Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a bacterium that lives in the stomach and causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach wall, as well as ulcers. This bacterium has also been linked to gastric cancer. However, the number of people who are asymptomatic makes them unaware that they have been infected with this bacterium. In these people, the bacteria have no negative impact at all. However, if they do occur, symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, frequent belching, flatulence, and unplanned weight loss. In 2014, the prevalence of this bacterial infection in the US alone was estimated at 30-67%, while worldwide it was 50%. In non-industrialized countries with poor sanitation, food and water, the percentage of these bacterial infections increases to 90% of the population. By avoiding risk factors and taking preventive steps, you can lower your risk of becoming infected with the H. pylori bacteria.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Reducing H. Pylori Risiko Risk Factors
Step 1. Do not eat food that is not cooked properly
No matter where you live or wherever you go, you should avoid food that is not cooked properly as it can increase the risk of food poisoning and other causes of infection. Foods that are not cooked properly are a major source of H. pylori because these foods are not heated to high enough temperatures to kill the bacteria. You may find it difficult to detect, but you should avoid cold or raw foods because they may carry the H. pylori bacteria.
- Avoid foods that are not cleaned and prepared properly such as vegetables, fish and meat. Food that is not cleaned and prepared properly also increases the risk of all food-borne infections.
- You should also cook your own food at high temperatures. You may not know where the ingredients come from, so you should make sure to cook them well. That way, you can avoid H. pylori contamination from the food you cook yourself.
Step 2. Avoid dirty places
One of the main ways of transmitting H. pylori is through dirty places. This place includes food and beverage production areas, residences, and places of activity. Food cooked in dirty places can transmit bacteria from one person to another. Avoid street food vendors or street vendors who are not equipped with hand washing facilities and eating utensils.
- You should also avoid living near sources of dirty water, sewers, and areas filled with dirty water.
- Avoid places that are not equipped with adequate toilets and washing facilities with employees who do not use gloves, or employees who touch money and other people and then prepare food or products.
Step 3. Recognize accidental transmission
The main route of transmission of H. pylori is through the faecal-oral or oral-oral route. This means food, water and other items contaminated with bacteria due to poor drainage and hygiene. On the other hand, many people are not aware that they carry the H. pylori bacteria, so this bacteria can easily be transmitted to other people. Accidental transmission often occurs when the person carrying the bacteria is not used to washing their hands properly.
These bacteria can be found in saliva, feces, vomit, and other gastric and oral secretions. If any of the above components pass from a bacterial carrier into your mouth, or if you touch your hands to your mouth after touching a bacterial object, your risk of H. pylori infection increases
Method 2 of 2: Preventing H. Pylori
Step 1. Wash your hands thoroughly
The main route of transmission of H. pylori is through touch, so you should always maintain good personal hygiene and wash your hands. You should wash your hands frequently, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food.
How to wash your hands properly begins with warm water, at least 50 degrees Celsius and a little liquid soap. Pour the soap into your palms and wet them for a while. Wash your hands for 15-30 seconds in total by rubbing around your fingers, the front and back of your palms, up to your nails. Next, rinse your hands with warm water and dry them with a clean towel or tissue
Step 2. Eat in a clean place
While in a non-industrialized country, eat only in restaurants that have similar sanitation standards to industrialized countries. Kitchen utensils should be washed with hot water and antibacterial soap. However, after cleaning these kitchen utensils may still be exposed to bacteria from infected users who touch their mouths or don't wash their hands properly. So, make sure to only eat in places with employees wearing gloves.
The use of hand sanitizer is useful in doubtful situations
Step 3. Stop your interaction with the infected person
If your partner, lover, or family member is infected with H. pylori, you should be very careful about interacting with them. Do not kiss or have sex of any kind until their infection is treated. In addition, place toothbrushes, cups, and other personal utensils separately so that bacteria are not transmitted through saliva.
You should also prevent family members who are infected with H. pylori from preparing food, serving drinks, or touching your food to prevent accidental transmission of the bacteria through touch or other contamination
Step 4. Check yourself
If a family member is sick with a bacterial infection, you should also be examined. In terms of prevention, eradication of bacteria is primarily aimed at preventing the infection from reoccurring in the future. This bacterium is transmitted due to poor hygiene and sanitation conditions in the family, so H. pylori infection in all family members should be checked.
If any of your family members test positive for the bacteria, they should be treated and re-examined after 4 weeks of treatment. Recurrent infections can occur and the same cycle can occur again if these bacteria are not eradicated throughout the family
Step 5. Meet nutritional needs
One powerful way to help prevent H. pylori infection is to eat a balanced diet. A diet like this can maintain health while helping the body fight bacteria that enter. So, you must develop a diet that contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water in a balanced ratio. The proportion of balanced foods varies depending on your weight, gender, and activity level. However, for starters, try to maintain a nutritional intake of around 2,000 calories each day.
- Most of your calories should come from fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and low-fat protein.
- Even if trying to eat a balanced diet, 67% of nutritionists recommend taking a multivitamin every day to meet the nutrients that are lacking from food alone.
- Make sure your vitamin C intake is sufficient, which is 1,000 mg daily. Eat citrus fruits, limes, grapefruit, and green leafy vegetables to increase your intake of vitamin C from your diet.
