A Functional Medicine Approach to H-Pylori
Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is the microbe that causes the majority of both stomach and small intestine ulcers, along with being one of the sources of gastritis in the abdomen. In spite of this, a majority of those infected with H. pylori will have no signs and no complications. This bacteria is present in roughly half of the global population, and can bring about a range of symptoms, such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), bloating, IBS symptoms and issues related to outside the gut.
Risk Factors
It is believed that H. pylori infection is caused by ingesting food or drink contaminated with the organism found in the excrement of contaminated individuals. This bacterium affects the stomach’s protective lining, producing toxins and enzymes that induce an immune reaction. This can cause harm to the cells of the stomach or duodenum, leading to chronic inflammation of the gastric walls or of the duodenum. As a result of these changes, digestive fluids like stomach acid can cause damage to the stomach and duodenum. In the UK and other western nations, the infection is more prevalent among adults than among children.
H-Pylori Testing
Several techniques to determine whether or not H. pylori is present are obtainable. We have included the key ones below. Our experience has shown that a DNA stool test is the most reliables.
Stool Sample Analysis
Gastroscopy
Breath Test
H-Pylori Symptoms.
- IBS Symptoms
- Black Tarry Stools
- Brain fog
- Stomach Cramps
- GERD
- Low sex drive
- Stomach Distension
- Feeling full after a small amount of food
Treatment Approach
At the Dublin London Centre for Functional Medicine, we attempt to reduce pain and get rid of the infection using more of a naturopathic protocol,
One of the first treatment approaches is to heal the gut linning using herbs, teas, healing foods, botanical medicines and bespoke probiotics.
Antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors are commonly used to treat Helicobacter pylori infections. However, these treatments may have short-term and long-term effects on the gut microbiome. Due to this, a functional medicine approach may be implemented as an alternative to standard medications or in conjunction with conventional medications to reduce the amount of medications needed to treat the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection.
The usual way of treating Helicobacter pylori infection at the Dublin Centre for Functional Medicine involves the following steps.
- Reducing inflammatory foods
- Using botanical medicine and herbal antibiotics to kill the bacteria
- Repopulating with beneficial bacteria
- Healing the gut linning
What are clients are saying
Support
Once you start the process, we will guide our collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the required information we through detailed intake forms so we can understand you better and help support and motivate you through the process.
Experience
Our practitioners have years of experience dealing with multiple conditions. The functional medicine approach focuses on the route cause and addresses the imbalance.
Personalized Approach
Every one of us is unique and has a set of circumstances. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.