H. pylori Infection: Causes, Complications, and Functional Medicine Treatment

Helicobacter pylori, commonly known as H. pylori, is a spiral-shaped bacterium that colonizes the human stomach. It is one of the most prevalent chronic infections worldwide, affecting an estimated 50% of the global population. While many individuals remain asymptomatic, others experience significant gastrointestinal issues and systemic complications. Traditional treatment approaches focus heavily on antibiotics, but resistance rates are rising, and relapse is common.

A more comprehensive and sustainable path involves understanding the root causes of H. pylori colonization, its full impact on health, and applying an integrative functional medicine treatment plan to eradicate the infection, repair the mucosa, and restore gut health.

This article explores the causes, transmission, symptoms, complications, and the complete natural quad therapy and Argentyn 23 protocol used in functional medicine.

What Is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that has evolved to survive in the highly acidic environment of the stomach. It does so by producing urease, an enzyme that neutralizes stomach acid, allowing the bacterium to burrow into the protective mucous layer lining the stomach wall.

While it can coexist without causing symptoms in some individuals, H. pylori is known to:

• Trigger gastritis (stomach lining inflammation)

• Cause peptic ulcers (in both the stomach and duodenum)

• Lead to chronic dyspepsia

• Disrupt acid regulation, leading to reflux

• Contribute to iron and B12 deficiency

• Play a role in autoimmune and systemic inflammatory conditions

How Do You Get H. pylori?

H. pylori is primarily spread via oral-oral or fecal-oral transmission. This can occur through:

• Contaminated water sources

• Poor hygiene or sanitation

• Sharing eating utensils

• Kissing or close personal contact

It is often acquired during childhood and can persist for decades. Inadequate stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) and compromised immune defenses make colonization and persistence more likely.

Risk Factors for H. pylori Infection

• Living in densely populated areas

• Poor access to clean water

• Low stomach acid (due to aging, PPI use, stress)

• Smoking

• High sugar or inflammatory diets

• Poor oral hygiene

Symptoms of H. pylori Infection

While some individuals remain asymptomatic, many experience:

• Bloating

• Burping

• Nausea

• Loss of appetite

• Acid reflux or heartburn

• Indigestion

• Upper abdominal pain

• Fatigue

Left untreated, H. pylori can result in more serious complications.

Health Complications Linked to H. pylori

1. Peptic Ulcers

H. pylori is the leading cause of duodenal and gastric ulcers. It weakens the protective mucous layer, exposing tissue to stomach acid and resulting in painful erosion.

2. Chronic Gastritis

Persistent inflammation of the stomach lining can disrupt digestive function and cause long-term discomfort.

3. Increased Risk of Gastric Cancer

H. pylori is classified as a Class I carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Long-term infection increases the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT lymphoma.

4. Iron and B12 Deficiency

The infection interferes with stomach acid, which is critical for the absorption of iron and vitamin B12. Deficiency in these nutrients can lead to fatigue, anemia, and neurologic issues.

5. Autoimmune Conditions

Some evidence suggests a link between chronic H. pylori infection and autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis, due to molecular mimicry and chronic immune activation.

6. Reflux and Hypochlorhydria

Although counterintuitive, H. pylori infection may lead to low stomach acid and result in reflux-like symptoms, as food is not digested efficiently, leading to fermentation and upward pressure.

Diagnosing H. pylori

Accurate diagnosis is key. Functional medicine practitioners may use:

• Stool antigen testing (highly sensitive and specific)

• Urea breath test

• GI pathogen stool panels

• Endoscopic biopsy (in severe cases)

• Serology (less accurate for active infection)

Functional Medicine Approach to H. pylori: Treat the Terrain

Unlike the one-size-fits-all antibiotic approach, functional medicine focuses on:

1. Eradicating the organism

2. Healing and restoring the gut lining

3. Rebalancing the microbiome

4. Supporting immune function

Natural Quad Therapy (8-Week Protocol)

This comprehensive regimen uses powerful, evidence-based natural compounds that work synergistically:

1. Berberine 1500mg BID (3 capsules twice daily)

Berberine is a potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and gut-repairing compound that targets H. pylori directly.

2. Mastic Gum 2 grams BID

Known as the “secret weapon,” mastic gum has been used for centuries to treat stomach ailments. It inhibits H. pylori growth, protects the stomach lining, and improves gastric mucosal integrity.

3. Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) QID

Bismuth has direct antibacterial activity against H. pylori and helps coat and protect the stomach lining. Take as directed on the label four times daily.

4. Zinc Carnosine (MucoShield) 75mg BID

Zinc carnosine enhances mucosal healing, promotes regeneration of the stomach lining, and has been shown to reduce inflammation caused by H. pylori.

Duration: 8 weeks for full effectiveness. Do not substitute lower doses or shorten the course.

Argentyn 23 Silver Protocol

Silver hydrosol may be used effectively and efficiently to help eradicate H. pylori infection
from the stomach. One protocol sequence is sufficient for most patients. If follow-up
testing for the presence of the microbe reveals its continued presence, a second
administration of the silver hydrosol can be done.

A larger oral dose than provided for in this protocol is unnecessary and will likely initiate
some degree of kill-off of the normal flora of the gut lumen which may lead to diarrhea and
future dysbiosis.

Adult oral protocol dose is 2 tablespoons or 30mL.

This protocol takes advantage of gravity to help ensure that the entire surface of the
stomach comes into contact with the silver hydrosol.

1. While seated or standing, take 2 tablespoons of 10ppm or 23ppm silver hydrosol, swish in the mouth, gargle and then swallow the dose, and maintain that position. Wait 10 minutes before beginning the next step to allow the dose to absorb and to kill the maximum number of microbes possible.
2. Take 2 tablespoons of the silver hydrosol, then change position and lay on the
   left side for 10 minutes.
3. Take 2 tablespoons of the silver hydrosol, then change position and lay on the
   back (supine) for 10 minutes.
4. Take 2 tablespoons of the silver hydrosol, then change position and lay on the
   front or stomach face down (prone) for 10 minutes.
5. Take 2 tablespoons of the silver hydrosol, then change position and lay on the
   right side for 10 minutes.
   

As long as the H. pylori has been exposed to the silver hydrosol and its exposure time is
adequate then the infection should be eradicated. This process may be repeated if results
are not satisfactory.

It may be layered with or rotated alongside natural quad therapy to minimize bacterial resistance and enhance effectiveness.

Supportive Nutrients During and After Treatment

To fully heal and restore balance:

• Probiotics: High-potency, broad-spectrum probiotics like ProbioHealth 350 or MegaSporebiotic can replenish good bacteria.

• Digestive enzymes: Help support digestion, especially when stomach acid is low.

• L-glutamine: Supports mucosal healing in the small intestine.

• Slippery elm or aloe vera: Soothe and protect irritated gastric tissue.

• Iron and B12: Should be monitored and supplemented if low.

Post-Treatment Retesting

Approximately 4 weeks after completing treatment, retesting is essential to confirm eradication. Stool antigen testing or a urea breath test can help verify success.

Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations

Supporting your gut terrain is critical before, during, and after treatment:

• Anti-inflammatory diet: Emphasize whole foods, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, clean protein, and healthy fats.

• Avoid gluten and dairy: These are common triggers during gut healing.

• Eliminate added sugars: H. pylori thrives in a sugar-rich environment.

• Stress management: Chronic stress suppresses immune function and worsens gut inflammation.

• Mindful eating: Chew thoroughly and avoid distractions to improve digestive signaling.

When to Use Conventional Antibiotics

In some resistant or high-risk cases (e.g., bleeding ulcers, gastric cancer risk), a conventional triple or quadruple therapy may be necessary. Even then, a functional support plan including gut healing nutrients, probiotics, and follow-up testing should be implemented.

Summary: Functional Treatment of H. pylori

Component	Function
Berberine 1500mg BID	Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Mastic gum 2g BID	Protects stomach lining, kills H. pylori
Bismuth (Pepto Bismol) QID	Antibacterial, mucosal protectant
Zinc Carnosine 75mg BID	Gut healing and anti-inflammatory
Argentyn 23	Broad-spectrum antimicrobial support
Probiotics + Enzymes	Restore balance, improve digestion

Final Thoughts

H. pylori infection is more than a nuisance. It can set the stage for chronic inflammation, malabsorption, gut dysfunction, and systemic health issues. Instead of masking symptoms or relying solely on antibiotics, a functional medicine approach focuses on terrain restoration, layered natural therapy, and long-term healing.

Using tools like natural quad therapy, Argentyn 23, and personalized gut-healing protocols, you can eliminate H. pylori while restoring your digestive system to full strength.

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References

1. Malfertheiner P, et al. Management of Helicobacter pylori infection—the Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Report. Gut. 2017.

2. Dabos KJ, et al. The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study. Phytomedicine. 2010.

3. Liu WZ, et al. Helicobacter pylori infection and its relationship to gastric diseases. World J Gastroenterol. 2013.

4. Mahady GB, et al. In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to botanical extracts used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Phytother Res. 2005.

5. Zhang Y, et al. Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles against H. pylori. Int J Nanomedicine. 2016.

6. Bhattacharyya A, et al. Efficacy of zinc-carnosine in therapy-resistant peptic ulcers. Indian J Gastroenterol. 2011.