Are aged garlic & pine nut oil helpful natural remedies for H. pylori bacteria in your stomach?

November 11, 1:39 PMSacramento Nutrition ExaminerAnne Hart

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Sacramento Nutrition Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Food and Music
Flickr.com

The November 11, 2009 Dr. Oz show featured a short segment on H. pylori bacteria in your stomach. Your symptoms could be many including bloating, ulcers, acid reflux, or eventually cancer, but not much was mentioned as a natural cure for the bacteria. H. pylori is said by several health-oriented websites to possibly infect 50 percent of people over age sixty.

Dr. Oz did report that the H. pylori bacteria dissolves the mucous coating between your esophagus and stomach that prevents stomach acid from eating way the stomach walls. When the H. pylori bacteria dissolve the mucous coating separating the acid from the stomach walls, you develop a lesion, and finally an ulcer or if you're predisposed to it, stomach cancer.

The Dr. Oz show talked about symptoms of H. pylori, and how to get tested for it by exhaling into a special bag. He even did a test online with a guest diagnosed with H. pylori, but no one on the show told the audience how to get rid of that particular bacteria with various nutritional regimes.

Which gets rid of the bacteria faster and more permanently--conventional medicine or food-based treatments with extracts of liquid aged garlic and/or extra virgin pine nut oil? First let's find out what are H. pylori?

Helicobacter pylori commonly referred as H. pylori are a type of bacteria commonly responsible for most of the peptic ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining. In severe cases this infection can also contribute to stomach and other digestive system cancers, according to the article, "Natural Cure for H Pylori," by Kevin Pederson. Also see the article, "Aged Garlic Extract Prevents a Decline of NK Cell Number and Activity in Patients With Advanced Cancer1,2."

Natural treatments for H. pylori include websites touting liquid aged garlic extract and extra virgin pine nut oil. You can read the various medical journal articles testing these substances with H.pylori bacteria. So there's the conventional medical treatments and the food-based remedies from extracts of aged garlic or from extra virgin pine oil.

How do you get H. pylori? One of the ways could be not washing your hands after using the toilet. Another way could be placing your toothbrush on your bathroom sink a few feet from your toilet. So when the toilet is flushed, the invisible droplets of water with bacteria get on your toothbrush.

You could get H. pylori by eating out of dishes that weren't washed clean enough. The infection can spread through saliva when sharing the same dining utensils like plates and drinking glass. The unwashed clean enough utensils carry the bacteria and transmit it from person to person.

Food can be contaminated as well as water. The most common way to get H. pylori is through
consumption of contaminated water and food. You can pick this up from anyplace as well as when you travel abroad or eat food by handlers not washing hands, plates, glasses, or utensils in a way that kills the bacteria.

The H. pylori can cause symptoms of bloating, acid reflux, or more intense symptoms such as nausea or pain as the lesions in stomach or esophagus or both lead to a stomach or duodenal ulcer due to H pylori bacteria. 

If you have an H pylori infection, usually you won't be able to tolerate too spicy and heavy food, including chilies, hot peppers, pepper, and fatty meals. A fatty meal at night is not recommended. It probably will cause more belching, bloating, acid reflux, coughing up mucous that is supposed to line your stomach to keep the acids from destroying the walls of your stomach.

Eat a few small meals at a time instead of large meals. Eliminate food that causes the problem. Reintroduce foods one by one to see which bothers you the most. Frequent meals work well if they're small because you want to keep your digestive tract working to eliminate the bacteria. Don't drink alcohol. Smoking and stress make the lesions deeper, leading to ulcers.

According to the book, The GenoType Diet, by Dr. D'Adamo, those with type AB blood are more susceptible to stomach cancer, if they also have the genetic predisposition. And people with type O blood get ulcers frequently when they get an H. pylori infection.

What natural cures are there for the bacteria? After getting tested by your doctor to see whether you have the bacteria, check out some of the web sites on standard treatments. For example, The Health Encyclopedia online reports in, "Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori," the following information:

(H. pylori) is a spiral bacteria that specifically and selectively resides beneath the mucus layer next to the stomach (gastric cells). Chronic H. pylori gastritis is a strong risk factor for stomach cancer. However, less than one percent of chronically infected individuals will develop stomach cancer.

Eradication of H. pylori generally requires a combination of antibiotics and an acid-blocker/proton pump inhibitor. One example for active H. pylori-associated ulcers is (1) clarithromycin, (2) amoxicillin or metronidazole, along with (3) omeprazole or lansoprazole.

Another regimen is (1) omeprazole or lansoprazole, (2) bismuth, (3) tetracycline, and (4) metronidazole.

Current regimens should achieve greater than 85 to 90 percent rates of eradication after one to two weeks of treatment. Once cure has been achieved, reinfection rates are less than 0.5 percent per year. Management of peptic ulcers in some patients may require maintenance treatment.

The article, "Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori," notes that, "treatment and eradication of H. pylori dramatically reduces the frequency of ulcer recurrence compared with treatment of acute ulcers by histamine blockers alone. Therefore, H. pylori appears to be a necessary cofactor for the overwhelming majority of duodenal and gastric ulcers not associated with NSAIDs."

"H. pylori is transmitted from person to person, but nobody knows by what means. In the U.S., the prevalence of infection rises from less than 10 percent in Caucasians under age 30 to over 50 percent in those over age 60. The prevalence is higher in non-Caucasians and immigrants from developing countries. The majority of infections are probably acquired in childhood."

Do the Natural Cures for H. Pylori Bacteria Work?

On the sites for various natural treatments for H. pylori, you'll find products such as extra virgin pine nut oil. Studies mentioned on the site, "Frequently Asked Questions about H. pylori, gastritis, and peptic ulcers," include the following information: 1. Santra A, Chowdhury A, Chaudhury S, et. al. Oxidative stress in gastric mucosa in helicobacter pylori infection. Indian Journal of Gastroenterology, 2000; 19: 21-3.

2. Naito Y, Yoshikawa T. Molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Free Radical Biol. Med. 2002;33:323-36.

According to that site, unlike regular pathogenic bacteria, H. pylori do not invade the cells of the surrounding tissue. The bacteria "habitate" in the mucuous lining of the stomach. H. pylori do not cause our immune system to eliminate them or develop immunity to a repeated infection.

Other sites noting natural remedies for H. pylori include mention of Kyolic liquid aged garlic. See the article, "The Health Protective Benefits of Aged Garlic Extract," by Carmia Borek, Ph.D. According to the article, "aged garlic extract boosts immunity and protects against viral, bacterial (H.pylori), and yeast infections, and allergies."

See also the July 2007 article, "Helicobacter pylori Infections & Peptic Ulcers," by Agatha M. Thrash, M.D (Preventive Medicine). This article also mentions, among other possible causes, "The use of aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It is felt that many drugs (including aspirin) inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, and some feel that prostaglandins exert a protective influence on the mucosa."

Resources

1. You WC, Blot WJ, Chang YS, Ershow A, Yang ZT, An Q, Henderson BE, Fraumeni JF Jr, Wang TG. Allium vegetables and reduced risk of stomach cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1989;81:162-4.

2. Buiatti E, Palli D, Decarli A, Amnadori D, Avellini C, Cipriana F, Cocco P, Giacosa A, Lorenzini L. A case-control study of gastric cancer and diet in Italy, Int J Cancer. 1989;44:611-6.

3. Steinmetz KA, Kushi LH, Bostick RM, Folsom AR, Potter JD. Vegetable, fruit, and colon cancer in the Iowa women's health study. Am J Epidemiol. 1994;139:1-15.

4. Wargovich MJ, Uda N, Woods C, Velasco M, Mckee K. Allium vegetables: their role in the prevention of cancer. Biochem Soc Trans. 1996;24:811-4.

5. Sumiyoshi H. New pharmacological activities of garlic and its constituents. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi. 1997;110: Suppl 1:93-7.

6. Warshafsky S, Kamer RS, Sivak SL. Effect of garlic on total serum cholesterol: a meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 1993;119:599- 605.

7. Silagy C, Neil A. Garlic as a lipid lowering agent - a meta- analysis. J R Coll Physicians Lond. 1994;28:39-45.

8. Nakagawa S, Masamoto K, Sumiyoshi H, Kunihiro K, Fuwa T. Effect of raw and extracted-aged garlic juice on growth of young rats and their organs after peroral administration. J Toxicol Sci. 1980;5:91-112.

9. Hoshino T, Kashimoto N, Kasuga S. Effects of garlic preparations on the gastrointestinal mucosa. J Nutr. 2001;131:1109S- 13S.

10. Freeman F, Kodera Y. Garlic chemistry: Stability of S-(2- propenyl)2-propene-1- sulfinothiate (allicin) in blood, solvents, and simulated physiological fluids. J Agric Food Chem. 1995;43:2332- 8.

11. Nakagawa S, Masamoto K, Sumiyoshi H, Harada H. Acute toxicity test of garlic extract. J Toxicol Sci. 1984;9:57-60.

12. Sumiyoshi H, Kanezawa A, Masamoto K, Harada H, Nakagami S, Yokota A, Nishikawa M, Nakagawa S. Chronic toxicity test of garlic extract in rats. J Toxicol Sci. 1984;9:61-76.

13. Yoshida S, Hirao Y, Nakagawa S. Mutagenicity and cytotoxicity tests of garlic. J Toxicol Sci. 1984;9:77-86.

14. Takasugi N, Katoo K, Fuwa T, Saito H. Effect of garlic on mice exposed to various stresses. Oyo Yakuri. 1984;28:991-1002.

15. Ushijima M, Sumioka I, Kashimoto M, et al. Effect of garlic and garlic preparations on physiological and psychological stress in mice. Phytother Res. 1997;11:226-30.

16. Tadi PP, Teel RW, Lau BHS. Anticandidal and anticarcinogenic potentials of garlic. Int Clin Nutr Rev. 1990;10:423-9.

17. Abdullah TH, Kirkpatrick DV, Carter J. Enhancement of natural killer activity in AIDS with garlic. J Oncology. 1989;21:52-3.

18. Lau BH, Yamasaki T, Gridley DS. Garlic compounds modulate macrophage and T-lymphocyte functions. Mol Biother. 1991;3:103-7.

19. Morioka N, Sze LL, Morton DL, Irie RF. A protein fraction from aged garlic extract enhances cytotoxicity and proliferation of human lymphocytes mediated by interleukin-2 and concanavalin A. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 1993;37:316-22.

20. Kyo E, Uda N, Kakimoto M, et al. Anti-allergic effects of aged garlic extract. Phytomedicine (Jena). \1997;4:335-40.

21. Lau BH. Detoxifying, radio-protective and phagocyte- enhancing effects of garlic. Int Natl Clin Nutr Rev. 1989;9:27-31.

22. Ide N. Antioxidants in processed garlic II. Tetrahydro-b- carboline derivatives identified in aged garlic extract. Int Congr Ser. 2002;1245:449-50.

23. Ide N. Antioxidant effects of fructosyl arginine, a Maillard reaction product in aged garlic extract. J Nutr Biochem. 1999;10:372- 6.

24. Ryu K, Ide N, Matsuura H, Itakura Y. N-a-(1-Deoxy-D-fructos- 1-yl)-L-arginine, an antioxidant compound identified in aged garlic extract. J Nutr. 2001;131:972S-6S.

25. Kikuchi T, Nishimura Y, Tsukamoto T, et al. Clinical study of the effect of Leopin-5 and garlic extract (GE) on peripheral microcirculation dysfunctions. J. New Remed. & Clin. 1994;43:146- 58.

26. Okuhara T. Clinical study of the effect of garlic extract (GE) on peripheral microcirculation. Jpn Pharmacol Ther 1994;22:3695- 701.

27. Ryu K, Rosen RT. Unique chemistry of aged garlic extract. In: Ho CT, Lin JK, Zheng QY, Oriental foods and herbs: chemistry and health benefits. New York: Oxford University Press; 2003. p. 346- 57.

28. Cella D. Factors influencing quality of life in cancer patients: anemia and fatigue. Semin Oncol. 1998;25:43-6.

29. Cella D. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia (FACT-An) Scale: a new tool for the assessment of outcomes in cancer anemia and fatigue. Semin Hematol. 1997;34:13-9.

30. Yellen SB, Cella DF, Webster K, Blendowski C, Kaplan E. Measuring fatigue and other anemia-related symptoms with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) measurement system. J Pain Symptom Manage. 1997;13:63-74.

31. Cella DF, Tulsky DS, Gray G, Sarafian B, Linn E, Bonomi A, Silberman M. Yellen SB, Winocour P, Brannon J, et al. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scale: development and validation of the general measure. J Clin Oncol. 1993;11:570-9.

32. Domzig W, Stadler BM, Herberman RB. Interleukin 2 dependence of human natural killer (NK) cell activity. J Immunol. 1983;130:1970- 3.

33. Kodera Y, Suzuki A, Imada O, Kasuga S, Sumioka I, Kanezawa A, Taru N, Fujikawa M, Nagae S, et al. Physical, chemical, and biological properties of S-allylcysteine, an amino acid derived from garlic. J Agric Food Chem. 2002;50: 622-32.

34. Kirschbaum C, Hellhammer DH. Salivary cortisol in psychoneuroendocrine research: recent developments and application. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 1994;19:313-33.

35. Shimada M, Takahashi K, Ohkawa T, Segawa M. Higurashi M. Determinateion of salivary cortisol by ELISA and its application to the assessment of circadian rhythm in children. Horm Res. 1995;44:213-7.

36. Fleischauer AT, Arab L. Garlic and cancer: a critical review of the epidemiologic literature. J Nutr. 2001;131:1032S-40S.