Include more broccoli in your diet. Broccoli has loads of vitamin C and antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a beloved recommendation amongst physicians. A 100 grams of broccoli each day will give you ample vitamin C in addition to protecting your immune system.

• Broccoli contains selenium, diindolylmethane, and sulforaphane, potent anti-cancer substances that can prevent a peptic ulcer caused by H Pylori from turning cancerous.^[1] These, sulforaphane in particular, are found in high quantities in broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower.
  • The concentration of sulforaphane is around 30 to 50 times higher in young plants than in mature plants. 100 grams of any of these foods containing sulforaphane will be sufficient to battle out H Pylori from your gut.^[2]

Use ginseng as a spice. Research done by Korean scientists has shown that Korean Red Ginseng Extract suppressed the mRNA and protein levels of the H pylori infection. A pinch of ginseng each day as a spice in your meals will do the trick! ^[3]

• In the study, also reduced the gastric inflammation caused by H Pylori by inhibiting the induction of inflammatory mediators in the affected gastric mucosa.
• Ginseng may also help your immune system and regulate blood sugar levels.^[4] If you don’t take it for H Pylori, consider it taking for other health reasons.

Put bananas on your morning yogurt. Researchers have found that bananas help in forming the mucus layer in your stomach which is damaged with an H Pylori infection. Thus, it forms a protective barrier against the infection. It also increases the mucus secretion thus reducing the excess acid production. A banana a day will keep H Pylori away! ^[5]

• Probiotics, which are colon-friendly bacteria, like Lactobacillus Acidophilus, help in inhibiting the growth of H pylori bacteria in the stomach. Though more research is needed, there is strong evidence that active cultures in yogurt may help certain gastrointestinal conditions, including H Pylori.^[6]
• Probiotics can be stocked up by having a bowl of fresh yogurt each day or by having probiotic supplements available OTC. Your family physician will be the best person to tell you which probiotic to opt for and in what quantity.

Eat more cranberries. Cranberry extract consists of anthocyanins^[7] which are a very powerful bacteriostatic agent. Half a glass of cranberry juice can be consumed each day to help curb the infection. It will also rid you of any urinary tract infections.

• The principle action of anthocyanins is to prevent attachment of the bacteria to the walls of the stomach and thus combat the growth of the H pylori infection.

Take zinc. Zinc is an extremely essential supplement when on any other treatment for H pylori. It is as effective as any antacid and helps in prevention of further dyspepsia symptoms. However, the most important effect of this zinc-amino acid combination, of course, has been to kill the H pylori infection. Oysters, beef, lamb, and spinach are all great sources of zinc.

• Researchers also found that when zinc is combined with carnosine which is an amino acid, it not only prevents ulcer formation but also leads to healing of stomach ulcers.
• Japanese researchers found that when zinc-carnosine therapy is added to the triple therapy for H pylori it eradicates almost 100% of bacterial growth.^[8]

Look into taking bismuth. Bismuth is another supplement which is useful for controlling the effects of H pylori infections. Bismuth is otherwise an important content of many antacid preparations and thus has the potency to reduce symptoms and enhance the inhibition of H pylori infection.^[9]

• Bismuth subsalicylate is its official name and it is available as a liquid, tablet, or chewable tablet. It can be taken by mouth, with or without food.^[10] Your doctor will have a good idea whether or not this is right for you.

Consider taking sanguinaria and hydrastasis canadensis. The latest study by John Willey shows that sanguinaria and hydrastasis canadensis extract could inhibit the growth of H pylori bacteria. The roots and rhizomes were screened for antibacterial activity against 15 different strains of H pylori and were effective against them all.^[11]

• With the help of certain alkaloids that were identified in the active fraction of these plants, it was proven that both plants inhibited the growth of H pylori infection. The exact quantities in which they may be consumed has not yet been confirmed.
• Talk to a homeopathic expert for more information on whether or not this remedy is available in your area and if it would be safe for you.

Top it off with thyme. Thyme extract is a very popular remedy in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. A cup of tea may be made by boiling a few sprigs of the herb. You can also top off your dishes with plenty of thyme.

• Researchers investigated the anti-bacterial properties of the thyme extract and found that it had significant antibacterial properties against H pylori and another gut bacteria called E.coli.^[12]

Eat up more ginger. Ginger eradicates harmful bacteria and reduces inflammation.^[13] You can prepare a tea from dried ginger root pieces at home or buy one of the ready-made preparations online or from herbal food stores. Here’s how to make it yourself:

• Take 10-15 small pieces of dried ginger root or freshly peeled and cut ginger root.
• Boil 2-3 cups of water in a saucepan, add the ginger root pieces to it, and cover with a lid.
• Let the water simmer for another five minutes.
• Strain and drink this infusion when it cools down a little.

Make licorice your treat of choice. Licorice has traditionally been used as a rejuvenating tonic for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. The root may be simply washed and chewed each day. Even dried licorice can be eaten as candy.

• In a recent study at the Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Germany, researchers found that Licorice extract had inhibiting properties on H pylori as well as strains which are resistant to amoxicillin and clarithromycin.^[14]

Try berberine. Herbs such as goldenseal, Oregon grapefruit, and barberry contain berberine. Berberine is well known for its antibiotic-like effects. Taking a supplement of 300 mg of berberine 2-3 times a day considerably reduces the concentration of H. Pylori.^[15]

• Always talk to your doctor before you start taking any supplements religiously. Not every supplement is safe — or effective — for every person.

Include lactoferrin in your diet. Lactoferrin is a protein found in cow’s milk (human milk, too).^[16] It regulates how your body absorbs iron into your digestive system, and thus can fight off illness like H Pylori and even diarrhea. It also can be used as an antioxidant and fight off bacteria and viruses. If you’re vegan, it’s also available in supplement form.^[17]

• However, know that some scientists are still out on the matter and say there is insufficient evidence to assert that lactoferrin does help in curing H pylori.^[18][19] That being said, research is promising.

Try mastic gum. Mastic gum is prepared from the resin of the mastic tree. Some research argues that mastic gum has bactericidal activity and can kill H. Pylori. Having a 500mg capsule of mastic gum twice a day for two months may effectively reduce H. Pylori growths, but there is not enough science currently to be 100% sure.^[20]

Take vitamins C and E. It is a proven fact that Vitamin C and E both have strong antioxidant properties which reduce free radicals produced in the body, thus healing patients. Vitamin C and Vitamin E when given to patients suffering from H pylori infections in a trial conducted by researchers showed that when there was a continuous supply of vitamins C and E, patients improved drastically. However, additional research is required as there was no statistical significance.^[21]

• Foods rich in vitamin C are gooseberry, citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, sweet lime, bell peppers and guava. Almonds are known to be rich in vitamin E. Try and consume at least 1 piece of fruit of these each day or 6-8 almonds.
• The daily recommended dietary intake for vitamins C and E for an average adult are 75-90 mcg and 15mg respectively.

Consider taking fish oil. Fish oils procured from salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring and anchovies can be used to treat H pylori due to their high omega 3 and 6 fatty acid content. Consuming a pill of fish oils available OTC each day or having the fish mentioned above 2-3 times a week is sufficient to possibly help an H pylori infection.

• However, again, research is limited. Do not rely on this method alone to combat any digestive ailments, including H Pylori.^[22]

Eat more garlic. Two cloves of garlic every day could reduce the H pylori growth in the stomach and also prevent the new growth of infection, though there’s not a lot of science to back it up.^[18] Feel free to increase your intake, but put to use other measures, too.

• Research has proven, however, that there are strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in garlic. It’s one of mother nature’s wonder foods and is used in the treatment of many ailments.

Try curcumin. The yellow color of turmeric is given by cucurmin. Curcumin largely contains anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties.A pinch of turmeric powder in meals will give colour and health to your meals.

• Studies in the U.S have shown that cucurmin has strong chemoprotective factors as well as enzymes for inhibition of H pylori bacteria. You won’t be surprised to hear, however, that while the research looks good, more is needed to be conclusive.^[23]

Look into taking terminalia chebula extract. Commonly, it is called “haritaki” in Ayurvedic medicine. Its principal constituents are chebulagic, chebulinic acid and corilagin. Terminalia has high antibacterial and antifungal properties and so it is widely used in many preparations. Talk to a homeopathic specialist about this fruit extract if you’re interested.

• A study at the University of Tehran, Iran found that these extracts have very high antibacterial activity in fighting H pylori infections. The fresh fruit may be consumed directly or the dried powder of the fruit may be used with honey and jiggery as a dessert. ^[24]

Try the “dhanurasana” yoga position. Yoga is the most ancient form of rejuvenating the body and releasing the toxins from the body. This asana (or position) will increase the strength of your abdominal muscles as well as improve the fighting power of bacteria in the lining of your stomach by combating acidity. To start, you must lie flat on the ground on your stomach. Here’s how to execute it:

• Bend the knees and hold the ankles using your hands.
• As you start inhaling, raise your head and the chest upwards and the feet backwards and outwards. This will give you a position like an arch where your body touches the ground only at the abdomen.
• Once this position is achieved, place the toes together and rock the entire body forwards and backwards gently 5 to 10 times.

Try the “halasana” position. This asana is done by lying flat on the back, or in the supine position. This will help in improved digestion and reduction in the dyspepsia symptoms of the stomach. Here’s how:

• As you start inhaling, raise your legs by pressing your arms on the ground. Legs should be gently raised vertically up and then slowly still further above the head.
• Exhale and then slowly curl up the legs back into the initial position.
• Then, sit up erect and try touching your forehead to your knees keeping your knees straight.

Do the “bandha and agni sara” position. Keep your legs 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) apart while standing and then bend forward and place your hands on the thighs. Once this position is achieved you can start the asana:

• Exhale completely through the mouth by vigorously contracting the abdominal muscles.
• Simultaneously press your hands and tighten your arm muscles and lift up the ribs. As a result of this, the diaphragm gets sucked up producing a concave depression of the abdomen.
• Start taking deep breaths in and out such that the abdominal wall moves in and out like a pump.
• Repeat this for 25 times and then slowly relax all muscles.