Discovered in 1982 in those with gastritis and ulcers, Helicobacter pylori or “H. pylori” is one of the most common infections connected to Hashimoto’s disease and also Graves’ disease for that matter. Like Yersinia enterocolitica and Epstein-Barr Virus infections, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be triggered by H. pylori through a process called molecular mimicry which basically means that the infection looks similar to your thyroid tissue so the immune system attacks the infection and the thyroid gland.

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What is Helicobacter pylori?

H. pylori is a bacteria (gram-negative) usually found in the stomach of 50% of the world’s population. It tends to found in those with gastritis, GERD(heartburn), gastric ulcers and stomach cancer. It burrows into the stomach lining resulting in inflammation and damage.

H. pylori is capable of forming biofilms which protect it from the immune system and antibiotics.

H. pylori doesn’t like the acid in your stomach so it will infect areas of low acid production. Low stomach acid also known as hypochlorhydria, can set you up for H. pylori infection.

Hypothyroidism leads to low stomach acid production which makes you more susceptible to H. pylori infection. Also, if you are taking antacids for a long time then you are more prone to infection.

Stress(cortisol and adrenaline), Zinc deficiency, adrenal imbalances, intestinal dysbiosis and b-vitamin deficiencies also contribute to low stomach acid production.

Is it contagious?

We actually don’t really know for sure how it is transmitted but it can be contagious. It is most likely transferred from mouth to mouth or oral to fecal routes. We do know that H. pylori is found in contaminated food and water as well as dental plaque, saliva, vomit and feces of those who are infected. This would indicate a simple kiss may result in infection or sharing of a drink.

What are the symptoms of H. pylori infection?

Up to 85% of those with H. pylori are asymptomatic! Symptoms can include:

Stomach pain, burning or ache (worse when your stomach is empty)

Heartburn

Nausea

Black stool

Belching

Bloating

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Is H. pylori actually beneficial?

Some strains of H. pylori can actually help with the following:

Normalizing stomach acid production

GERD(heartburn)

Dermatitis

Asthma

Rhinitis

Inflammatory bowel

Esophageal cancer prevention

Barrett’s esophagus

Appetite normalization

Your stomach makes a hormone called ghrelin which makes you hungry. H. pylori can potentially suppress ghrelin levels so you aren’t hungry all the time. Sometimes after H. pylori is treated, people will say that they always feel hungry, even after they eat. This is because ghrelin levels are no longer suppressed by the H. pylori.

We also know that people gain weight after being treated for H. pylori so we must use caution in someone who is obese or has type 2 diabetes.

What are the best tests for H. pylori?

There are five ways to test for H. pylori:

Urea breath test

Blood test

Stool test

Stomach biopsy

Urine test

The urea breath test and the stool test are the most accurate for active infection.