Pylori Diet

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium that can take up residence in your digestive tract and potentially wreak havoc, leading to ulcers and cancer. Treatment typically includes a regimen of antibiotics; however, some foods are being studied for their effectiveness against the bacteria. Although no specific diet has been proven effective, there are certain foods to avoid and other food that may inhibit the action of H. pylori.

Helicobacter Pylori

According to the Helicobacter Foundation, Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori, is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the stomach and duodenum -- the small intestine, just below the stomach. The stomach secretes gastric juices to digest food and the lining of the stomach is protected from its own gastric juice by a thick layer of mucus. H. pylori actually lives in the mucus lining, thereby protecting itself from elimination. H. pylori also secretes an enzyme called urease that provides additional protection. H. pylori infection can lead to gastric ulcers, bloating, nausea, vomiting, burping and cancer. Talk to your doctor if you notice persistent symptoms that worry you.

Inflammation

Although half of the world's population may have H. pylori, according to Mayoclinic.com, most do not show symptoms. If you do not present with symptoms, you may eat foods that do not induce a negative reaction; irritation or inflammation and specific foods may promote overgrowth of the bacteria. The Helicobacter Foundation states that inflammation in the gastrointestinal, GI, tract will trigger the immune system to send cells to eradicate infection. These cells cannot easily get through the stomach lining to reach the bacteria and eventually die. The bacteria can then feed on these cells, increasing their growth and irritating the GI tract lining. This action can lead to ulcers and other complications.

Inflammatory Foods

Certain foods may cause your digestive system to react, irritating the cells that line the stomach and intestines and leading to digestive concerns like constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. David A. Hompes has a Web site and e-book that discusses a diet to help inhibit and reverse symptoms associated with H. pylori. He states on his website that avoiding specific foods helps ease symptoms more effectively than eating foods to actually inhibit bacterial growth. He recommends avoiding gluten, which includes flour, rye, barley and wheat, cow's dairy products and soy products. These foods may irritate your GI tract and contribute to symptoms. If you already have ulcers, it can help to avoid caffeine and spicy foods as well.

Broccoli Sprouts

Recent studies indicate that ingesting broccoli sprouts can help inhibit growth of H. pylori. "Cancer Prevention Research" published a study in April 2009 that showed broccoli sprouts decreased levels of urease, the enzyme the bacteria secretes to protect itself from stomach acid. Another study, published in "Phytotherapy Research" in August 2010, states that combinations of food seem to be most effective in the inhibition of H. pylori growth. This study cites blackcurrant oil and broccoli sprouts in combination as the most effective foods tested.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a fermented food, typically consisting of a type of cabbage and other vegetables, used in traditional Korean cuisine. It contains natural strains of Lactobacillus paraplantarum, specifically KNUC25, a "good" bacteria that aids digestion. "The Journal of Medicinal Foods" states that KNUC25 is effective in inhibiting the growth of H. pylori, potentially due to its ability to alter pH in the stomach. Although promising, this study was conducted in a laboratory setting; more data is needed before kimchi can be considered a strong inhibitor of H. pylori.