Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium commonly found in the stomach. The bacteria's shape and the way they move allow them to penetrate the stomach's protective mucous lining, where they produce substances that weaken the lining and make the stomach more susceptible to damage from gastric acids.
The bacteria can also attach to cells of the stomach, causing stomach inflammation (gastritis), and can stimulate the production of excess stomach acid. Over time, infection with the bacteria can also increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Although it is not known how H. pylori infection is spread, scientists believe it may be contracted through food and water.
Symptoms
- Gastritis or peptic ulcer disease
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Burping
- Burning
- Gnawing
- Nausea
- Vomiting (vomit may be bloody or look like coffee grounds)
Do a simple acid test at home. This test is an economical way for you to ascertain if you have too much or too little acid in your stomach. Do this test first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything else.
Method: Mix a quarter teaspoon of fresh Bicarbonate of Soda into a small glass of warm water. Swallow the contents of the glass and relax for a few minutes (Note that this test is effective only if done on an empty stomach first thing in the morning).
Home Test results: If you belch dramatically and within one minute of swallowing this mixture, it is likely you have too much acid. If it takes two to three minutes to belch, your levels of acid are probably normal. If it takes longer than five or six minutes to belch, it is very likely that you have lower than normal levels of stomach acid.
Drink Water
I cured a very bad case in three days simply by drinking water... lots of water. I started by drinking two 12 oz. glasses every hour for three or four hours and then went to one glass every hour for the rest of the day. As the pain subsided I lengthened the time between drinks to two hours, then three, etc. until I reached three times a day.