H. pylori is a bacterium that resides in the stomach and commonly leads to gastritis. If left untreated, it can progress to more serious conditions such as ulcers, stomach cancer, vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia, diabetes, and fatty liver. Recognizing symptoms of H. pylori and promptly consulting a doctor for treatment is crucial.
A diet designed to support H. pylori treatment focuses on being gentle on the stomach, composed of easily digestible foods, and low in fat. Smaller, more frequent meals, around 5 to 6 per day, are recommended. It’s also important to consume fluids between meals, not during, and to eat slowly, chewing food thoroughly. Limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol is also advised during treatment.
Close-up of a balanced meal for H. pylori recovery, featuring grilled chicken, white rice, and cooked carrots, emphasizing easily digestible foods
What to Eat to Support H. Pylori Treatment
Certain foods can alleviate symptoms and aid in a faster recovery while undergoing treatment for an H. pylori infection. These include:
1. Easily Digestible Carbohydrates
Discomfort and gastritis symptoms are typical with an H. pylori infection. Easily digestible, low-fiber carbohydrates are recommended to minimize stomach irritation. Good choices include white rice, white bread, white pasta, crackers, and corn or wheat starches. These options are gentle on the digestive system because they are high in starch and low in fiber.
As treatment becomes effective and discomfort lessens, whole grain foods can be gradually reintroduced into the diet, depending on individual tolerance.
2. Cooked and Peeled Fruits and Vegetables
For individuals experiencing heartburn or stomach pain, peeled and cooked fruits and vegetables with seeds removed are preferable. This preparation method reduces fiber content, making these foods easier to digest and process.
Fruits particularly recommended for an H. pylori diet are peeled and/or cooked apples and pears, bananas, watermelon, melon, and papaya. Cooking and peeling helps to break down complex fibers, reducing digestive stress.
3. Lean Protein Sources
Lean protein foods such as white meat, fish, eggs, low-fat cheeses, and lean red meats are beneficial as they typically have lower fat content. Lean proteins are digested more efficiently because they are broken down quickly in the stomach, helping to prevent symptoms like heartburn.
4. Probiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotics, found in foods like yogurt and kefir, and available as supplements, are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. They promote the growth of healthy gut flora, which can help combat H. pylori and lessen side effects often experienced during treatment, such as diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion.
Incorporating probiotic foods can help to restore balance in the gut microbiome, which is often disrupted by H. pylori infection and antibiotic treatment.
5. Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may play a role in managing H. pylori infection. These beneficial fats can help reduce stomach inflammation and may inhibit the growth of H. pylori. Sources include fish oil, olive oil, flaxseeds, walnuts, and grapeseed oil.
These fatty acids contribute to overall gut health and can support the body’s natural defenses during infection.
3-Day Sample Meal Plan for H. Pylori
This meal plan offers examples of suitable foods to eat when treating H. pylori. Remember that portion sizes should be adjusted based on individual needs.
| Meal | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 1 cup chamomile tea (unsweetened) + 1 cup natural yogurt + 2 slices white bread with white cheese + 1 tsp peach jam (unsweetened) | 1 cup ginger tea (unsweetened) + 2 scrambled eggs with low-fat cheese and 2 pieces of toast + 1 peeled peach | 1 cup fennel tea (unsweetened) + 4 corn crackers with low-fat white cheese + 1 slice papaya |
| Morning snack | 1 cooked apple with cinnamon | 1 roasted banana with cinnamon | 1 cup sugar-free raspberry gelatin |
| Lunch | 1 grilled chicken fillet + 1/2 cup white rice + baked potato and carrot salad with 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 cooked pear | 1 grilled white fish fillet + 1/2 cup pumpkin and sweet potato puree + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 roasted apple | 1 cup cooked pasta with olive oil and basil + grilled turkey breast + 1 cup cooked carrots, zucchini + 1 slice seedless watermelon |
| Afternoon snack | 1 cup lemongrass tea + 6 crackers + 1 slice white cheese | 1 glass natural yogurt + 1 slice white bread + 1 tsp sugar-free peach jam | 4 Maria cookies + 1 cup chamomile tea |
| Dinner | Shredded tuna with carrot and boiled potato salad, 1 tsp olive oil | 1 eggplant stuffed with shredded chicken, white rice, skimmed white cheese, baked | 1 shredded turkey breast + 1/2 cup mashed potatoes (no butter) + cooked carrot and zucchini salad + 1 tbsp olive oil |
Consulting a registered dietitian is recommended for a personalized meal plan tailored to your specific health needs. Always ensure fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed, as H. pylori can be found on raw produce.
Foods to Avoid During H. Pylori Treatment
{width=1200 height=800}During treatment, it’s important to avoid foods that can irritate the stomach, stimulate gastric acid secretion, or worsen side effects. These include:
- Coffee, chocolate, and black tea: These contain caffeine, which stimulates stomach movement and gastric juice secretion, leading to increased irritation.
- Soft drinks and fizzy drinks: These can cause stomach distension, pain, and acid reflux.
- Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol increases stomach inflammation.
- Sour fruits: Fruits like lemon, orange, and pineapple can cause stomach pain and heartburn due to their acidity.
- Spicy foods: Pepper and spicy foods such as chili, garlic, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, Worcester sauce, soy sauce, garlic sauce, and stock cubes can irritate the stomach lining.
- Fatty meats, fried foods, and yellow cheeses: High in fat, these foods are difficult to digest and prolong the time food stays in the stomach, potentially worsening symptoms.
- Processed meats and canned foods: These often contain preservatives and chemical additives that can irritate the stomach and intestines, increasing inflammation.
Increasing water intake and consuming white cheeses and fresh fruits can help reduce stomach inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
Diet After H. Pylori Treatment
Once symptoms subside and H. pylori is eradicated, regular diet foods can be gradually reintroduced. Here’s a sample meal plan for post-treatment:
| Meals | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 1 cup boldo tea + 2 slices wholegrain bread with white cheese | 1 cup skim or plant-based milk + 2 oat pancakes | 1 smoothie (skim milk, banana) + 3 rice crackers with fruit jelly and cream cheese |
| Morning snack | 1 natural yogurt with 1 tbsp oats and chopped strawberries | 1 apple + 30g walnuts | 1/2 papaya with 1 tbsp rolled oats |
| Lunch | 1 small grilled chicken breast + 3 tbsp rice + 3 tbsp beans + tomato and carrot salad, cooked beetroot + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1/2 cup purple grapes | 1 serving grilled tofu + 1 bowl rice noodles with carrots, zucchini, onion + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 persimmon | 1 salmon fillet + 1/2 cup brown rice + 1 cup cooked carrots, eggplant, cauliflower + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 cup fruit salad (apple, banana, pear) |
| Afternoon snack | 1 slice watermelon with 30g almonds | 1 cup mint tea + 1 whole grain bread sandwich (cheese and tuna) | 1 pot natural yogurt with 3 tbsp chia and chopped kiwi |
| Dinner | 1 roasted chicken breast with 2 medium potatoes + lettuce, tomato, grated carrot salad, olive oil dressing | 2 small whole wheat wraps (tuna, lettuce, tomato, arugula, onion) | 1.5 cups pasta with 4 tbsp ground beef, homemade tomato sauce + arugula and mango salad, 1 tbsp olive oil |
Meal plans should be personalized, and consulting a dietitian is advised for tailored dietary guidance.
Managing Side Effects of H. Pylori Treatment
Treatment for H. pylori typically lasts about 7 days and involves medications like proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics. Common side effects include:
1. Metallic Taste in Mouth
This can occur early in treatment and may worsen. Rinsing with baking soda and salt solution or using toothpaste with baking soda and salt can help neutralize mouth acids and increase saliva production to reduce metallic taste.
2. Nausea and Stomach Pain
Nausea and stomach pain often start around day two of treatment. Staying hydrated, resting, and eating easily digestible foods like yogurt, white cheeses, and crackers can help. Ginger tea and small, dry snacks like toast or crackers upon waking can alleviate morning nausea.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea may appear after the third day due to antibiotics disrupting gut flora. Eating plain yogurt daily and easily digestible foods such as soups, white rice, fish, and white meats can help manage diarrhea and restore gut flora.
