Helicobacter: what can you do yourself?

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and can cause gastritis, ulcers, and long-term increase gastric cancer risk. What you can do yourself is limited but supportive: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fermented foods (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi) may strengthen immunity. Probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) have shown in studies to reduce bacterial load and mitigate antibiotic side effects. Green tea, broccoli sprouts (sulforaphane), and Manuka honey are also discussed, but lack strong evidence for eradication. Crucially, self-treatment alone is insufficient. Standard therapy requires a prescribed combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. Home stool or breath tests can detect H. pylori but do not replace medical diagnosis. Avoid excessive garlic or essential oils, which may irritate the stomach lining. Evidence: human-strong for diet/probiotics as adjuncts, not as cures. Sources: current guidelines (e.g., Maastricht V/Florence Consensus).