H. Pylori Infection Protocol

DigestiveStrong Evidence

supplements

Primary

Supporting

Grade A

Studies

Primary Stack

Core supplements with strongest evidence

Saccharomyces boulardiiA

500-1000mg daily

Probiotic yeast that reduces H. pylori colonization and antibiotic side effects

↑Abdominal Pain↑Helicobacter Pylori Infection Signs↑Diarrhea Symptoms↑Nausea Symptoms↑Adverse Events

14 studies2,200 participants

Supporting Studies (2)

PMID: 25525379 - S. boulardii as adjuvant in H. pylori treatment (2015)PMID: 26541330 - Probiotics and H. pylori eradication (2016)

Lactobacillus reuteriA

200 million CFU daily (DSM 17938 strain)

Produces reuterin, a direct antimicrobial against H. pylori, and competes for adhesion

↑Helicobacter Pylori Infection Signs↑Gastrointestinal symptoms

8 studies980 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 24548672 - L. reuteri for H. pylori infection (2014)

Supporting Stack

Additional supplements for enhanced results

Mastic GumB

1000mg daily (divided doses)

Natural resin with direct bactericidal activity against H. pylori strains

5 studies180 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 20163547 - Mastic gum kills H. pylori in vitro and in vivo (2010)

Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout Extract)B

30-60mg sulforaphane daily (or 100g fresh broccoli sprouts)

Activates Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and has direct anti-H. pylori effects

4 studies150 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 19349290 - Sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts reduce H. pylori colonization (2009)

Vitamin CC

500mg twice daily

Creates acidic environment unfavorable to H. pylori and reduces gastric inflammation

3 studies120 participants

How This Protocol Works

Simple Explanation

H. pylori is a stomach bacteria that causes ulcers, gastritis, and increases stomach cancer risk. While antibiotics are the primary treatment, these supplements can significantly boost eradication rates and reduce antibiotic side effects.

•Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that survives stomach acid and competes with H. pylori for nutrients. When added to standard triple therapy, it increases eradication rates by 10-15% and dramatically reduces diarrhea from antibiotics.

•Lactobacillus reuteri produces reuterin, a natural antibiotic that directly kills H. pylori. The DSM 17938 strain is best studied.

•Mastic gum is a Mediterranean tree resin with direct bactericidal activity. Some patients achieve eradication with mastic alone, though it's best used alongside antibiotics.

•Sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts reduces H. pylori colonization by 40% in some studies—it works by activating the body's own antimicrobial defenses.

•Vitamin C creates an acidic gastric environment less hospitable to H. pylori.

Expected timeline: Use probiotics 2 weeks before, during, and 2 weeks after antibiotic treatment. Retest H. pylori 4-6 weeks after completing therapy.

Clinical Perspective

H. pylori colonizes gastric mucosa via urease-mediated pH buffering and adhesin-mediated epithelial attachment. Infection triggers chronic inflammation through CagA injection and VacA toxin, increasing gastric cancer risk 6-fold.

•S. boulardii (A-grade): Secretes proteases that degrade CagA toxin. Competes for mannose-binding sites. Meta-analysis: increases eradication by 10-14%, reduces antibiotic-associated diarrhea by 50% (PMID: 25525379). Dose: 250-500mg BID.

•L. reuteri DSM 17938 (A-grade): Produces reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde) with direct bactericidal activity against H. pylori. Also secretes organic acids lowering gastric pH. Increases eradication rates by 8-12% as adjuvant therapy (PMID: 24548672).

•Mastic gum (B-grade): Contains triterpenic acids (masticadienonic acid) with direct anti-H. pylori activity. In vitro MIC: 0.06mg/mL. Clinical trials show reduced H. pylori density and symptom improvement (PMID: 20163547).

•Sulforaphane (B-grade): Activates Nrf2, upregulating phase II detoxification enzymes. Also has direct bacteriostatic effects on H. pylori. 8-week broccoli sprout intervention reduced colonization by 40% (PMID: 19349290).

•Vitamin C (C-grade): Reduces nitrite to nitric oxide in acidic gastric environment, creating bactericidal conditions. Also reduces inflammation via antioxidant effects.

Biomarker monitoring: H. pylori stool antigen or urea breath test 4-6 weeks post-treatment. Serum gastrin, pepsinogen I/II ratio if chronic infection.

Protocol: Probiotics 2 weeks pre-antibiotics through 2 weeks post. Mastic and sulforaphane can continue long-term for recurrence prevention.

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