ingredients include:

    • Mastic Gum Extract – Mastic gum has traditionally been used to protect the stomach lining, especially related to gastric ulcers.  Studies show mastic gum kills and inhibits the growth of H. pylori.
    • Bismuth Citrate – Bismuth has been used with antibiotic therapies to reduce H. Pylori growth. It has been widely used in anti-H. pylori protocols for its soothing actions on the gastric and mucosal linings.
    • Zinc Carnosine – Zinc carnosine has been approved as a drug in Japan since 1994 for its use in stomach disorders such as ulcers, dyspepsia, and infections with H. pylori.   Studies also show zinc carnosine has a strong ability to support the gastric mucosa and initiate healing.
    • Berberine Sulfate Hydrate – Berberine sulfate has well-studied antibacterial properties. Studies show plant extracts containing berberine have strong anti-H. pylori activity.

 

2.) Diamond Nutritionals’ Probiotic Formula contains twenty billion live, active cultures consisting of six different strains of bacteria. BioShield technology ensures that these are delivered live to your GI tract, and survive stomach acid. Many store-bought probiotics either have too few bacteria (1-15 billion), or not enough strains (there should be at least six). The proper amount and strains of probiotics help to eliminate H. pylori growth and keep it gone.

 

I recommend taking Stomach Support Formula, one capsule twice a day with food for one month, along with one Probiotic Formula capsule a day. Both may be taken together. Probiotic Formula should be continued as part of a good proactive health/prevention plan.

Make Dietary Changes

Once you’ve eliminated that H. pylori infection from your system, it is important to support your continued digestive healing by making the necessary dietary changes. Slowly wean off of processed food and invest in whole foods such as organic vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, poultry, fish, and healthy fats like coconut oil, and olive oil. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and include a spoonful or two of fermented foods at each meal.

Here are some foods known specifically to help prevent recurrence of H. pylori infection:

  • Broccoli – Broccoli contains a potent compound called sulforaphane, which helps to eliminate the H. pylori bacterium that contributes to the development of most ulcers.
  • Celery Seeds – According to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, researchers identified an anti-microbial compound in celery seeds, which blocks the growth of H. pylori.
  • Garlic – Raw, organic garlic releases a sulfur compound that helps eliminate an overgrowth of H. pylori.
  • Virgin Coconut Oil – Laboratory studies have confirmed the antimicrobial activity of virgin coconut oil.
  • Green Tea – Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can heal the intestinal damage caused by Helicobacter pylori infection.

H. pylori infection does not just cause stomach problems, it can also give you an overall feeling of fatigue and ill-health. Find out if the mystery symptoms you’re experiencing are related to Helicobacter pylori and then eliminate it naturally.

 

Resources:

http://gut.bmj.com/content/50/2/165.full.pdf
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/137/3/812S.full
http://ecite.utas.edu.au/56713

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47 COMMENTS

  3. I have been diagnosed with Helicobacter Pylori, the Dr prescriped anti-biotics, my question is that my body is aching, would that be the some of the cause of this bacteria.

    • Hello Joe,

      Thank you for contacting me.

      Antibiotics can cause body aches (myalgia), as can the die-off of bacteria (Herxheimer Reaction).
      A Herxheimer reaction will generally last about 2-3 days, as compared to myalgia from antibiotics
      which could last for the duration of the treatment.

      Be sure to let your doctor know about your symptoms.

      With my patients, I use Stomach Support Formula by Diamond Nutritionals for H. Pylori:

      http://www.diamondnutritionals.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=stomach

      One capsule twice a day for 4 weeks.

      I hope you find this information helpful.

      All The Best,

      Dr. Maxwell

  4. Excellent article, symptoms make a lot of sense now that I have been diagnosed. My parents both had the bacteria years ago when I was younger. I’m 32 now and my question is if my husband and kids should get tested for h pylori too. They don’t show any of my symptoms. Thank you!

    • Hello Fatima,

      Thank you for your question, as well as for the kind words.
      I believe your husband and children should be tested as well.
      Often, family members test positive. In my experience, H. pylori
      is easily treated naturally. Should any family members test positive,
      I would like to speak with you over the phone to give you a comprehensive,
      natural treatment plan.

      Please call my office at 513-741-4404 to set up a
      consultation. I look forward to working with you and your family
      to achieve everyone’s best health.

      Dr. Craig A. Maxwell

  5. Hello Dr Maxwell

    I have had problems all year following a chest infection and three lots of antibiotics, which left me feeling dreadful and with post-nasal drip. I have had pain coming and going which drs thought was fibromyalgia but according to rheumatologist isn’t! Lots of my symptoms were then put down to perimenopause as I am almost 49, but after 10 visits to drs, I met a private physician after having constant nausea, burping and sore stomach who suggested I might have helicobacter. I am always exhausted and feel so much worse in the mornings. My throat and ears are always “twangy” and my head feels like lead. Any advice you could offer would be very much appreciated. I am currently waiting for my H pylori results but am so worried I am have something even worse.

    Thanks so much for your time

    • Hello Ms. Mitchell,

      Thank you for contacting me. I am glad you are having the H.Pylori test.

      After several rounds of antibiotics, it is also quite possible that you have a chronic yeast
      infection. Here is an article you may find helpful:

      http://askdrmaxwell.com/2014/02/yeast-infections-all-the-time-treat-them-naturally/

      Using the test mentioned in the article it is easy to diagnose. Treatment with natural remedies and
      diet change is very successful.

      In my experience, both H. Pylori and Chronic Candida can be treated with natural products. If you have H.Pylori,
      I would recommend our gentle, natural products, as more antibiotics may make any yeast grow more.

      Please let me know how you do!

      Warmest Regards,
      Dr. Maxwell

  7. Hi Dr. Maxwell, my mom found out she had h.pylor and because I had the same symptoms as her I got tested and I was positive as well. I believe that my infant and two year old has it because they were sick for over 2 weeks straight after the flu, throwing up and constant diarrhea. Im also still breastfeeding so antibiotics is not recommended. My chiropractor recommended some type a silver to take thats natural. I forgot the exact name. Ive also heard that black seed gets rid of h.pylori. my childrens doctors think its very unlikely for them to have h.pylori but I still want them tested. Is it possible that they could have it and any recommendations for them as well. Thank you

    • Hello Candice,

      Thank you for contacting me. My breastfeeding patients have used Diamond Nutritionals Stomach
      Support Formula with good success. I have recommended it for seven years.
      Check with your doctor to see if it is OK for you to take while breastfeeding.

      I would have your children checked as well. It is not likely they have it. If they
      come back positive for H.Pylori, please let me know.

      Warmest Regards,

      Dr. Maxwell

  8. Hello dr.maxwell I had a colonscopy and endoscopy about three months ago been extremely ill ever since and getting worse all my blood test show something going on Dr did the procedure in the report said would do breath test for h plyori did not take a biopsy but never follow up me dr won’t even talk to my gp. I’m having a white blood scan cuz white blood count through the roof. Could u please give any insight u might have cuz I’m at my wits end. Also broccoli cook or raw how u eat it for benfacts of the h. Plyori. Thank u

    • Hello,
      Thank you for contacting me. I am sorry to hear about your symptoms.

      For my patients with H. Pylori, I recommend Stomach Support Formula.
      This has worked well for my patients for many years.

      Warmest Regards,

      Dr. Maxwell

  9. Thank You!!!! Tons of relief from the information that is shared on this post….
    I tested positive for H. pylori and am battling my way back from some hideous and mysterious
    symptoms (I drove otr.. was in a different place every time I woke…. no time to get checked…..and nothing showed up in the testing when I did go to the ER…. so they treated me as if I was Mentally Ill…. psychotic drugs.. made it much worse….) I was checked by a walk in clinic an low an behold! …… It got so bad the left side of my brain was not functioning. … nausa… malaise, diarrhea, stomach noises SERIOUSLY thought about suicide..! Now living with my Mom unable to work…. Im learning she Mom
    has suffered for many yrs… with the same and was diagnosed with diverticulitis. … unable to function normally because of Leakey Gut… coughing laughing anything. and she has to go change …. Could Mom be miss diagnosed? ???

    • Hi Vickie,
      Thank you for contacting me. I am sorry to hear about your symptoms, as well as your
      Mother’s symptoms.
      Please feel free to email me at DrCraigMaxwell@roadrunner.com. with more information.
      I will be glad to set up a time to speak with you.
      Warmest Regards,
      Dr. M

  10. I have been tested positive for h pylori. I have been sick for three weeks now. I am on antibiotics now and omeprazole. I do not want this stuff to return. Can I take your supememts after i am done with my treatment?

    • Hello Ms. Lynch,
      For many years I have treated my patients who are infected with H. Pylori with Stomach Support Formula.
      My patients have found it to be quite beneficial and effective, and I believe you will as well.
      Warmest Regards,
      Dr. Maxwell

  11. Hello Dr. Maxwell, I have been tested positive for h.pylori last April 14, 2105 and I already treated by triple combination of medicine, after a month my symptoms was already there then I ordered your product stomach support formula and probiotic formula. but since to long to received the items due to far outside the country,,(Jeddah Saudi Arabia) I go to follow up my check up and i advise to endoscopy and my results negative in h.pylori. and biopsy negative but i have mild to moderate inflammation/ chronic gastritis and doudenitis. My question I can take the product even no h.pylori and my doctor was given me pantropazole 40mg FOR 1 month and Gaviscon advance suspension..I can take the stomach support formula while taking PPI? Thank you in advance for your reply!

    • Hello Jester,
      You may take both Stomach Support Formula and Probiotic Formula with your medication. Even after testing negative for H. Pylori, many continue to take these products to help keep H.Pylori away and soothe the stomach.
      All My Best,
      Dr. M

        • Hello Jester,
          Stomach Support Formula may be taken twice a day with or without food. I usually recommend taking it with food.
          It works as well either way.
          Dr. M

          • Hello Jester,
            Stomach Support Formula may be taken with or without food. There are no known food or drug interactions.
            Dr. M

  12. Hello I also have H pylori & I’ve lost alot of weight im down to 128 now after 3 months. When I eat my stomach always rumble all day & I can feel gas move from my stomach to my colon at a very fast rate. Loose stools since day one & my muscle are very weak and soft now. I have a terrible taste in my mouth that will not go away I always got to spit up mucus or stomach fluid thats stuck in my throat but it comes back fast. Help me this is so depressing on me at this point what can I do?

    • Hello Maurice,
      I am sorry to hear about your symptoms. For my patients who have been diagnosed with H.Pylori,
      I recommend Diamond Nutritionals’ Stomach Support Formula. It has helped many get rid of H.Pylori.
      Dr. M

  13. Hi I also have hpylori last time I had tested I was at a 3.6 is that bad? I’ve taken anti booties and still nothing. I still have hpylori. I’m worrie I have no energy I bearly want to way. My weight hasn’t dropped much but i have lost a few pounds. I wake up every morning wanting to throw up. I feel like I have to use the bathroom constantly. Does it sound like my infection is getting out of controll?

    • Hello Lesslie,
      Based on what you have shared with me, it sounds as if you still have an H. Pylori infection. For my patients, I have used Diamond Nutrtitionals’
      Stomach Support Formula for years with good results. It may be ordered here:
      http://askdrmaxwell.com/shop/stomach-support-formula/
      The treatment should be continued for 1 month. If a patient has had H.Pylori for over 6 months, I generally treat it for 2 months.
      Dr. M

      • hi Doc im happy about your adviceas about this bacteria helicobactor pylori.i have been sick for the past 2 years all tests done and they were all neg olny helicobactor came positive.i was in triple therapy 4 times still not fine im in BOTSWANA how can I find tha remedy.please help me Im really tired of this feeling,neck pains,feeling week.,chest pains and back pains.

        • Hello,
          So sorry to tell you that our shipping department is unable to ship to Botswana at this time.
          Dr. Maxwell

  15. Hello Dr. Craig i was diagnosed with Gastritis and Acid reflux and believe i have H pylori, I have anxiety and feel dizzy and spaced out all of the time and when i eat i get sick i just fell like something is wrong with my body but everyone says its just my anxiety i was given a stool test bottle so im hoping they can find something, are these symptoms common with this bacteria?

    • Hello Mr. Clifton,
      These symptoms are very common with H.Pylori. Please make sure your doctor requested a stool test specifically for H.Pylori.
      It is a special order test, and is not included in routine stool testing.
      Dr. Maxwell

  16. Hi Mr. Tutu,
    With these symptoms, it is important to be checked by your doctor to make sure of the proper diagnosis.
    Please keep me updated on your progress.
    Dr. Maxwell

  18. I have many of the symptoms of H. Pylori but have not been tested. Would it be ok to start the Diamond Nutritionals Support Formula without being tested to see if it eliminates my problems? Specifically, i have regular heartburn, gas, bloating and wake up with sinus pressure almost daily. Thanks.

    • Hello Mr. Graham,
      Many patients with symptoms such as yours have found great relief with Stomach Support Formula.
      As always, I recommend seeing your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
      Please keep me posted on your progress!
      Dr. M

  19. Hello Dr. Craig,

    I’ve been experiencing fatigue in the afternoon/evening, even after a good 8/9 hours sleep. I went for blood test, everything seems okay (including anemia) except h. pyroli. I feel the urge to sleep at certain time (12pm -8pm) but never at night.. My body gets active and wont allow me to sleep. Sometimes i might encounter panic feeling that causes me to wake up at night. I was wondering if this could be the issue to my problem. When i get tired, i get heavy sleep eyes and back neck pain. Thank you for your kind reply

    • Hi Leon,

      Thank you for contacting me. Your symptoms could be do to your H.pylori infection. When it is fully treated, these symptoms are likely to
      go away.

      Please consider an 8 week treatment with Stomach Support Formula. This product has helped many over the past 12 years I have recommended it.

      All my best,

      Dr. Maxwell

  20. Hello, thank you so much for your article about this infection and I have been SUFFERING from this bacteria for 8 years now finally I have been tested and it was positive. I didn’t even know something like this existed. I have each and every symptoms you have mentioned. I thought I was just that one person who had to suffer from these symptoms without knowing what is really going on. My doctor has prescribed some anabiotic’s which causes $400. I’m sure it’s not gonna go away from the first prescription. I’m not going to take those anabiotic’s that I ordered the medication from your website. I’m very excited and happy to give it a try and hopeful that it would work. can you please let me know how long it takes to receive the product? And also after how long should I check that it’s gone or not?

    • Hello Shamim,

      Thank you for sharing your experience. I am glad your H.pylori was discovered so you can get rid of it and get well!
      Diamond Nutritional products are shipped by USPS Priority Mail. They generally arrive within
      4-5 days business days of ordering. For those outside the U.S., the time may be somewhat longer depending on the country. USPS Express Shipping is also available so that the products may be received within 24 hours.

      After the 8 week program, I usually recommend that patients wait about 2-3 weeks to be re-checked through stool testing, breath testing, or EGD (stomach scoping).

      I wish you the best of health!

      Dr. Maxwell

  21. I have had thick post-nasal drip for 2 years now. I have done all the drugs, sprays, etc recommended by an ENT with no change. Cat scan shows sinuses are clear. I have elevated the bed, stopped coffee, stopped citrus. I take .25 thyroid. I have been on a plant based diet with no oil for about 2 months now. Although I have none of the other symptoms mentioned, I’m wondering if H.plyori could be the cause of my post nasal drip? Thoughts? and Thank you.

    • Hi Sandra,

      In my experience, H.Pylori can cause many problems. This sometimes includes sinus issues.

      You may want to consider getting tested for it.

      I wish you the best of health!

      Dr. Maxwell

  22. Thank you for writing such an insightful article. I was also diagnosed with H Pylori. I had no idea that there were so many other symptoms (aside from digestive ones) affiliated to the bacteria. I was wondering if pressure headaches, particularly in the sinus area are also a symptom as I am experiencing those along with burning and acid reflux… Thank you!

    • Hello Ms. Perez,

      Thank you for contacting me. I am sorry to hear about your symptoms.

      In my experience, H. pylori can be a cause of headaches as it releases toxins in the body.

      Please consider our program to eradicate H. pylori. It is also important to treat everyone living in the same household as H. pylori
      can be passed back and forth much like a cold. Early-on, many are carriers and have no symptoms but can give it to others.

      I wish you the best of health!

      Dr. Maxwell

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