Helicobacter pylori belongs to gram-negative bacteria and naturally inhabits our digestive tract. The problem occurs when it comes into contact with the stomach lining, where it can cause changes such as inflammation of the stomach lining and increased secretion of stomach acid. If it is not recognized and treated in time, it leads to much more serious health problems such as ulcers on the stomach and duodenum, then peptic ulcer, and in rare, severe cases, stomach cancer. That is why it is important to know how to recognize the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori, how to react properly and what to do if you are diagnosed with the presence of this bacterium. Read all about it below. How is Helicobacter pylori obtained? Helicobacter pylori is transmitted by contact from one person to another, usually within a family where one member is infected and where utensils for eating and drinking are shared. Also, through saliva with a kiss or other close contact. It is easily transmitted through contaminated water and unwashed fruits and vegetables. The cause can also be poor hygiene, more precisely unwashed hands after defecation. Given that it is associated with poor hygiene, it is more common in environments where hygiene is not at an enviable level. Helicobacter pylori - symptoms Over 50% of the world's population is thought to have this bacteria, but only some will develop symptoms. Whether the symptoms of the bacteria will manifest or not will depend a lot on the person's immunity. Bacteria can stay in the body for years without symptoms ever appearing, while in others they will be pronounced and significantly impair the quality of life of a person. Symptoms usually occur between meals and during the night, and can last from a few minutes to a few hours. These are the most common symptoms of Helicobacter pylori: Nausea and vomiting Feeling of bloating and heaviness Mustard Stench Stomach ache A feeling of satiety even after eating a small amount of food Helicobacter pylori stool color is usually dark red or black Diarrhea Nutrition in Helicobacter pylori Follow these rules when planning your menu: Exclude from your diet foods that irritate the stomach lining, such as sweets Dishes should be of moderate temperature Do not eat quickly, but chew each bite well Drink at least 2 liters of water a day Eat smaller portions of food, 5 to 6 times a day Give preference to foods from the following list: Cereals - it is recommended to consume whole wheat bread, oats and barley Eat rice (whole grain or red) in combination with grilled chicken for lunch, but not after 3 pm Soups, broths and cooked dishes are desirable, but without strong spices, sprinkles, artificial spices that have additives in them Dairy products - kefir, yogurt, sour milk, cottage cheese and sometimes butter are allowed Vegetables - carrots, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, rocket, cauliflower, and legumes (beans, peas) in the form of puree, but limited intake Fruits - raspberries, cranberries, apples, pears Meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit...) or fish (sea or river) should be boiled, stewed or grilled, never fried. Soft-boiled eggs are recommended. Food that bothers you Helicobacter pylori does not tolerate certain foods and methods of food preparation. Avoid: wheat and corn bread animal fat and fattier types of meat and fish scrambled eggs cow milk tomatoes and tomato products, onions, cucumbers, green peppers mushrooms spicy and salty dishes sausages canned foods carbonated drinks and alcohol fruits with a thick skin (peaches, grapes, cherries) Helicobacter pylori test To know for sure if you have Helicobacter pylori in your body, you can check it with the following tests: A breath test (breath test) is often used and is a completely safe, non-invasive method. This test is also applied after the prescribed therapy to determine if healing has occurred. It is performed by having the patient first drink a solution with urea. On this occasion, a certain amount of carbon dioxide is produced. The test determines the amount of accumulated carbon dioxide by measuring its presence in the patient's breath. You should not eat six hours before the test to avoid a false negative result. Through a blood sample - the presence of IgG and IgA antibodies to helicobacter is checked. This Helicobacter test is used for primary diagnostics and cannot be used to determine the success of the applied therapy Stool (faeces) test - considering that this bacterium from the stomach reaches the large and small intestine, analysis of a stool sample can determine in a very reliable way whether you have this bacterium. A woman looks at a Helicobacter bacterium through a microscope Helicobacter pylori - treatment The recommended type of treatment for helicobacter pylori involves the use of the so-called triple therapy in which the following drugs are combined: Antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori (usually two) Blockers of gastric acid secretion Medicines that protect the lining of the stomach Why exactly this combination of drugs? First of all, there are antibiotics that will make sure to eliminate the causative agent of the disease - Helicobacter pylori. Since it causes a stomach ulcer, it is necessary to apply drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach