Could H. pylori Be the Hidden Cause of Your Gut Symptoms?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common—but often overlooked—bacterial infection that quietly colonises the stomach lining. It’s estimated that up to 50% of the global population carries this infection, most without knowing it. For some, it causes no obvious issues. But for others, it may be the hidden culprit behind bloating, reflux, nausea, loss of appetite, or upper abdominal discomfort.
H. pylori is particularly concerning because it increases the risk of more serious conditions like peptic ulcers, gastric atrophy, and even stomach cancer. Yet, because its symptoms overlap with other digestive complaints, it’s often misdiagnosed or missed altogether.
How is H. pylori detected?
Accurate diagnosis is key—and not all tests are created equal. A 2023 review in the journal Microorganisms compared commonly used diagnostic methods and found that PCR testing offers the best non-invasive accuracy. This advanced stool test not only detects the presence of H. pylori DNA but may also identify antibiotic resistance genes, which can help guide treatment.
Other options include:
Stool antigen test – accessible and widely used, though slightly less sensitive
Urea breath test – accurate but requires lab coordination
Blood antibody tests – less reliable as they can’t distinguish current from past infection
Endoscopy with biopsy – used in complex or high-risk cases
PCR is especially valuable when symptoms persist despite treatment or when recent medications may interfere with other test types.
What are the treatment options?
Conventional treatment typically includes triple therapy: two antibiotics plus a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This approach aims to eradicate the infection and reduce stomach acid to promote healing. However, growing antibiotic resistance means treatment isn’t always successful on the first attempt. And I have many clients who have come to me for support after such treatment, as it did not work, or they feel worse as a result.
In naturopathy, the approach is more holistic and may involve:
Targeted herbal antimicrobials – such as mastic gum and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)
Biofilm disruptors – to help break down bacterial protection mechanisms
Probiotics – particularly strains like Lactobacillus reuteri to inhibit H. pylori activity
Gut lining support – using nutrients like zinc carnosine, glutamine, and aloe vera
Dietary changes – to reduce inflammatory triggers and rebalance the gut microbiome
The key difference? Functional medicine not only aims to eradicate the infection but also to repair the damage it caused and strengthen your gut environment to prevent reinfection.
If you’re dealing with persistent upper digestive symptoms and suspect something deeper is going on, H. pylori could be the missing link. A simple stool test could be the first step toward lasting relief.