Learn about the debate on H. Pylori's role in health, testing methods, and treatment decisions. Explore symptoms of ulcers, connection to other health issues, and the importance of not solely relying on lab results. Discover ways to optimize brain function and enhance mental performance with supplements like Neurohacker and medicinal mushrooms.
H. Pylori can suppress stomach acid and lead to malabsorption of nutrients like iron and B12.
Diagnosis and treatment of H. Pylori should be based on symptoms, context, and individual factors for optimal outcomes.
Deep dives
Understanding H.Pylori and its Clinical Relevance
H.Pylori, a common stomach bacterium, can have significant impacts on health by neutralizing stomach acid, leading to malabsorption issues like iron and B12 deficiency. Low stomach acid from H.Pylori can result in protein digestion difficulties, low pancreatic enzymes, and gallbladder function problems. Its effects extend further to calcium malabsorption, potential osteoporosis, and even impacting appetite for protein.
Health Implications of H.Pylori Infection
H.Pylori's binding capacity and the production of exotoxins can cause inflammatory responses in the stomach, resulting in conditions like gastritis and gastric ulcers. Additionally, it can lead to systemic inflammation and influence the development of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Symptoms such as stomach pain, burning sensations, and bitterness in the mouth may indicate H.Pylori infection, affecting individuals differently based on ulcer locations.
Diagnosis and Treatment Considerations for H.Pylori
Diagnosis of H.Pylori can involve various tests like urea breath tests and stool antigen tests. Understanding the context and symptoms is crucial in deciding on treatment, with considerations including virulence factors, associated symptoms like autoimmunity, and family history of related conditions. Effective eradication of H.Pylori can be achieved through herbal treatments like barberry, oregano, and golden seal, balancing treatment with healing stomach lining for optimal results.
Erin was inspired to create this episode after sharing her recent stool test with clinically high levels of H. Pylori. She dives into the hotly debated topic within the industry: is H. Pylori an integral part of our health or is it something that needs to be completely eradicated? Learn the nuances behind how to test for H. Pylori, when we should treat it, and when it may be best left alone.
Are you a practitioner who is interested in learning the nitty-gritty of H. Pylori, stool tests & gut health? Apply to the Funk’tional Nutrition Academy. Applications for the spring cohort are now open!
Timestamps
(7:39) What H. Pylori is and how it suppresses stomach acid
(13:00) The role H. Pylori plays in gastritis and ulcers
(16:01) Classic symptoms of stomach ulcers
(18:54) The connection between H. Pylori and other health issues
(20:17) Ways to test for H. Pylori
(27:00) Why treatment should never be solely based upon lab results