Inside: If you’re dealing with persistent bloating, reflux or gut fatigue and wondering if Helicobacter pylori is the culprit — this article takes you through what the infection really looks like in women, and how to support your gut naturally.
My Story: Finding Answers
When I began noticing constant bloating, a burning sensation in my stomach and persistent heartburn that would not resolve, I initially thought it was “from all my past antibiotic use.” However, with me struggling with weight loss as well, I realized that something much deeper was going on.
Then I learned about Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori), which is a spiral-shaped bacteria that can live in your stomach lining and can cause everything from mild stomach discomfort to severe ulcers.
Although I ended up not having H. pylori, I understood that I had to rule it out. So, I did a breath test ordered through my doctor, along with a GI-MAP comprehensive stool test (the same test I recommend to my clients). After taking both tests, I received negative results. Although I was relieved to know that I did not have the bacteria, learning about H. pylori helped me understand how sneaky and difficult it is to diagnose.
If you are experiencing unexplained heartburn, digestive issues, anxiety, sugar cravings, or simply do not understand what is happening – then this article is for you. In this article, we will discuss what H. pylori is, what it does, and how both conventional treatment methods and H. pylori natural treatment approaches can help.
What H. Pylori Really Is
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the lining of the stomach and generally lives quietly there. It is estimated that approximately 50% of the world’s population may have H. pylori; however, most people do not experience any noticeable symptoms [1].
For those that do experience symptoms, H. pylori typically causes inflammation and discomfort and can lead to more serious problems in the future.
Possible symptoms of H. pylori include:
• A burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach
• Heartburn or persistent acid reflux
• Bloating or gas after eating
• Nausea or lack of desire to eat
• Unexplained weight loss
• Low levels of iron or B12 (due to poor absorption)
• Fatigue or brain fog
If H. pylori is not treated properly, these symptoms can become progressively worse, drain your energy and affect hormone function, mood and immune function. I see this occurring in women with anxiety or PMS that have worsening symptoms because their digestive system is inflamed. They don’t realize their gut is silently sending signals of distress.
What Causes It and Why It’s So Common
People can pick up H. pylori through saliva, contaminated food/water, or by being in close proximity to someone who is carrying the bacteria. Once H. pylori enters the body, it burrows into the lining of the stomach and hides from stomach acid [2].
Additionally, H. pylori thrives in environments where stomach acid is low, which occurs more often when you’re in a state of chronic stress, taking acid suppressing medication regularly, skipping meals, or eating on the go.
That’s why I tell my clients that “low stomach acid” is not always the underlying issue – it may be a symptom of a larger issue. A body constantly stressed prioritizes survival over digestion. Over time, constant stress can alter the pH level of the gut, slow enzyme function, and this can open the door for H. pylori to find a new home.
Risks Associated with Untreated H. Pylori
You might carry H. pylori with no noticeable symptoms, and it may not progress. However, if H. pylori remains active or becomes more aggressive, it has been linked with the development of:
• Stomach ulcers and/or chronic gastritis (stomach inflammation)
• Iron/B12 deficiency due to malabsorption
• Increased likelihood of developing stomach cancer or MALT lymphoma in long-standing infections [3]
In addition, H. pylori can impact the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, particularly zinc, magnesium, and vitamin C, which are all crucial for hormone regulation and energy production. This is one of the reasons why so many women diagnosed with H. pylori also report fatigue, decreased libido, or mood swings. The relationship between the gut and hormone regulation is strong.
Even if you’re feeling “only a little off,” it is worthwhile to have it tested, rather than ignore it.
How to Test for H. Pylori
Here is how you get checked:
• A urea breath test is non-invasive and is commonly ordered through your doctor.
• A stool antigen test detects the presence of active infection.
• The GI-MAP Comprehensive Stool Test is a functional test that provides information regarding not only the presence or absence of H. pylori, but also its virulence factor (how aggressive the strain is) and antibiotic resistance markers. This information can allow for a more effective treatment plan.
If you’d like to learn more about the different types of at-home stool test kits available, check out my blog post, which explains what to look for. I explain what each of these tests measures and why I recommend the GI-MAP comprehensive stool test for identifying H. pylori, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance markers [4].
For my clients who have experienced symptoms for a long period of time (months) or have a history of antibiotic use, acid suppressing medication use, or nutrient deficiencies – the GI-MAP test often gives the missing piece needed. If you ‘d like to learn about the best probiotics to recover from digestive distress check out my blog post on the best probiotics for gut health.
Treatment Options: Conventional vs. Functional (Natural)
Conventional treatment involves triple or quadruple therapy – two antibiotics + a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Bismuth is sometimes added to this treatment. The American College of Gastroenterology recently published an updated ACG guideline recommending a 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy as the preferred first-line regimen for treating H. pylori [5].
This treatment approach is highly effective in most cases and is required if you have ulcers, bleeding, or pre-cancerous changes in your stomach lining. However, it is possible to disrupt your gut microbiome and promote the overgrowth of yeast, or fungus. If you don’t address digestive health issues after completing treatment, you may experience more symptoms.
Simple, natural ingredients like mastic gum, chamomile, and broccoli sprouts can play a gentle role in gut repair and H. pylori support.
H. pylori Natural Treatment: Functional Approach
If an infection is mild to moderate, someone is sensitive to antibiotics, or they want a gentler approach, there are functional approaches to treat H. pylori:
- Mastic Gum: Mastic gum is a resin from the mastic tree that shows antibacterial activity in vitro and in small human studies – although results are mixed [6].
- Berberine: Berberine supports the health of the gastrointestinal tract, reduce the burden of bacteria, and regulates blood glucose and inflammation [7].
- Zinc Carnosine: Zinc carnosine is ideal for supporting the mucosa and reducing burning sensations in the stomach.
- Probiotics: Studies show that specific strains of probiotics can improve the rate of successful eradication of H. pylori, and lowers side effects [7, 8].
- Diet/Lifestyle: Emphasize whole foods and anti-inflammatory eating. Eliminate inflammatory or triggering foods such as coffee, alcohol, spicy/acidic foods, and processed foods. Identify and remove food sensitivities. Reduce stress – your gut cannot recover until your nervous system returns to a calm state.
- Rebuilding Phase: Regardless of whether the gut has been damaged by H. Pylori, drugs, or other sources, rebuilding the lining of the mucosa is essential. Rebuilding with probiotics, getting good quality sleep, reducing chronic stress, and optimizing your body’s ability to digest food all play a role. There is still ongoing research into what effect balancing the gut microbiome has on treatment and reduction of reinfection risk with H. Pylori [9].
Many people notice as their gut lining starts to repair, their bodies start to absorb nutrients better, sugar cravings fade and their energy increases. This is a sign your body is starting to find balance.
What Functional Practitioners Typically Recommend
We use this simple model as our guide:
1. Test — Confirm presence and/or severity of infection, which includes identifying the type/strain of bacteria.
2. Treat — Decide whether to treat using a natural approach, antibiotic treatment (or a combination of both), depending upon the individual situation.
3. Rebuild — Repair the gut lining and replenish the good bacteria that inhabit the gut. Replenish nutritional deficiencies.
4. Retest — Make sure the bacteria have been successfully eliminated and provide tools for after care.
If antibiotics are necessary, we immediately begin the rebuilding process to minimize additional damage to the gut. We incorporate probiotics, soothing herbs, digestive support and mineral supplements to help create an environment where H. Pylori cannot grow.
A follow up test 8-12 weeks from the first will verify whether or not the infection is gone and if stomach acid is once again able to function properly and protectively, so that H. pylori is less likely to come back.
My Turning Point
Finding out that I didn’t have H. pylori was a huge relief, but the bigger takeaway was that I still needed to test instead of guess.
I see women in my practice feeling frustrated from taking one supplement after another, feeling bloated, anxious, craving a lot of caffeine or sugar, and feeling exhausted. Once they get solid test results and a smart plan they begin to feel better. It is the opposite of the just “take this and hope” plan that we are often forced to implement when our bloodwork is “normal.”
That’s why my Calm & Clear Method program helps busy women get answers and a plan without relying on guessing, or a complicated approach.
Practical Actions to Take If You Suspect H. Pylori
There are 5 practical actions you can take immediately:
1. Get Tested. Get a breath test or stool antigen test. If you’d like deeper info, consider getting the GI-MAP test.
2. Support Your Stomach Lining. Eat foods high in zinc, vitamin C, and antioxidants — such as pumpkin seeds, leafy greens, and berries. Include proteins such as wild caught fish and bone-in poultry to provide amino acids necessary for repairing the lining of your stomach.
3. Manage Stress. Do some brief daily routines (such as walking, breathwork, or short yoga sessions). When you’re relaxed, your digestion improves. Even 5 minutes of deep breathing prior to eating can make a big difference.
4. Eliminate Irritants. Reduce your intake of coffee, alcohol, spicy/acidic foods, and processed foods. Give your system a break. Some herbal teas that may ease irritation include chamomile, marshmallow root (if tolerated) and ginger.
5. Rebuild After Taking Antibiotics. Use probiotics, mucosal nutrients, and good sleep for at least 6-8 weeks post-treatment. This is the most important part of the recovery process for long-term health.
If you don’t know where to begin, remember repairing your gut lining is a process. It is about consistently doing things that will allow your body to recover and for your body to understand that it is safe to do so.
Low energy, brain fog, or feeling run-down can be signs your iron needs support. This free guide and meal plan share simple, food-first ways to support iron absorption, steady your energy, and rebuild your iron levels naturally.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with H. pylori can feel messy and confusing — especially when you are experiencing burnout, excessive sugar cravings, and trying to manage stress, hormones and digestion all at once.
Your body simply needs the right level of support, clear information, and a bit of time to recover and reset. It is possible to recover with H. pylori natural treatment approaches.
If you would like personalized support, learn more about The Calm & Clear Method – A 3- month journey that allows you to regain control over your digestion, reduce anxiety, eliminate sugar cravings, regulate your nervous system, and gain more vitality and energy. Through advanced testing, coaching and support, we identify underlying imbalances and rebuild your foundation for long-term wellness.
If you’d rather watch than read, go to my Work With Me page and take a look at my free 15-minute Mini Masterclass and I explain step-by-step how I support women in calming their cravings, resetting their gut, balancing their nervous system, and ultimately feeling like themselves again.
And if you’d like a quick and easy way to begin making changes today, download my free Guide: 5 Ways to Support Iron Levels Naturally — five simple steps to support iron levels, improve your digestive system, and stabilize your nervous system. Check out all the free guides in the freebies library.
Be well,
Alysha Breanne
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Alysha Breanne, CHN, CFNP — Certified Holistic and Functional Nutritionist helping women with iron deficiency, low ferritin, fatigue, and absorption issues restore steady energy using personalized nutrition and testing when needed.