Gastritis H-pylori: how to deal with it?

You often complain of heartburn, acid reflux and nausea, you may be suffering from H. pylori gastritis.

Gastritis is a very painful inflammation of the stomach lining.

It is often caused by the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori, but can have other causes.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that colonizes the gastric mucosa. Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common chronic bacterial infection. It is acquired during childhood, but persists throughout life.

Helicobacter pylori infection affects more than 50% of the world’s population. Its prevalence varies according to geographic location, socioeconomic status and age.

H. pylori is a flagellated, Gram-negative spiral bacillus that survives in the acidic environment of the stomach by producing the enzyme urease. H. pylori infection produces inflammation of the gastric mucosa which is the initial condition causing the pathogenic events.

The infection can be symptomatic or asymptomatic.

It is estimated that 70% to 80% of infections are asymptomatic.

Inflammation or deeper damage to the stomach lining (gastritis) due to H. pylori can cause mild to severe reactions, with:

Epigastric pain
Reflux acide
Regurgitation
Vomiting
Belching
Flatulence
Nausea
Pallor
Depression
Somnolence
Constipation

The diagnosis of H. pylori can be made by invasive methods where biopsies are obtained: culture, histological examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or rapid urease test. Non-invasive methods have been developed, including the labeled urea breath test, a highly reliable test, particularly suitable for post-treatment monitoring, but also the fecal antigen test, as well as the detection of antibodies in serum. .

According to estimates between 2 and 20% of infected people develop an ulcer, 1% of them develop stomach cancer.

-Ulcers (gastric, duodenal)

-Cancers (gastric cancer, MALT lymphoma).

The most commonly used treatment for H. pylori infection is a combination of a proton pump inhibitor to reduce stomach acid production, and two antibiotics, sometimes with bismuth subsalicylate Under medical prescription Of course).

In addition to drug treatment, it is advisable to apply certain dietary measures:

Split meals
Eat a diet rich in vitamin A, as vitamin A has a protective effect by increasing the production of gastric mucus, which creates a protective barrier.
Adopt a diet rich in fiber and antioxidants
Avoid foods high in fat
Reduce consumption of refined grain products
Include plant foods in your diet
Limit processed foods and spices
Reduce your consumption of red meats
Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and carbonated drinks.

Some foods rich in flavonoids to include in your diet:

-Fruits: apple, banana, blueberries, peach, pear, strawberry, orange, grape, lemon, cranberry, melon.
-Vegetables: tomato, pepper, celery, lettuce, onion, asparagus, garlic, kale, spinach, broccoli, artichoke.
-Herbes : persil, thym, aneth.
-Legumes: red and black beans.
-Oilseeds: walnuts, pistachios, cashew nuts.