What The Heck is H Pylori?
I use to completely dismiss the idea of actual “bugs” in the gut. It seemed weird and unspoken so I just left it. Now it’s something I primarily address in clinical practice with every single client no matter the ailment.
What is H Pylori? A bacterium in the stomach, often lining the small intestine. Most clients are shocked when I tell them more than half of the population in the U.S has elevated levels of h pylori. I would say most bacteria is heightened through drinking water, pets, and stress! This bacteria infects the protective tissue that lines the stomach (left untreated = potential leaky gut) leading to a release of toxins and a heightened activation of the immune system (internal stressor). Without addressing this infection, most people are left with heartburn, reflux, indigestion, belching, gastritis, ulcers, nausea, acne, constipation, chronic migraines… ultimately metabolic choas.
Increasing evidence suggests that H. Pylori may be protective in small amounts, but overgrowths are generally problematic. This is a highly contagious bacteria and may call for the entire family to be tested. The presence of virulence factors increase the risk of gastritis, gastric cancer, and duodenal and peptic ulcers.
I run what’s called a GI Map in my R+R functional program where we can test for H Pylori and virulence factors. Below you can see an example of what it looks like on a lab screening where H Pylori came back high and without any virulence factors (YAY)!
This client is a mom of one who lacks energy, feels fatigue every day, and suffers with hemorrhoids. She explained she hasn’t felt herself since before she had her two year old daughter. Alongside her depleted sex hormones, she tested positive for H Pylori and we were able to see some other bacterial overgrowths and high inflammation. We also ran a GI Map on her 2 year old daughter who suffered from a bright red rash on her bottom. We are currently working to rid the infection in both mother and child and prevent symptoms and future illness that could result from the infection!
I honestly think it is wild that in the years of going to the doctor annually for general blood chemistry, checking for gut dysbiosis, parasites, yeast infections, bacterial infections- isn’t even thought of! I have clients who said they complained of common H Pylori symptoms to their gastroenterologist and all they did was a colonoscopy.
In the current toxicity of our fast paced world, it is unlikely that this infection will go away on its own. If you suspect H Pylori- get tested and work with a practitioner to open detoxification pathways and implement a proper eradication protocol. You can contact me here to see if we’re a good fit!
xx, Steph
