You may have heard of Helicobacter pylori (or just H.pylori) as âthat nasty stomach bugâ linked with ulcers. And yes, it can beâ but the story isnât that straightforward.
This tiny spiral-shaped bacterium has lived alongside humans for over 60,000years, and while it has been blamed for ulcers and even stomach cancer, researchers now believe itâs not always the villain itâs made out to be.
In fact, more than half the worldâs population has it. So whatâs really going on?
What exactly is H. pylori?
- pylori thrives in low-oxygen, carbon dioxide-rich areas like the stomach. It can even change shape to survive tough conditions. Although itâs found in some animals (cows, sheep, goats, pigs), humans are its preferred home.
Most of us will never know we have it because it usually causes no symptoms. Research suggests whether H. pylori causes harm depends a lot on the âterrainâ â your diet, lifestyle, immune system, genetic factors and exposure to toxins. When that internal environment becomes toxic or stressed, problems are more likely to arise.
Hereâs an idea of the numbers:
- 50% of the world is thought to carry H. pylori.
- Of those, around 17% develop ulcers, about 4% experience ulcer complications, and about 1% develop stomach cancer.
- Thatâs still hundreds of millions of people affected.
How does it spread?
- pylori is mostly passed from person to person, but there are several ways it can sneak into our lives:
- Close contact
Itâs often transmitted through saliva, vomit, or other bodily fluids. This is why family members â especially children and parents â often share the bacteria. Studies show children with an infected parent are much more likely to have it themselves. Couples can also pass it back and forth.
- Contaminated food and water
Poor sanitation, unsafe water and unwashed vegetables are all risk factors. In parts of the world where clean water is scarce, the bacteria thrive. Swimming in rivers or eating raw, unwashed veg can also increase risk.
- Animals and animal products
Some animals carry H. pylori. It has been found in the milk of cows, goats and sheep â and living close to domestic or farm animals can expose us too.
- Shared objects
Although less common, shared toothbrushes, glasses, plates, bed linen or medical/dental equipment can transfer H. pylori if theyâre not properly cleaned.
The downsides â when H. pylori turns troublesome
When the relationship between us and the bacteria goes wrong, H. pylori can cause real mischief. It damages the protective lining of the stomach, disrupts gut balance, and triggers inflammation â a key factor in many diseases.
Conditions linked with H. pylori include:
- Gastric or peptic ulcers
- Gastric cancer
- Biliary tract cancer (gallbladder/bile duct)
- MALT lymphoma
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Anaemia
- Periodontitis (gum disease) and dental problems
- Weight gain and metabolic issues
- Certain skin conditions
It may even interfere with hormones, DNA repair and cell function.
Could H. pylori actually be good for us?
This is where things get interesting.
Although the risks sound alarming, most people who have H. pylori never develop any problems. And thereâs growing evidence that these bacteria might have a protective side.
Hereâs what scientists have found:
- In areas where hygiene and sanitation improve and H. pylori rates drop, allergies, asthma and autoimmune conditions often increase.
- Some strains of H. pylori may crowd out more dangerous bacteria, like an overzealous guard dog.
- They can influence our immune system, particularly T cells, helping us respond better to allergens. In mouse studies, H. pylori exposure even reduced allergic asthma symptoms.
- People with H. pylori sometimes have lower rates of acid reflux, Crohnâs disease, multiple sclerosis, obesity, certain diarrhoeal illnesses, and even oesophageal cancer.
Itâs almost as if this bacterium has two faces: one protective, one problematic.
Why is it both good and bad?
It comes down to something called pleomorphism â the ability of bacteria to change depending on their environment.
In a healthy body, H. pylori might remain calm and coexist peacefully. In a stressed or toxic internal environment, however, the bacteria can change form, release toxins and trigger inflammation.
So the question isnât only âDo you have H. pylori?â but also âWhat kind of environment are these bacteria living in inside your body?â
How to keep H. pylori in check
If youâre one of the unlucky ones who struggles with H. pylori-related problems, there are ways to help bring things back into balance. These approaches arenât just about killing bacteria with antibiotics â they focus on creating a healthier terrain so that H. pylori behaves itself.
Practical steps:
- Good hygiene and sanitation: Wash fruit and veg, avoid drinking untreated water, and be mindful of cleanliness when travelling.
- Donât share personal items: Keep toothbrushes, glasses, and utensils to yourself unless washed.
- Look after your gut: A balanced diet with whole foods, less processed food supports a healthier gut environment. Interestingly, some studies suggest chilli peppers may help prevent H. pylori from taking hold.
- Reduce toxins: Gentle detoxing, reducing exposure to pollutants including EMF, regular bowel movement, and supporting your bodyâs natural drainage should help.
- Natural supports: Mastic gum, a natural resin, has been studied for its ability to calm and reduce the harmful effects of H. pylori.
- Reduce stress: Simple daily practices like deep breathing, meditation, or a walk in nature can help calm your system and support a more balanced relationship with H. pylori.
The bigger picture
If you tested everyone in the world, youâd find H. pylori living quietly in billions of stomachs, not causing any trouble at all. For most of us, these bacteria will never cause a single symptom.
But when the bodyâs internal balance is off, this ancient companion can tip from friend to foe.
Looking after your overall health â your âterrainâ â might be the best way to ensure that if you do have H. pylori, it remains a neutral houseguest rather than an uninvited troublemaker.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised support.
