H. Pylori Insights on food intake

Hello, my dear readers and writers! Yesterday, I told you about my infection with H. Pylori and offered you a small insight into it in general. Today, I am going to speak about foods that are permitted and not permitted during the treatment of H. Pylori.

Foods that need to be avoided in H. Pylori infection and chronic gastritis

Researches show that a diet in high fiber increases the risk of developing ulcer disease. Foods like oats, psyllium husk, flax seeds, nuts, and certain fruits like apples, pineapples, lemon, oranges, and carrots can affect our health when consumed in large quantities.

Both caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks can increase the acid production and exacerbate symptoms in the affected organisms.

Alcoholic beverages can erode the protective mucosal lining along the gastrointestinal tract and lead to further inflammation and bleeding.

All forms of caffeine, including Colas, Pepsi, chocolate, ice cream, candies, coffee, and decaffeinated coffee can cause heartburn problems for people.

Spicy foods like jalapeño, cayenne peppers, salsa, Asian curries, miso paste, and spicy mustard need to be avoided at all costs because they might worsen the symptoms.

Pickled vegetables like pickled herring and kimchi have to be withdrawn. Pickling involves preserving foods in vinegar, and is very acidic causing the irritation of the stomach.

Fatty foods, fried and greasy meals along with yellow cheese are to be avoided because they are rich in fat, make digestion difficult, and can cause stomach pain and heartburn.

It is important to stay away from instant rice, pretzels, egg noodles, brown rice, oatmeal, and popcorn.

Processed meats and canned foods need to be removed from our diet as well, because they have a lot of preservatives and chemicals that can damage the stomach and the intestine, causing inflammation and pain.

It is suggested to avoid salt intake, because it can increase the risk of cancer if you have an H. Pylori infection. Salt disturbs the viscosity and the integrity of the stomach mucus, making it easier to colonize and cause damage.

(Image Source – DajiWorld)

Beneficial foods during the treatment of H. Pylori and chronic gastritis

Studies have shown that Vitamin A can increase the production of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract and it has a protective effect against the development of ulcer disease. Foods rich in Vitamin A are: broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, collard greens, and liver.

Studies conducted in China show that green tea and other foods rich in flavonoids can fight chronic gastritis. According to the studies, white and oolong tea can inhibit the growth of H. Pylori but cause no harm to beneficial types of bacteria normally found in the stomach (L. acidophilus, L. Plantarum, and B. Lungum).

Foods rich in flavonoids: garlic, onions, colorful fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots and snap peas.

It is recommended to eat non-acidic fruits and boiled vegetables during the treatment for H. Pylori because they can be easily digested and improve the bowel function.

Cranberry juice can help reduce the risk of H. Pylori growth in the stomach. The normal amount of cranberry juice that should be drank is a cup of 250 ml a day. Cranberry tannins can block the bacteria without destroying it. Cranberry helps by either not allowing the bacteria to attach itself or by disengaging it from the body once it is attached, and prevent inflammation.

White meats and fish contain a lower amount of fat which helps with digestion and prevents the foods from staying too long in the stomach, causing pain and a fullness feeling. During the treatment for H. Pylori it is recommended to eat these meats boiled with a pinch of salt and a bay leaf to add flavor and avoid increasing the acidity.

Probiotics are present in foods like kefir or yogurt. Probiotics form the good bacteria that live in the intestine and stimulate the production of substances that fight H. Pylori.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 help to reduce stomach inflammation and prevent the growth of H. Pylori. These good substances can be found in fish oil, olive oil, carrot seeds, and grapefruit seed oil.

According to a study, some types of honeys, such as oak tree and manuka honeys can lower the H. Pylori infection if taken at least once a week.

Rice extract protects the gastric mucosa from stress-induced damage. According to this study, the rice extract was effective in suppressing the inflammation and epithelial cell proliferation in the gastric mucosa in H. pylori infection.

Staying hydrated, drinking more water, eating more fresh fruits low in acids, and consuming white cheese can reduce the stomach inflammation and regulate the intestinal transit.

(Image Source – Unsplash)

Other tips to fight chronic gastritis and H. Pylori infection

• Take the medicines as prescribed by the doctor;
• Avoid any foods that bother your stomach, rich in acids like oranges, tomatoes, coffee, carbonated drinks;
• Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, or chewing tobacco because they slow the healing process. If you smoke, try to quit.
• Try to get 8 hours of sleep;
• Stay fit, performing exercises;
• Try to keep a healthy weight, eat the appropriate foods for healing the stomach lining and avoid overeating, stop when you have the sensation of fullness;
• Eat smaller meals and eat them more often. Have the necessary amount of 3 meals a day;
• Avoid spicy or greasy foods;
• Try to avoid getting stressed out, and find new ways to relax and be happy. Take walks, watch a movie, listen to music. A positive thinking can help you get healed;
• Avoid taking pills like Aspirin, Ibuprofen. They can irritate the stomach. If needed, take Tylenol in case of pain.
• Always wash your hands when going to the bathroom, or cooking.

(Image Source – Unsplash)

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