H Pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that exists in more than 50% of people. “Helico” refers to its helix shaped structure, which it uses to corkscrew into the mucosal lining of the stomach and burrow into it for added protection against the harsh climate. Many people may not know they have it in their body. When H. pylori colonizes, it changes the environment of your stomach, making it less acidic and therefore more inhabitable.

Complications from an H.pylori infection can be very serious. It causes peptic ulcers that can burst, gastritis, GERD symptoms, and can ultimately lead to gastric cancer, otherwise known as stomach cancer. Gastric cancer is the number one type of cancer people get.

While many who get H. pylori will not get stomach cancer, 98% of people who get gastric cancer had an H. pylori infection. This means that H. pylori is a major contributing factor in the development of gastric cancer.

Treatment for an H. pylori Infection

Because an H. pylori infection can become very serious very quickly and is increasingly more antibiotic resistant, the standard protocol generally used to eliminate the H. pylori bacteria is to take multiple antibiotics as a first line of defense.

Antibiotics should be a last resort, but sometimes I’ve had to recommend them. When H. pylori is a significant infection, you just have to pull out the big guns. Then you have to go clean up the mess.

There are alternative treatments, however, that are gentler. They may take a little bit longer, but you may not feel miserable in the process. That two-week course of antibiotic trilogy or combinations can be rough on people.

You can start with mastic gum. If you’ve ever seen the famous painting of Napoleon, you may have noticed he’s got his hand inside his shirt. Napoleon died of arsenic poisoning. They gave him little bits of arsenic at a time, so he had gut problems. His hand is on his stomach because he was in stomach pain so often.

He wanted the island of Crete, and they wanted to make sure they conquered the island of Crete because that’s where the mastic tree grows and is renowned for its ability to kill H.pylori. There’s a product that I’ve used for years called Bye-Lori, so I use mastic gum first. Then if that doesn’t cut it, then you go to the big guns.

Another course of treatment could involve Biocidin. This is safe for children and adults and it is something every household should have in their bathroom cabinet.

Don’t mess around with H. pylori. Depending on the study you read, 50 to 90% of the world’s population can have an H.pylori infection. It’s a bacteria that you get from drinking water, and you can get it from grandma giving you a kiss, then you grab your dinner roll to eat. It’s transmitted very easily, so be conscious of it.

Symptoms Associated with an H. pylori Infection

While some silently house H. pylori without symptoms, others share the following common symptoms.

  • Burping
  • Feeling bloated
  • Abdominal pain when hungry
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Fever
  • Lack of appetite, or anorexia
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Blood in the stools

If you have black, tarry stools or notice any blood in your stools, ulcers may have burst. See a doctor immediately. Blood in the stool that is dark like tar typically happens further up the digestive tract and can be more problematic. It is always best to get something like that checked out just to be safe.

What Happens in the Gut Doesn’t Stay in the Gut..

There was a study from the World Germ Gastrology last year because we talked about a case where a person had alopecia, an autoimmune disease where the patient loses their hair. The drugs weren’t working for the patient, so they also had some stomach problems.

A really smart dermatologist said,”Let’s check you for dysbiosis.” Sure enough, they had dysbiosis. Then they checked, and they had an helicobacter infection. So they said, “Stop taking all of the alopecia medications, the steroids, just stop all of that, and let’s just get rid of this helicobacter infection.”

They took pictures of the back of the head and the cheek for stubble from a beard, and they did it at presentation, and then at four weeks, and then three months, six months, and twelve months. As the photos progressed, you could see increased hair growth.

Six weeks later, they rechecked and the bacterial infection was gone. Within 44 weeks his head was fully covered with hair. The guy was bald on the top back of his head, and within 44 weeks, he had a full head of hair back. His beard was full; before there had been bald spots due to the helicobacter infection.

Dr. Pizzano said, “What happens in the gut doesn’t stay in the gut.” So true. Here it was manifesting on his scalp. We have a client who had 1,000 times the normal amount of H. pylori, and he had done the antibiotic route. We had tried the mastic gum, and he took Biocidin which took it away. It hasn’t come back. So stay on it, and keep trying.

The Discovery of H. Pylori in the Stomach

In 1984, an Australian microbiologist named Barry Marshall said, “You know, I think sometimes ulcers are caused by bacteria.” Everyone thought he was a nutcase. Everyone. He was ostracized. It didn’t bother him. He put a tube down his throat, took a picture of the healthy pink tissue of his stomach. Then, he drank a beaker filled with the bacteria H. Pylori. He waited a few weeks till he was really sick; then he put a tube down again and took a picture of his ulcerated stomach.

Then he took the antibiotics to kill the bacteria, waited a few weeks until he felt good again. Then took another picture of the healthy pink tissue of his stomach, and he published it. They all thought he was a nutcase, but he proved beyond a shadow of a doubt sometimes ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection. It was such an important discovery that the World Health Organization mandated that every medical site in the world carry this message out. Why? Because stomach cancer is caused by this bacteria and stomach cancer is the number one cancer in the world.

Just think, it was only a little over 35 years ago that people thought Barry Marshall was crazy to think bacteria could survive the harsh, acidic climate of the stomach. You have an amazing world of gut bacteria — yeasts and viruses that play an incredibly significant role in your health. There are more genes in your gut bacteria than in your entire human genome. We’ve learned so much in a short amount of time, but it took us a while to learn it.

This is why it is so important for people to watch my Facebook Lives and read these blogs and learn about functional medicine . It takes an average of 17 years after discovery before these cutting-edge, life-saving discoveries make their way into the daily practice of physicians.

We don’t have 17 years or more to wait for solutions to the conditions that affect us.

You need to work with the team and do the functional tests to figure out where the inflammation is coming from, and then you can apply the principles and tenacity. The tenacity is the one hour a week, every week. You’re working on this, one hour at a time.

As a functional medicine practice, we are not solely concerned about eradicating the H. pylori infection. So your family gastroenterologist may be satisfied with knocking that out, and keeping an eye on future developments. We are also concerned about the damage incurred in your gut as a result of antibiotics and the H. pylori infection.

It’s now time to heal the gut,

Healing the gut after the antibiotics is a critical next step. The antibiotics get rid of the bad bacteria, the H. pylori, and that’s really important. When the conservative measures won’t work, you do the antibiotics. Don’t mess around with this.

But then you have to do the protocols to rebuild a healthy microbiome.

Supplements That Support Your Gut Health

  1. Step 1: Support Detoxification
    GS Dual Detox is designed to promote balanced activity between Phase I and Phase II of the body’s detoxification processes. Support healthy detoxification and enhance the activities of hepatic detoxification enzymes.
  2. Step 2: Restore
    GS Immuno Restore Powder contains 100% pure bovine colostrum rich in IgG and PRPs. This great product restores immunity and balance to your intestinal tract, protects against irritations from toxins, while promoting epithelial growth and repair.
  3. Step 3: Daily Maintenance
    GS Support Packets are a powerful combination of five nutritional formulas in convenient daily dose packets. Each packet offers daily support for the maintenance of a healthy immune system, eicosanoid balance and gastrointestinal issues caused by gluten. This formula promotes healthy tissue in the skin, joints, digestive system and nearly every other organ system in the body, and it has been specifically designed to exclude wheat and gluten.

Another supplement that I always keep on hand is Biocidin. It helps to kill off some of the nasty stuff that comes your way. At the first sign of sickness, I immediately use this. I carry it in my gym bag. I take it every time before traveling on a plane. And at the first sniffle or cough I immediately use the throat spray to stave off sickness. This stuff is wonderful. I’ve been using it for 30 years now, and it is safe for children, too. It is great for overall support.

As an important component to my Begin the Base Hits Class, I teach a module called Heal and Seal the Gut. You get practical, actionable steps that walk you through step-by-step on how to restore your gut health.

To get my proven protocol that I use with my patients to help reverse, arrest, and prevent autoimmune conditions, be sure to pick up a copy of my book The Autoimmune Fix. Included are anti-inflammatory recipes and a lot of tips on how to heal the gut. The book puts it all into perspective and allows you to have a deeper understanding of what is going on so you can take steps towards health and steer away from disease.

Good health is a lifelong journey to be enjoyed. May you enjoy every step along the way.

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Coriolus Versicolor

Coriolus Versicolor, a remarkable mushroom, is esteemed for its potential to contribute to overall wellness. Known for its immune-supporting properties, Coriolus Versicolor may help strengthen the body’s natural defenses. This extraordinary mushroom has also been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, supporting digestion, and fostering vitality.

Fo Ti

Fo Ti, a revered Chinese herb also known as He Shou Wu, is valued for its potential to support overall wellness. Traditionally used for promoting vitality and longevity, Fo Ti may contribute to maintaining healthy energy levels, cognitive function, and immune system performance. This remarkable herb has also been associated with supporting liver and kidney health, as well as fostering a sense of overall balance

Agave

Agave, a versatile desert plant native to the Americas, is recognized for its potential to support overall wellness. Rich in natural fibers and low-glycemic sweeteners, Agave may contribute to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, digestive health, and providing a natural alternative to refined sugars.

Maral Root

Maral Root, a potent adaptogenic herb native to Siberia, is celebrated for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. Known for helping the body manage stress and maintain balance, Maral Root may also promote healthy energy levels, endurance, and cognitive function. This exceptional herb has been associated with supporting the immune system, fostering vitality, and enhancing physical performance.

  • Antioxidant and DNA Repair Stimulating Effect of Extracts from Transformed and Normal Roots of Rhaponticum carthamoides against Induced Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in CHO Cells:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27034736/

NotoGinseng

NotoGinseng, a distinct variety of Panax ginseng native to the Changbai Mountains, is esteemed for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. Renowned for its adaptogenic properties, Noto Ginseng may help the body manage stress and maintain balance. This exceptional herb has been linked to supporting cognitive function, promoting healthy energy levels, and boosting immune system performance.

Baicalin

Baicalin, a potent bioflavonoid derived from the Scutellaria baicalensis plant, is appreciated for its potential to promote overall wellness. With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Baicalin may help protect cells from oxidative stress and maintain a balanced response to inflammation. This remarkable compound has been associated with supporting liver health, promoting cardiovascular function, and fostering a sense of vitality.

Purple Lapacho

Purple Lapacho, a unique and potent herb, is valued for its potential to support overall well-being. Known for its immune-boosting properties, Purple Lapacho may help fortify the body’s natural defenses. This remarkable herb has also been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, supporting digestion, and fostering vitality.

Holy Basil

Holy Basil has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion. It has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, a revered adaptogenic herb, is acclaimed for its potential to support overall well-being. Known for helping the body manage stress and maintain balance, Ashwagandha may also contribute to healthy energy levels and mental clarity. This remarkable herb has been associated with promoting relaxation, supporting the immune system, and fostering vitality.

Guarana

Guarana, a powerful plant, is celebrated for its potential to support overall wellness. Rich in natural caffeine, Guarana may help promote mental alertness, focus, and healthy energy levels. This remarkable plant has also been associated with supporting endurance and enhancing physical performance.

Catuaba

Catuaba, a potent herb, is appreciated for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. Known for its adaptogenic qualities, Catuaba may help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. This remarkable herb has also been associated with promoting mental alertness, healthy energy levels, and fostering a sense of vitality.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi Mushroom, a highly-regarded fungus, is esteemed for its potential to enhance overall wellness. With adaptogenic properties, Reishi Mushroom may help the body manage stress and maintain balance. This extraordinary mushroom has also been linked to promoting immune system support, healthy energy levels, and fostering a sense of calm and relaxation.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus Root, a powerful herb, is respected for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. Renowned for its immune-supporting properties, Astragalus Root may help fortify the body’s natural defenses. Additionally, this remarkable root has been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, heart health, and supporting the body’s ability to adapt to stress.

Asian Licorice Root

Asian Licorice Root, a versatile herb, is valued for its potential to support overall wellness. Known for its adaptogenic properties, it may help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. This remarkable root has also been linked to promoting healthy digestion, respiratory function, and supporting the immune system.

American Ginseng

American Ginseng, a revered herb, is prized for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. With adaptogenic properties, it may assist the body in managing stress and maintaining harmony. American Ginseng has also been associated with promoting mental alertness, healthy energy levels, and supporting the immune system.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea, a robust herb, is admired for its potential to support overall wellness. As an adaptogen, Rhodiola Rosea may help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. This remarkable herb has been linked to promoting mental clarity, healthy energy levels, and increased endurance.

Peruvian Maca

Peruvian Maca, a nutrient-packed root, is celebrated for its potential to enhance overall well-being. Known for its adaptogenic qualities, Maca may help the body manage stress and maintain balance. This powerful root has also been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, endurance, and supporting hormonal balance.

Schisandra Fruit

Schisandra Fruit, a unique berry, is renowned for its potential to contribute to overall wellness. Boasting adaptogenic properties, it may help the body adapt to stress and maintain equilibrium. Schisandra Fruit has also been linked to promoting healthy energy levels, mental clarity, and supporting the body’s natural defense

Acai

Acai, a nutrient-dense berry, is recognized for its potential to enhance overall well-being. Rich in antioxidants, Acai may help support the body’s defenses against environmental stressors, while promoting healthy energy levels and vitality.

Himalayan Goji

Himalayan Goji, a nutrient-rich fruit, is valued for its potential contribution to overall wellness. This superfood is believed to support the immune system, promote healthy energy levels, and aid in maintaining balance within the body. With its antioxidant properties, Himalayan Goji may help protect cells from environmental stressors.

Gotu Kola

The main group of components in gotu kola is the triterpenes including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are shown to positively influence brain plasticity which means a much sharper you.

  • Exhibits significant wound healing ability, Improves microcirculatory parameters, Sedative and anxiolytic properties, Antidepressant, Re-vitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and concentration and combat aging: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116297/

Water Hyssop

Best known as a neural tonic and memory enhancer this powerful herb increases cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitter modulation.

Green Tea Extract

Healthy energy producer and one of the more researched and promising supplements. It upregulates fat metabolism at rest and during exercise. In recent years the consumption of Green Tea Extract has shown to help prevent lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular disease because of it’s preventative effects on chronic inflammation.

  • Helps with weight loss by increasing a protein hormone which is involved in regulating glucose levels as well
    as fatty acid breakdown:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26093535/
  • Decrease cholesterol absorption and plasma levels, has strong free radical-scavenging
    activity inhibiting LDL oxidation, reduce the adhesion molecule expression, has antitrombotic activities by inhibiting platelet aggregation:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15969262/ 

Mikania Guaco

“Guaco” is Sun Horse Energy founder Dan Moriarty’s favorite herb, and the reason why he’s still alive. Traditionally, it’s a well-known herb for snake bites, scorpion stings and other venomous creatures. Guaco acts as a non-steroidal bronchodilator, meaning it opens up the airways without steroids. As a result of guaco opening up the airways, the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) are better able to accept oxygen transfer and get rid of carbon dioxide. In Brazil, Guaco syrup is one of the most popular herbal medicines used to treat the symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis, cough and hoarseness.


Osha Root

A traditional Native American herb, Osha is also known as “Bear Root”. Native Americans noticed that when bears emerged from hibernation, the first thing they did after being in a state of torpor for 4 months was not feast on salmon or drink water, but rather, dig up osha and eat it. Why? It decongests and wakes up the lungs. Native Americans who used Osha were able to run further, and treat their colds and congestion. Modern research studies suggest Osha may support the immune system by offering protective effects against oxidative damage.

I want to thank you for your existence. I want you to know that functional medicine has changed my life, well the life of my autistic son. So much so that I plan on taking the Functional Medicine Health Coach Certificate and work with my new friend who is now a Functional Medicine Doctor from the Institute of Functional Medicine and spread the word on GI testing and how finding the underlying issues will help eliminate autistic traits. 

I hope to be able to meet you one day so I can share this great news with others. Changing my son’s diet has changed him. Food is medicine!! By the way, I’m cooking my rutabaga. I’m Italian and never grew up with these. With love.

Rita Mastrangelo

I found you on YouTube a couple of weeks ago and I’m hooked. I listen to you a couple of hours every morning. I am being tested for celiac disease and have been gluten-free for a couple of weeks. Thank you for all of your insight.

April Renee

Just wanted to tell you that you’re amazing! You are helping so many people all over the world! Including me! Thank you so very much, Dr. Tom O’Bryan!

Patricia Puddle

Good morning Dr. Tom, Would just like to say thank you! This time last year I was going through a hell of a time with my gut. Terrible indigestion on a regular basis, feeling as if I had eaten a boulder and the tiredness was doing my heed (scottish for head) in! With two young girls being tired is not an option!

I went to the doctors on a number of occasions and they decided to prescribe omeprazole to mask the problem, sorry help my problem. I decided taking these drugs was not an option for me! So I started googling the life out of it!! Low and behold you started popping up!! Oh and Gluten intolerance! 

Your advice has been second to none! You have in my case really simplified what gluten does to my body and now that I have cut it out (which as it appears in lots of foods, some I can’t understand) I have found that my symptoms very quickly reduced and now I’m a year down the line they have gone for the vast majority of the time!! For that I’m truly grateful. I now follow you on YouTube and Instagram, which continues to educate me and the importance of gut health. I look forward to your future advice. Yours faithfully,

Gary Christie

Black Ant Extract

A Chinese medicine tonic, Black Ant is used to support energy levels. (In traditional Chinese medicine, Black Ant is given to increase vital Qi.) Research studies demonstrate that Black Ant supports the function of the thymus gland, which plays a crucial role in the immune system, producing and activating lymphocytes.

Siberian Ginseng

This well known adaptogen has been proven to reduce cardiovascular stress, lower and stabilize blood sugar to healthy levels, and encourages a more efficient lipid metabolism.

Pine Bark Extract

Many studies have shown that pine bark possesses anti-aging properties. It’s very similar in nature to the well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, resveratrol, which is abundant in red wine and grapes. Pine bark has a proven beneficial effect on lipids, the cardiovascular and immune systems.

Lion's Mane

A very yummy and medicinal mushroom is a well established candidate for brain and nerve health because it triggers neurite outgrowth and regenerates damaged nerves. Lions Mane has been extensively studied for its neuro-health properties.

Nattokinase

This is an enzyme/protein that speeds up biochemical reactions and helps to prevent and dissolve the formations of blood clots (thrombi); addresses the problem of blood hyperviscosity, thereby preventing thick and sticky blood, which is not conducive to overall cardiovascular health.

Shatavari

Referred to as the women’s ultimate power herb, by some herbal enthusiasts. Used in India for at least 3,000 years, Shatavari, is structurally similar to estrogen produced within the body. Some researchers have concluded shatavari can be a highly effective alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy for peri- and menopausal women.

Chaste Tree Berry

Improve female libido, mitigate PMS, reproductive health

Horny Goat Weed

Increase para-sympathetic nervous activity, mitigate osteoporosis, improve libido, enhance smooth muscle tissue function

  • Treatment for erectile problems and nerve injuries in human patients:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551978/
  • Prevents thickening or hardening of the arteries through multiple mechanisms, including attenuating DNA damage, correcting endothelial dysfunction, inhibiting the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells, repressing macrophage-derived foam cell formation and inflammatory responses, as well as preventing platelet activation:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29075193/

Bulgarian Tribulus

Enhance athletic performance, improve circulation, improve sexual performance, more efficient rates of protein synthesis

Cordyceps

Cordyceps, a genus of mushroom, gained lots of attention after Chinese long-distance runners performed impressively at international competitions in the 1990s and early 2000s. Along with high-altitude training, supplementing with cordyceps was part of their intense training program. A research study concludes that cordyceps improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after supplementation with it because the fungus is thought to increase blood flow, enhance oxygen utilization; it also acts as an antioxidant. It also has powerful anti-tumor properties, the ability to regulate the endocrine system, enhance your immune function, and protect the kidneys, lung, liver, and other organs.

  • Immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, promotion of endurance capacity, and learning-memory improvement, can be used to treat conditions such as hyposexuality, night sweats, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, asthenia, arrhythmias, and other heart, respiratory, renal and liver diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3924981/
  • Various pharmacological actions, including nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4849494/

Ginkgo Biloba

In recent decades, an extract of the leaves of the tree Ginkgo biloba L. has been used to improve memory in disorders like Dementia disorders that affect memory and intellectual functioning, and are caused primarily by Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disorders.

  • Potent antioxidant properties and ability to enhance peripheral and cerebral circulation, ginkgo’s primary application lies in the treatment of cerebrovascular dysfunctions and peripheral vascular disorders:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11565403/
  • Experimental results showed extracts of G.Biloba to upregulate protein expressions of BDNF:
  • The effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive functions in aged female rats;
  • The role of oxidative stress and brain-derived neurotrophic factor: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25446810

Jiaogulan

Jiaogulan, a versatile herb, is celebrated for its potential to support overall well-being. Known for its adaptogenic properties, Jiaogulan may help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. This remarkable herb has also been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, boosting endurance, and fostering a sense of calm and relaxation.