Diet for Helicobacter pylori infection
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Compliance with diet in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases plays a key role in the process of treatment and maintenance of health. A specially selected diet reduces the load on the GI tract organs, improves digestion, reduces the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms, maintains the correct balance of intestinal microflora, does not interfere with the effect of drugs and promotes early recovery. The presence in the body of diseases caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a direct indication for the development of a special diet and is an important aspect of the treatment of this bacterial disease.
Causes of Helicobacter pylori occurrence
Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a bacterium that causes various problems in the stomach, such as ulcers and inflammation of the mucous membrane. Its hallmark is that it can survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and quickly adapts to antibiotic treatment. Several factors can contribute to the emergence and infection of this bacterium:
- Human-to-human transmission: Helicobacter pylori is usually transmitted from person to person, especially in close contact: through saliva, water and feces.
- Poor hygiene: Poor personal hygiene or negligence in sanitation.
- Insufficient boiling of water: Drinking water containing Helicobacter pylori can be a source of infection. This is especially true in regions with low water purification standards.
- Infected food: Food that has not been properly cooked or processed can be a source of the bacteria. For example, undercooked meat or use of raw foods.
- Genetic predisposition: If family members have a history of infection with the bacteria, the risk of infection in other family members may be increased.
Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori
How to diagnose the presence of Helicobacter pylori? Unfortunately, there is no way, just as you should not treat Helicobacter with folk remedies. Here it is more correct to talk about the symptoms that accompany diseases caused by this bacterium. These symptoms can vary, and in some people, the infection can be carried almost asymptomatically. Here are some of the possible symptoms associated with Helicobacter Pylori infection:
- Dyspepsia - discomfort in the upper abdominal area, such as burning, pain, or a feeling of fullness after eating.
- Upper abdominal pain: a feeling of discomfort or pain in the stomach area that may be associated with ulcers or inflammation.
- Belching and heartburn. The fact that Helicobacter pylori can lead to an increase in the production of gastric juice causes these symptoms.
- Changes in appetite (constant feeling of dizziness or, conversely, lack of desire to eat).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Changes in the stool: in consistency, frequency, the appearance of diarrhea or constipation.
However, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate Helicobacter pylori, as they may also be associated with other GI diseases. Diagnosis and treatment should be done under the guidance of a physician.
Diet for Helicobacter pylori - principles of nutrition
If you have been officially diagnosed with a condition caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, however, dietary intervention can help alleviate symptoms and speed healing. It is important to follow a specific menu aimed at alleviating symptoms and accelerating healing. A diet for chylactobacillus should be based on principles such as:
- Soft and easily digestible food.
- Fractional meals (preferably eat 5-6 times, but in small portions).
- Avoidance of spicy and acidic foods/dishes.
- Limit coffee and tea.
- Restriction (or better - refusal) of bad habits.
A diet with Helicobacter pylori and its general principles do not exclude individuality, so it is extremely important to personalize the diet, taking into account personal characteristics and reactions of the body. Before making drastic changes in the diet should consult with a doctor or nutritionist.
Foods allowed in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection
Nutrition with Helicobacter pylori includes a fairly extensive list of allowed foods that do not irritate the gastric mucosa, as well as promote healing and maintain overall health. We list what foods Helicobacter is "afraid" of:
- Soft enveloping porridges: Oatmeal, Hercules, rice.
- Low-fat proteins: cottage cheese, lean meats (skinless chicken, turkey), fish.
- Low-fat proteins: cottage cheese, lean meats (skinless chicken, turkey), fish.
- Soft fruits: Bananas, peaches, sweet apples - these can be safe for those with stomach problems.
- Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, zucchini - boiled or stewed vegetables can be easily digestible.
- Soft dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese - low-fat options are preferable.
- Broths: Broths based on lean meat, poultry or vegetables.
- Liquid porridges: Wheat porridge, rice soup - liquid and easily digestible.
- Honey: Honey can have an antimicrobial effect and promote healing.
- Foods high in vitamin C: For example, strawberries. Since vitamin C helps in tissue healing.
Probiotic foods
They contain microorganisms that are necessary to maintain the balance of microflora in the intestine. Products of this type include: yogurt with live and active cultures of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria, bifidocultures, traditional Japanese products such as miso (fermented soybean paste) and tempeh (fermented soybeans).
By the way, Russian microbiologist, Nobel laureate I.I. Mechnikov more than 100 years ago spoke about the importance of intestinal microflora and even developed his own "elixir of youth", later called "Mechnikov's simple milk". Years later, his ingenious idea about the recovery of the body through the restoration of intestinal microflora was used and developed by Japanese researchers. Scientists began to further study the influence of microorganisms on intestinal microflora and, as a consequence, the duration and quality of life. After several decades of research, the metabiotic Daigo was born.
Daigo creates an ideal environment for the growth of native beneficial intestinal bacteria while blocking pathogenic microflora. It contains valuable secrets from 16 species of intestinal lactobacilli, which helps to bring into balance the individual and unique each person's intestinal microflora and the entire microbiome. To date, Daigo has been credited with dozens of success stories for various GI diseases, including those caused by Helicobacter pylori. It has been verified more than once that this persistent microorganism ceases to be isolated in tests, after six months of taking Daigo, and its presence in the body is reduced to a safe minimum.
What shouldn’t eat patients with Helicobacter pylori?
Nutrition with Helicobacter Pylori in the stomach, of course, contains a list of foods that are forbidden to eat. It is recommended to avoid foods that can irritate the gastric mucosa, stimulate gastric juice production or increase symptoms. Here are a few categories of foods that should often be limited or eliminated from the diet:
- Spicy and acidic foods: lemons, limes, oranges, tomatoes, ketchup, hot peppers, and other foods high in acid or spices.
- Fatty foods: meat, fried potatoes, lard, smoked meats, etc. All of these can stimulate excessive production of gastric juice.
- Caffeine: coffee, tea and other drinks with caffeine can increase gastric juice production.
- Caffeine: coffee, tea and other drinks with caffeine can increase gastric juice production.
- Alcohol: alcohol can increase the risk of ulcers and worsen the condition of already problematic gastric mucosa.
- Very hot or cold foods: extreme temperatures irritate the stomach walls.
- Acidic drinks: carbonated drinks, including those that do not contain caffeine, can increase acidity in the stomach.
- Onions and garlic: they can cause discomfort and increase unpleasant symptoms.
- Too salty food: high salt content also hurts the gastric mucosa.