Worried about an H. Pylori Infection? Test for H Pylori Today.
What Is H Pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H Pylori) is an acid-tolerant bacteria found in the stomach of about 50% of people worldwide. H. pylori is not always pathogenic; it becomes pathogenic in approximately 15% of individuals. The pathogenic potential of H. pylori is determined in part by the presence of genetic “virulence factors”. However, while individual human studies associate increased disease or cancer risk with each virulence factor, there is an equal impact on disease risk from host genetics and environmental factors.
What Causes H Pylori Infection?
Conditions or circumstances that increase the likelihood of contracting the H. pylori bacteria (predisposing factors) include upset stomach, comorbid disease, psychological stress, or other lifestyle choices that alter the acidity or microbiome in the stomach (dysbiosis). Dysbiosis occurs when bacteria beneficial to the host are replaced in the microbiome by opportunistic or pathogenic bacteria or when certain bacteria native to the microbiome are able to overgrow. Dysbiotic bacteria produce compounds that can increase local inflammation or infection risk. Gastric infections often present as functional dyspepsia.
What Are the First Symptoms of H Pylori?
The most common general symptom of H pylori is a lingering upset stomach with no obvious cause (functional dyspepsia).
Symptoms of functional dyspepsia may include:
- Pain or burning in the epigastric area
- Epigastric pain unrelated to meals or relieved by eating
- Pain or burning in the stomach area
- Early satiety during meals
- Excessive belching or nausea after meals
- Bloating
Severe h pylori symptoms:
- Blood in vomit
- Blood in stool
- Severe or ongoing abdominal pain that may awaken you from sleep
- Unintentional weight loss
Does H Pylori Cause Diarrhea?
Yes, H pylori may sometimes result in intermittent unresolved diarrhea. The relationship between H. pylori infection and diarrhea has been a subject of research for years. Some studies suggest that individuals infected with this bacterium may experience changes in their bowel habits, including episodes of diarrhea. One possible explanation lies in how H. pylori affects gastric acid secretion. Reduced gastric acid can impair digestion and nutrient absorption, potentially leading to symptoms like bloating and diarrhea due to undigested food entering the intestines too quickly. Another possible explanation lies in how H. pylori affects gut motility—the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract. Changes in motility can lead to rapid transit time in the intestines, resulting in loose stools or diarrhea.
What Is the Most Accurate Test for H Pylori?
The most accurate confirmatory test for detecting H. pylori is an invasive upper endoscopy. Howbeit, with advancements in laboratory science, an H. pylori PCR test can detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in stool samples. It uses a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and identify specific genetic material from the bacteria. PCR testing for H. pylori in stool is highly sensitive and specific. PCR testing in stool samples is an easy way to screen patients simultaneously for the presence of other pathogens. H. Pylori testing is standard on 4U Health’s Advanced GI Microbiome Profile. If H pylori is detected, it can be important to screen for genetic changes in the H. pylori bacteria because the presence of H. pylori virulence factors can increase the risk of severe disease or gastric cancer. The presence of individual “virulence factors” varies widely worldwide in different human populations.
Why Is It Important to Also Test for H Pylori Virulence Factors?
Based on current evidence, it is reasonable to assume that the greater the number of virulence factors present, the greater the increased risk of disease or cancer might be. Co-infection of the stomach mucosa with the Epstein-Barr virus can further increase gastric cancer risks.
Does H Pylori Cause Cancer?
Yes. While H. pylori infection itself is not typically the direct cause of illness, a persistent infection often results in chronic inflammation in the stomach, known as non-atrophic gastritis. Over time, this inflammation can lead to various conditions, such as atrophic gastritis (which involves thinning of the stomach lining due to prolonged irritation) and certain forms of gastric cancer. These include gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Due to its link to stomach cancer, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified H. pylori as a human carcinogen in 1994. In 2021, the National Toxicology Program included chronic H. pylori infection in its list of substances that are known or reasonably expected to cause cancer in humans, in their 15th Report on Carcinogens.
There is still some uncertainty regarding whether chronic H. pylori infection is connected to a higher risk of other types of cancer. Some studies have suggested a potential relationship between H. pylori infection and pancreatic cancer, but a 2023 meta-analysis of observational studies did not find enough evidence to confirm this link. However, there is increasing evidence pointing to a connection between H. pylori infection and a heightened risk of colorectal cancer.
Interestingly, while H. pylori infection is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, it has also been linked to a reduced risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a form of esophageal cancer that is often related to conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Moreover, chronic infection with H. pylori is a well-known cause of peptic ulcers, which can affect both the stomach and the upper small intestine.
Can H Pylori Be Cured Naturally?
If virulence factors are present, or the treatment of H. pylori is otherwise clinically indicated, some natural agents may be used to support the restoration of normal gastric mucosal function or the eradication of pathogenic H. pylori. These agents may work best as adjunctive agents used with conventional therapies. Natural therapeutic interventions have been shown superior to medications such as anti-acid medications such as omeprazole or cimetidine and may include:
Repair of gastric mucosal damage (ulcers, NSAID use, stress, etc.)
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Avoid known irritants: Such as NSAIDs (aspirin, indomethacin, ibuprofen, naproxen), psychological stress, etc.
Food allergies or sensitivities: May increase mucosal inflammation throughout the GI tract. Consider evaluating for food allergies with 4U Health’s At-Home IgE Food Antibody Screening Panel and for food sensitivities with 4U Health’s At-Home IgG Food Sensitivity Panel. - Ingested mycotoxins: Can disrupt mucosal barrier functions. Mold contamination is common in processed foods, grains, and dried foods. If mold exposure is suspected, consider a Mycotoxin Test available under the At-Home Wellness Tests section on 4U Health’s website.
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Consider herbal demulcents and anti-inflammatories:
- Camellia sinensis: Tea (green or black) can help heal gastric lesions. Animal studies suggest that black tea theaflavins may be particularly effective in repairing the effects of NSAID use.
- Curcumin: Offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may assist in repairing the gut mucosa.
- Flavonoids: Quercetin and other flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Catechin, epicatechin, and rutin may also help decrease the risk of gastric cancers.
- Glycyrrhiza glabra: Also known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), taken 20-30 minutes before meals, may help.
- Vaccinium myrtillus: European blueberry contains anthocyanoside compounds that offer anti-ulcer activity.
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Vitamins to support gut health:
- Carotenoids: Vitamin A precursors with potent antioxidant effects.
- Vitamin C: Supports normal gastric digestion. H. pylori infections can inhibit Vitamin C secretion into the stomach lumen.
- Vitamin B12: Supplementation may be necessary as H. pylori infections impair normal B12 absorption from the gut.
- Vitamin D: May help suppress inflammatory cytokines induced by pathogenic H. pylori.
H Pylori Takeaways
Screening individuals with functional dyspepsia for H. pylori and other potential gastric pathogens can guide clinical decisions regarding therapeutic interventions. Evaluating H. pylori virulence factors may help further define long-term risks and guide dietary, nutritional, and lifestyle supports to minimize risk and improve gastrointestinal health. At-Home Stool Testing is a first line option to help start your journey to resolving unknown GI symptoms, but with any medical condition, it is always beneficial to circle in a physician for proper guidance and treatment.
References:
CDC. Helicobacter pylori CDC Yellow Book 2024. Url. May 01, 2023. Accessed March 28, 2025.
Chang WL, Yeh YC, Sheu BS. The impacts of H. pylori virulence factors on the development of gastroduodenal diseases.
Francis P, Zavala SR. Functional Dyspepsia. [Updated 2022 Apr 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL):
Guo G, Jia KR, Shi Y, Liu XF, Liu KY, Qi W, Guo Y, Zhang WJ, Wang T, Xiao B, Zou QM. Psychological stress enhances the colonization of the stomach by Helicobacter pylori in the BALB/c mouse.
Höcker M, Hohenberger P. Helicobacter pylori virulence factors–one part of a big picture.
Iizasa H, Ishihara S, Richardo T, Kanehiro Y, Yoshiyama H. Dysbiotic infection in the stomach.
Ivyna de Araújo Rêgo R, Guedes Silvestre GF, Ferreira de Melo D, Albino SL, Pimentel MM, et al. Flavonoids-Rich Plant Extracts Against Helicobacter pylori Infection as Prevention to Gastric Cancer.
Khalifehgholi M, Shamsipour F, Ajhdarkosh H, Ebrahimi Daryani N, Pourmand MR, Hosseini M, Ghasemi A, Shirazi MH. Comparison of five diagnostic methods for Helicobacter pylori.
Nbavi-Rad A, et al. (2022) The Effects of Vitamins and Micronutrients on Helicobacter pylori Pathogenicity, Survival, and Eradication: A Crosstalk between Micronutrients and Immune System.
