It is commonly known that H pylori can lead to distress in the digestive system, with symptoms such as heartburn, reflux, belching, vomiting, bloating and gas being commonplace. It is also known that H pylori causes stomach ulcers.
However there is emerging evidence that H pylori may contribute to more serious illnesses. Research has demonstrated a strong association between H pylori and stomach cancer and recently, eyebrows have been raised as new research has suggested a link between bacterial infections and heart disease.
The precise mechanism by which H pylori causes heart disease is not yet known, but researchers believe that it is a person’s own immune system that does the damage. How can this be so?
When a person has H pylori, the body produces antibodies that attack specific protein sequences (called antigens) on the surface of the H pylori bacteria. Scientists have found that the protein sequences of certain human tissues are very similar to those found on H pylori.
Instead of attacking the H pylori, the antibodies attack the tissues of the body instead. The thyroid gland and vascular/heart tissues are thought to be some of the areas of the body that can be affected by this phenomenon, which is known as molecular mimicry.
The resulting onslaught of immune activity against the body’s own tissues is believed to contribute to malfunctioning of those tissues and also to inflammation, which may lead to the accumulation of fat and cholesterol on the arteries.
If H pylori truly does contribute to heart disease, we have yet another reason to eradicate this infection as soon as possible!
For further informatino on this topic, research the work of Dr Aristo Vodjani.
After years of headaches, gut problems, wieght fluctuation, low energy, and low moods a doctor has carried out tests and diagnosed this problem. At long last I no longer feel like a fraud!
My Son has been suffering from stomach pains, feeling sick and says he has eggy breath and he keeps burping. As his mum I’ve not had any symptoms but my mum has had it twice!! My son is 12 years old and has had a few stomach ops due to pyloric stenosis - I have in the passed thought that the stomach probs were due to this, but i’m not sure now - any advice would be appreciated as I keep getting told by my GP that nothing is wrong!!
Many thanks
Dear Dave,
For 15 months now I have had some strange stomach infection.Originally thought to be a marine parasite infection I have been cleared of these by blood tests.
Only by finding a small coiled brown worm of sorts in my faeces which I have sent to labs, do I think I have H pylori.
I had no idea that this was so prevelant here in Spain-and worldwide to the extent of 2/3 rds of the population being infected.
Having a renal ransplat I have to take immuno suppressants each day( for 10 years now) Thus anti bodies are most unlikely to occur in my blood tests. If I produce too many antibodies I will reject my kidney transplant.
Symptoms were mainly in the upper stomach then after a year more arrived in the liver area where I have had the bile duct removed. But of most concern are the pains directly behind my stomach and reaching into my chest and today the left breast. I am really concerned. In one way I hope this is H Pylori so I can treat it. Otherwise I do have a problem. Bearing in mind that the drilling nature of the infection can set up nerve pain I suppose that it is to be expected. As a diabetic from taking immunosuppressants I want to be sure that the pancreas is not being damaged.
I think I need urgent advice which doesn´t seem to be available in the area I live. Please advise me if I can order and pay for your book by post rather than via the web as I dont like to use the computer to pay for things.
Most of all if you can give me some idea if you think this could be H pylori I would be most grateful- My local health shop lady has started me off on Garlic oil. So I feel I am doing something.
Reply soon please.
Helen Bevin -73 this month.
Hi
I have had swollen tummy on and of for over 36 years. This started when i had a pelvic abses and lost my baby. I now look 9 monthes. It not comfie, my back hurts, some times my legs feel waighted down. Im diabetic the dr said it may be due to that. Sent me for a scane and it said that i have a fatty liver. I also suffer from depression. Do you think that I have HP. Do I ask my Dr for a test. Thank you
Mrs R Hempston
Mrs Hempston,
You may have H pylori but there can be other causes of these symptoms.
If you are diabetic, fatty live, depression, it means there is probably more going on than just a digestive infection.
It’s very hard for me to help you in this situation other than to make some dietary changes.
Avoid all cow’s milk, gluten and cut out as much processed sugar from your diet as possible. Go out of your way to drink plenty of clean water and try to minimise caffeine and all other drinks.
If your digestive system is uncomfortable, then asking your doctor for an H pylori test is certainly a good idea as treatment may help relieve your symptoms.
If you would like further information on H Pylori and diet, please see http://www.H-Pylori-Treatment.com
Warm regards,
Dave.
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DIANNA MURREE said,
May 31, 2009 @ 3:11 ami have not been diagnosed yet,but will be seeing a gastric specialist soon.
I feel that I have these symptoms and no real answer except
/REFLUX/IBS? HBP. HEADACHES TIRED BURNING CONSTANTLY UNDER RIGHT RIB CAGE IN AB. I HAD TO NOT EAT FOR 1 WK RESORTED TO CHICKREN SOUP ,EATING ONLY THE BROTH AND POTATOES HELPED. BUT TO NEVER COMPLETELY GO AWAY .IT HAS BEEN 8-9 YRS NOW AND ALWAYS AWARE OF THE BURN, HAD GALLBLADDER ULTRASOUND NOTHING,
THIS IS GOOD INFO AND WILL KEEP IT IN MIND.THANKS DIANNA MURREE.