Symptoms and relief

Our purpose is not to hinder the physiological processes of the organism. Ours is a holistic approach. An approach that encourages the ristoring of the physical balance, by facing the causes as efficiently as possible and by ensuring a fast relief of all the symptoms.

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Stomach and intestine

A good diet and an efficient digestive process are essential to be in good health because we are what we eat, but most of all, we are what we manage to absorb. Long term good health depends on healthy nutrition, on an adequate digestive process and assimilation of foodstuffs; over time, gastric problems and incomplete digestive processes lead to several chronic disorders (gastritis, reflux, constipation, meteorism, occasional diarrhea) and other serious diseases (food intolerances, diseases from immune-complex deposition, liver overloaded with toxins, etc.). The primary function of the gastrointestinal system is to dismantle complex molecules so that nutrients deriving from foodstuffs, which would not be usable or absorbable at native state, are made bioavailable. Gastric and intestinal problems are very widespread.

Inflammations and damage of the gastrointestinal mucosa, responsible for the insurgence of gastritis and ulcers, affect large groups of people: around 70% of adults frequently experience heartburn and 50% of people aged over 45 suffer from chronic gastritis; moreover, 10% of the population, especially those aged between 30 and 50, show clinical signs of peptic ulcer, single or multiple. Intestinal dysbiosis is, on the other hand, at the origin of the most diverse health problems, ranging from Candida to an unbalanced immune system that can lead to frequent illnesses, several disorders of the intestine, food intolerances, etc.

Up until 1984, it was thought that the stomach, having a particularly strong acid pH level, was entirely sterile, i.e. lacking any form of microbial colonization.

With the findings of researches perseveringly carried out by the resolute Dr Berry J. Marshall and Dr Robin Warren from Australia, the scientific world was forced to yield to the evidence that Helicobacter Pylori not only has the rare ability to develop in an acid environment such as the stomach, but its presence is, in fact, closely related to the development of gastritis and ulcera.

Dr Berry J. Marshall and Dr Robin Warren were awarded the Nobel prize for medicine in 2005, “for having discovered the bacterium named Helicobacter pylori and its pivotal role in gastritis and peptic ulcer.”

It has therefore been established that Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium capable of restisting and replicating in the stomach, a strongly acid environment; this is made possible by the fact it that it produces an enzyme called urease which, through the release of ammonia, neutralizes gastric acidiy, thereby creating around the bacterium a compatible microenvironment. Once settled in the stomach, the gastric mucosa undergoes an aggression attack by numerous toxins produced during its metabolism.

Substances secreted (among which ammonia and enzymes such as protease, catalase and phospholipase) and the particular movements it makes (owing to its peculiar scourges, its movements are helical shaped, from which the name “Helicobacter”) are detrimental to the gastroduodenal mucosa and, in time, cause the insurgence of problems such as gastritis, ulcers and inflammations.

Immersed in the gastric mucosa, its presence and the strain of its scourges’ movements cause both digestive problems and inflammations on the stomach and duodenum walls. The bacterium is moreover capable of increasing permeability of the mucosa to hydrogen ions (physiologically produced by stomach cells to carry out digestive mechanisms), increasing the risk of gastric lesions.

Helicobacter Pylori: a much widespread infection

In adults, the presence of H. Pylori is associated with pathological conditions such as dyspepsia, halitosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcera. Numerous studies have proven that Helicobacter Pylori is involved in 90% of duodenal ulcera cases and 70% of gastric ulcera cases. Moreover, Helicobacter Pylori increases the risk of gastric lesions in patients treated with non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (a category of medicines including the very common aspirin). Eliminating the bacterium improves the situation significantly.

Chronic contamination from Helicobacter Pylori also paves the way for the pathogenesis of carcinoma and gastric lymphoma, with even more sever implications. Infection from Helicobacter Pylori is much widespread: it is estimated that 20% of people in their twenties, 40% of those in their fourties and 60% of those in their sixties are affected. Incidence of the infection rises with age, probably due to the progressive weakening of the immune system and a diminution in the production of gastric juices.

Helicobacter Pylori: the consequence of a dysbiotic intestinal “ground”

As a matter of fact, the immune system plays a fundamental role in preventing the bacterium from settling down once the organism has been contaminated. A balanced immune system is capable of contrasting the bacterium before it manages to reach the protective mucous layer coating the stomach’s walls.

Having a well-balanced, beneficial bacterial flora in the intestine is key in order to directly defend the digestive tract (creating an environment that is hostile to aggressors), as well as to establish the essential immune collaboration with the mucosal lymphatic system, stimulating and enhancing the organism’s general defensive capabilities.

Unfortunately there is an ever increasing deterioration of intestinal microbial balance across the population: generally speaking, in fact, Western nutritional lifestyle produces definitely negative effects on the delicate equilibrium of the intestinal ecosystem, given the insufficient supply coupled with an excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and animal proteins.

Apart from this, “technological” food in the Western world is often characterised by unconscious intake of preservatives, colouring agents, pesticides, estrogens and antibiotics which have a real, devastating effect on the intestine’s physiological bacterial flora. In the end, there’s no doubt as to the fact that unhealthy food habits and the quality of foods daily consumed, besides the abuse of medicines (antibiotics, in particular), are among the principal causes of intestinal dysbiosis, with a consequent weakening of the body’s immune system, which in such circumstances makes the body more easily prone to contracting illnesses.

It is therefore evident in primis that underlying such a wide spread of infection from H. Pylori is a progressive weakening of the intestine’s “ground” health and balance (dysbiosis), a situation that is becoming increasingly common in our Western world.

Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori with traditional medicine

Even though official medicine has developed effective inquiry methods to diagnose the actual presence of H. Pylori (urea breath test, search of H. Pylori faecal antigen, etc.), it however does not offer a really effective approach to eradicate the bacterium from the gastric mucosa in a definitive way.

In fact, synthetic antibiotics normally used often lead to the build-up of resistance, besides having the serious limitation of worsening the individual’s intestinal dysbiosis, with a consequent, further weakening of the immune defenses and heightened risk of continuous relapses. As if that were not enough, protonic pump inhibitors, used in conjunction with antibiotics, alter the physiological functionality of the stomach, making digestive processes very difficult and triggering the risk of intestinal disorders following bad digestion.

Moreover, recent studies have proven that such medicines interfere with the absorption of calcium and increase the risk of hip fractures, therefore having a detrimental effect when it comes to safeguarding the skeleton’s integrity. (JAMA. 2007 Apr 4;297(13):1429).

In view of the above considerations, a really valid approach in terms of efficacy, aiming to reach a definitive solution, must act systemically and directly against H. Pylori by means of a natural antibiotic action; at the same time, it must contribute to reinforce and rebalance the organism’s natural defensive mechanisms.

Apart from this, the approach will have to help alleviate symptomatology through its systemic action (hyperacidity, slow and difficult digestion, heartburn, etc.), without altering the physiological functionality of the stomach in any way, while reducing inflammation and repairing the gastric mucosa, inevitably worn out by the movement of H.Pylori’s scourges and other substances produced by its metabolism. Nature can therefore once again be of aid, offering ingredients of proven efficacy.

Nature can help you definitely eliminate Helicobacter Pylori

A Natural and effective approach

Definitely solving the problem of Helicobacter Pylori infestation often turns out to be an ordeal. Nature can, however, be of great help once again, first of all thanks to the use of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), the efficacy of which against Helicobacter Pylori has been proven by numerous studies and applications.

GSE and Helicobacter Pylori

Results obtained regarding the efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) against several bacterial strains have shown that GSE is capable of eliminating Helicobacter Pylori directly. These data make it possible to identify GSE as the ideal natural remedy to eradicate the bacterium from the gastric mucosa.

GSE’s efficacy against H. Pylori is also connected to its indirect action as an intestinal “selective cleanser”; in fact, GSE, unlike common synthetic antibiotics, acts against pathogens without significantly affecting the intestine’s physiological bacterial flora, as confirmed by a study published in the “Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine”, volume 5 n° 3 of 1990.

The importance of having a healthy and balanced bacterial flora to ensure equilibrium and efficiency of the immune system and for an adequate defense of the organism against any form of infection, including H. Pylori, has been emphasised above. GSE therefore represents an extremely valid natural remedy to eradicate H. Pylori, considering its typical characteristics: it acts directly against H. Pylori as well as indirectly, by reinforcing the immune system, improving the intestinal “ground” and protecting physiological bacterial flora.

Moreover, Grapefruit Seed Extract has proven its effectiveness in providing gastroprotection and accelerating healing processes in case of damaged gastrointestinal mucosa (a typical consequence of H.Pylori infection), with cytoprotective, reparative mechanisms involving activation of natural protective factors in the mucosa itself.

These discoveries, together with its antibacterial properties against H.Pylori, enhance GSE’s functionality towards the gastroduodenal mucosa, making it an ideal ally in a natural and effective approach aiming to eradicate H. Pylori and restore functional and protective integrity of the mucosa itself.

For the above considerations, GSE therefore represents the cornerstone of an extraordinarily effective approach against H. Pylori. Its association and synergy with specific plant extracts enables:

Action at gastric level with a dual aim: on the one hand, to stimulate digestion and soothe heartburn and hyperacidity; on the other, to contrast contamination from H. Pylori directly;
Direct action to eradicate H. Pylori, through a marked, natural antibiotic action, yet without altering physiological bacterial flora;
To enhance a rebalancing of the intestinal flora, while reinforcing the organism’s natural defenses;
To enhance remedying of the gastric mucosa.

This approach, combined with a healthy lifestyle (in terms of diet, but not only), includes the use of natural remedies that are well known in folk tradition and the efficacy of which in providing a definitive solution has been confirmed by recent studies.

1 - In order to act at gastric level with a dual aim: on the one hand, to stimulate digestion and soothe heartburn and hyperacidity; on the other, to contrast contamination from H. Pylori directly…
Nature can help you with…

Grapefruit Seed Extract: capable of antibiotic action directly aimed at H. Pylori, it repairs the gastric mucosa and “selectively” cleanses the intestine, while fully respecting physiological bacterial flora.

Pineapple: an actual digestif; this feature is mainly due to the presence of bromelain, an enzyme with a marked proteolytic action, i.e. apt for digesting proteins.

Cardamom: traditionally employed to cure stomach ache and to promote digestion, is has undoubted eupeptic, stimulant, stomachic and, mostly, carminative properties.

Coriander: an excellent antidiarrhoeal, its seeds also have extraordinary digestive properties.

Cumin: it contains carvone and limonene terpenes, which help regulate gastrointestinal functionality, stimulating gastric secretion and alleviating any pain or abdominal cramps thanks to their antispasmodic activity.

Rhubarb: in small doses, this drug acts as a stomachic and bitter tonic, stimulating secretions and gastric motility, thereby facilitating digestive processes.

Milk thistle: it stimulates the appetite, but most of all if promotes digestion. In addition, it is an excellent antispasmodic.

The ideal means for intake of the above-mentioned plant ingredients, ideal to restore balance of physiological functions in the digestive tract, is represented by swallowable tablets, to be taken when required after main meals.

2 - In order to act directly to eradicate H. Pylori, through a marked, natural antibiotic action, yet without altering the physiological bacterial flora…
Nature can help you with…

Echinacea purpurea: this plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, native to the central regions of the US. It is capable of slowing down the spread of pathogenic germs, triggering a defensive mechanism against germs, while activating the regenerative function of tissues.

For this reason, preparations with Echinacea are considered effective in the treatment of septic states and in infective pathologies in general.

Rhodiola: a typical plant belonging to cold climates in the Northern Hemisphere, it can heighten the organism’s resistance to toxins, it increases the level of enzymes, of RNA and proteins and is therefore capable of reducing recovery time following fatigue and prolonged diseases;

Uncaria: native to South America, the bark is used for its powerful efficacy in regulating the immune system. Its use enhances the organism’s resistance to infections and improves its response in case of illness.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): an Australian plant with amply demonstrated antiviral properties, it is also effective against bacteria and fungi, as well as being a powerful stimulant of the immune system.

The ideal form of intake of such plant ingredients is represented by swallowable tablets, to be taken at the recommended doses, preferably before meals, for one month.

3 - To enhance a rebalancing of the intestinal flora, while reinforcing the organism’s natural defenses…
Nature can help you with…

Triad of probiotic bacteria: to provide adequate colonisation of the whole intestine, from small to large intestine, contrasting intestinal dybiosis, with consequent rebalancing of the immune system and a capacity to prevent relapses from Helicobacter Pylori. Probiotics indicated, for a total of not less than 3 billion cells, are in this case: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Cultivated on topsoil, they are therefore naturally free from milk derivatives, and using integral cultivation systems, i.e. complete with supernatant fluid (a substance produced by beneficial bacteria during their growth on the culture medium). This fluid is composed by antimicrobials, such as hydrogen peroxide and acidophilin, vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants and immunostimulants; the supernatant works as a natural swab for probiotic bacteria, allowing them to survive gastric acids and provides all that’s needed for form colonies, as they remain in their natural environment.

Fructo-oligosaccharides: prebiotic fibres with a marked capacity to keep probiotics alive and stimulate colonisation of the colon by bifidobacteria.

Grapefruit Seed Extract: natural antibiotic action, with a direct impact on pathogenic microrganisms and for selective intestinal cleansing, in full respect of physiological bacterial flora.

Uncaria: native to South America, Uncaria, of which the bark is used, proves to be powerfully effective as a regulator of the immune system. Its use leads to an increase in the organism’s resistance to infections and it improves the body’s response in case of illness.

Morinda citrifolia (Noni): useful in regulating function and regeneration of cells and damaged cells, it simulates the production of T cells that play a key role in destroying diseases and strengthening the immune system.

The ideal form for intake of such ingredients is represented by practical vials with measuring cap. Recommended dose: one vial a day, to be taken on an empty stomach.

4 - In order to enhance remedying of the gastric mucosa.
Nature can help you with…

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), well known for its antimicrobial properties, recognized by Laboratories and Institutes worldwide, has been recently employed by a group of researchers at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow (Poland), with the aim of studying its potential properties with particular reference to the protection of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Studies have confirmed the researchers’ hypotheses, highlighting both the gastroprotective role of Grapefruit Seed Extract, as well as its ability to accelerate wound healing. These discoveries, together with the well-known antibacterial properties towards Helicobacter Pylori, intensify the protective and reparative action of Grapefruit Seed Extract towards the gastric mucosa.

GSE’s mechanisms of action have been shown to be as follows: activation of the endogenous synthesis of prostaglandins, the expression of mucous cell growth factors, suppression of oxidative stress and increase of submucosal bloodstream.

GSE is absolutely safe, particularly because its activity has no impact whatsoever on the microbial intestinal flora while safeguarding the organism’s natural defenses, as confirmed by a study published in the “Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine”, Volume 5 Nr. 3 of 1990.

Centella: scientific studies have confirmed the value of traditional uses of this plant as a cicatrising and vascular-protective agent, highlighting its marked properties when it comes to the restructuring and regeneration of the connective tissues. Through the stimulation of fibroblasts, Centella induces the synthesis of both constituents making up connective tissue, namely glycosaminoglycans, as well as collagen and elastin, thereby accelerating wound healing processes.

In case of ulcers and gastritis, Centella can be a precious ally as it helps restructure and reinforce the gastrointestinal mucous barrier, ensuring protection from harm caused by aggressive factors and in order to accelerating wound healing.

Laurel: its leaves and fruits are rich in pectins; when hydrated they adhere to the stomach walls, increasing its resistance against both endogenous and exogenous, harmful agents.

Lythrum salicaria: it owes its name to lythron, meaning blood clot, a testimony to its well-known antihemorrhagic properties. The synergic action of the phytocomplex’s active principles solves the inflammatory state of the gastro-intestinal mucosa and promotes haemostasis of lesions, preventing the arising of any hemorrhagic complications.

Rutin: a flavonoid with marked vascular-protective, antioxidant and re-epithelising properties, thanks to which is supports and accelerates cicatrizing properties of inflamed or damaged mucosae.

Boswellia: with marked anti-inflammatory properties, unlike typical synthetic anti-inflammatories (NSAIMs), it does not cause gastric intolerance; on the contrary, it shows protective action towards ulcers and gastritis.

Passiflora: well-known for its sedative and calming properties. Given the relevance of factors such as stress and anxiety in the insurgence of ulcers and gastritis, Passiflora is a particularly apt ingredient. Moreover, its recognized efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal spasms enable to obtain a pain-killing effect. Its extract is beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and nervousness, without running the risk of addiction.

In such cases, it is advisable to take plant active constituents contained in swallowable tablets to be ingested on an empty stomach so as to facilitate direct action on the mucosa. Recommended dose: 3 tablets a day, one around mid-morning, another at mid-afternoon and a third one before going to bed.