Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that affects about two-thirds of the world’s population. The bacterium is typically transmitted through unclean water or food sources. If this is left untreated then the person can develop peptic ulcers or even stomach cancer, worst-case scenario.
When H. pylori infects the lining of the stomach, the most common symptom is bloating. Other symptoms can include a burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, or frequent burping. Rather than going for antibiotics, which can induce negative side effects like diarrhea, loss of appetite, or nausea, there are natural remedies that are growing in popularity.
If you are bloated, it doesn’t mean that you have H. pylori in your system, but it is a high possibility, considering that 66% of the world has it. If you do have the bacterium and are bloated, use the following remedies to help.
Green Tea
Regularly consuming green tea naturally helps prevent stomach inflammation. A 2009 study actually showed that green tea was effective at slowing the growth, and even killing, H. pylori. Green tea also helps calm gaseousness or nausea.
Black Seed
Several studies have found that a daily dose of 2 grams of black seed is about as effective as triple therapy, which includes two antibiotics and an acid blocker, when it comes to treating H. pylori. Black seed helps naturally rid the bacteria from the body, but each person may respond to this treatment differently.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has a strong antibacterial response to H. pylori strains. Since three of these strains are resistant to antibiotics, olive oil may be a better approach to naturally rid it from the body.
Broccoli Sprouts
Sulphoraphane is the compound in broccoli sprouts that may be helpful in fighting H. pylori. A study showed that 78% of people, who ate broccoli sprouts twice a day for a week straight, had stools that were free of the infection. The powerful compound has been identified to help treat over 150 diseases.
In addition to the above remedy, you can also drink a smoothie that consists of:
- 1 lemon
- 1 cucumber
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger root
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera juice
- a bunch of cilantro or parsley
- 4 ounces of water
Blend the ingredients in a blender and add a little ice if you like your smoothie colder.
Always remember to stay hydrated. Water does not make you bloated and doesn’t cause water retention. In fact, water actually helps flush toxins from your body and it keeps you from becoming bloated.
