Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc
Heartburn/gastritis/GERD/acid reflux. Is it really due to too much stomach acid? Not necessarily. I have to admit, I experienced a bout of gastritis once, when I started my first practice; and yes, it hurt. It felt like someone poured battery acid down my throat, at the same time I was having a heart attack, while licking a nine volt battery. I think you get the picture. (The Digestive System)
Well, to make a long story short, my stress wasn’t going to go away in the next five minutes, so I needed to apply my “medical detectiveness” and back-track the pathophysiology of the condition to figure out the cause. Knowing the cause and the predisposing factors would allow me to apply the precise treatment. The cause and predisposing factors were two-fold:
My predisposing factors:
1. Chronic Dehydration (there are different types of mucous cells in the stomach and they are easy sources to supply the body with water when dehydrated. The thinning of the gastric mucosa or destruction of that mucous membrane layer, makes the stomach vulnerable to acids – hydrochloric or those produced from fermentation of ingested sugars and purification of ingested proteins). Decreased stomach HCL also creates the perfect storm for the introduction and colonization of the dreaded H. pylori bacterium.
2. Zinc deficiency picked-up on hair-mineral analysis (Zinc deficiency as a single factor would, most likely, not cause anything overtly noticeable. When combined w/ H. pylori infection, the compounding effect created a more severe inflammatory reaction within the gastric lining).
3. Wine (ethanol on its own can create erosion and inflammation of the gastric lining, but when combined with the zinc deficiency it compounds the degree of inflammation and drastically delays healing.
So, not only was I up the creek without a paddle, I was missing the canoe too.
So what was the true cause?
Achlorhydria (lack of stomach HCl) or H. pylori bacteria: This is the, what came first, chicken or the egg dilemma. Did my lack of stomach acid allow the H. pylori a safe haven to take up residence OR did the H. pylori infection cause the lack of stomach acid? Both are possible and both allow the other to exist, and create a condition called atrophic gastritis. This is exactly what I had, and, I am sure, a little erosive gastritis as well. H. pylori is very bad news bacteria that secretes a potent exotoxin that can lead to gastric injury and ulcers, and may even predispose one to stomach cancer.
H. pylori bacteria
My treatment protocol:
After some testing: allopathic (traditional medicine), which included BioHealth Diagnostics 401H ( GI Pathogen Screen w/ H. pylori Antigen $270.00) and energetic testing (Applied Kinesiology & Contact Reflex Analysis), I now knew what was going on, what caused it and what to do to get it under control. I had Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori for short.
Pre-treatment – First, I took antacids (over the counter) to keep the H. pylori from excreting it’s protective shield and allow the gastric mucosa to heal (H. pylori bacteria secrete a mucous layer in response to stomach hydrochloric acid, so an antacid will make them more susceptible to treatment).
Treatment – Second was the the bomb of 1,200mg’s 2x/day of Monolaurin (600 mg’s lauric acid per cap – also see coconut oil, which is 50% lauric acid by weight) and 2 caps 2x/day of H-PLR (herbal antibacterial) from Apex Energetics. After 4 weeks on my protocol I was feeling like a new man. I rechecked myself, after 8 weeks, and was free of the foreign invaders, breath test confirmed the same. (As of September 2009, I am now adding Klaire Labs – InterFase Plus, 2 caps 3x/day on an empty stomach. This product aids in the eradication of the H. pylori biofilm colonies. This is a major advancement in the protocol. For more data – follow the “biofilms” link at the bottom of this post)
Prevention – Third, was to keep the buggers from coming back and keep the healing process moving forward. I took digestive enzymes w/HCl* – 1 w/ea. meal, plant based enzymes – 1 w/ea. meal, zinc** – 50mg’s 2x/day, L-carnosine** – 500mg’s 2x/day, mastic gum*** 1,000mg’s 2x/day, TheraAloe**** – 1 ounce 2x/day, chlorophyll – 100mg’s 2x/day, a daily broad-spectrum probiotic and tons of distilled water, for 6 weeks. I was now better than before my first symptom.
All-in-all it was a learning experience, and one that has made me a better doctor, and a more diligent medical detective.
FYI: Gastritis is not a single condition, but several different conditions that all share inflammation of the stomach lining as a common symptom. Gastritis, most often, is caused by prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin, drinking too much alcohol or infection such as Helicobacter pylori bacteria (H. pylori). It may also occur after a major surgery, severe infections, trauma-injury-burns, or severe infections. Some diseases, such as pernicious (B12 deficient) anemia, autoimmune diseases, and chronic bile reflux, can cause gastritis as well.
*Microscopy studies of the motility of H. pylori in gastric mucin at acidic and neutral pH in the absence of urea show that the bacteria swim freely at high (alkaline – achlorohydria) pH, and are strongly constrained at low (acidic) pH. Also, H. Pylori, through enzyme reactions promote increased ammonia production, which raises the pH of its environment – allowing it to move more freely.
(**)A combination of zinc and L-carnosine has been shown to prevent gross visible damage to gastric mucosa caused by ethanol ingestion. This combination also acts as a potent antioxidant, specifically benefiting the gastric mucosa.
***There is conflicting data on whether mastic gum kills H. pylori effectively in vivo (live human trials). Killing it in a test tube or mice is one thing, but I am interested in living human beings. There is evidence that it aids in the healing of the gastric mucosa, possessing anti-inflammatory properties. I used it for healing rather than as an agent to kill the H. pylori bacteria. Note: there are studies that have shown that mastic gum killing H. pylori. The problem is that it is in less than 30% of the trial groups. So it works in about 1 out of every 3 that try is as a primary treatment (at dosages of 500mg’s 3x/day).
****TherAloe is a high molecular weight polysaccharides containing aloe vera juice product. It’s healing capabilities, as far as I am concerned, are quite profound on the gastric mucosa.
If you need to set-up a consultation to discuss diagnosing or handling H. pylori, please give me a call. I can also mail any of the products used in the protocol, anywhere in the United States. Call Rene at (714)-639-4360 for assistance.
September 13, 2009 Update – I am now taking, Source Naturals – Broccoli Sprouts Extract, which provides 2,000mcg’s sulforphane daily. This is equivalent to eating more than a pound of fresh broccoli. Dietary Sulforaphane-Rich Broccoli Sprouts Reduce Colonization and Attenuate Gastritis in Helicobacter pylori–Infected Mice and Humans
October 03, 2009 Update – H. pylori most likely will live in biofilm colonies which make them even harder to kill or be identified by our host defenses. Read more about biofilms here and my protocol to remove them. BIOFILMS
November 03, 2009 Update – In my never ending quest for knowledge, I just came a cross this interesting piece of data. The H. pylori bacteria is thought to have been with us for around 58,000 years and migrated with modern man out of east Africa. Here is the link to this article. - An African origin for the intimate association between humans and Helicobacter pylori
November 18, 2009 Update – Here are two PubMed articles validating the effectiveness of Monolaurin for the prevention and/or eradication of H. pylori.
Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2002 Oct;20(4):258-62
Bactericidal effects of fatty acids and monoglycerides (Monolaurin) on Helicobacter pylori
Bergsson G, Steingrímsson O, Thormar H. Institute of Biology, University of Iceland, Grensasvegur 12, 108, Reykjavik, Iceland. bergsson@here.is
The susceptibility of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori to fatty acids and monoglycerides was studied. None of the lipids showed significant antibacterial activity against Salmonella spp. and E. coli but eight of 12 lipids tested showed high activity against H. pylori, monocaprin and monolaurin being the most active. The high activity of monoglycerides against H. pylori suggests that they may be useful as active ingredients in pharmaceutical formulations.
Mol Cell Biochem. 2005 Apr;272(1-2):29-34
Minimum inhibitory concentrations of herbal essential oils and monolaurin for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Preuss HG, Echard B, Enig M, Brook I, Elliott TB. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA. preusshg@georgetown.edu
New, safe antimicrobial agents are needed to prevent and overcome severe bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Based on our previous experience and that of others, we postulated that herbal essential oils, such as those of origanum, and monolaurin offer such possibilities. We examined in vitro the cidal (def. killing, as in bactericidal) and/or static effects of oil of origanum, several other essential oils, and monolaurin on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis Sterne, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and Mycobacterium terrae. Origanum proved cidal to all tested organisms with the exception of B. anthracis Sterne in which it was static. Monolaurin was cidal to S. aureus and M. terrae but not to E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Unlike the other two gram-negative organisms, H. pylori were extremely sensitive to monolaurin. Similar to origanum, monolaurin was static to B. anthracis Sterne. Because of their longstanding safety record, origanum and/or monolaurin, alone or combined with antibiotics, might prove useful in the prevention and treatment of severe bacterial infections, especially those that are difficult to treat and/or are antibiotic resistant (also see biofilm, as a source of antibiotic resistance).
Tags: Biofilm, Coconut Oil, Gastritis, GERD, H. pylori, Heartburn, Lauric Acid, Monolaurin, Sulforphane
I took Mastic Gum and it killed the H.pylori. I have proof that the test was positive and two months of taking Mastic Gum and the test was negative. So, I do believe it kills the H.pylori, if not why would a medical test show it negative?
Hi Dr. Ettinger,
I have a really complex issue and was wondering (based on your article) if you could offer me any help in any way. I do not live in your area. I saw that you posted on Amy’s website about H Pylori and was hoping you could offer me your insight just the same.
I had the flu about 12-13 weeks ago. I was in bed and really really sick. During the flu, I took antibiotics (azithromycin). While sick with the flu, I developed upper left abdominal pain. Post-flu I just wasn’t the same. I was worn out, having memory lapse, was so fatigued and emotionally off. I soon developed bad acid reflux, burning in my chest and then anxiety. I did not know what was wrong with me. I was so nauseous, could barely eat anything and developed increasing pain in my upper abdomen. I was so bloated, burping, flatulence, etc. I felt like I just was missing something I had previously.
From there, a whole cascade of symptoms popped up. I was prescribed another antibiotic due to chest congestion and residual issues post flu. Other symptoms I had were a racing pulse, panic/anxiety, burning/stinging skin, spasms in various places, bizarre head sensations (pressure in my head/ears) or tingling, shortness of breath, extreme thirst (sometimes), unintended weight loss, etc. I started becoming increasingly reactive to food- with pressure in my head, shortness of breath, a coating in my throat, racing heart, burning skin, hive-like feelings all over, etc. I am now consuming only organic eggs, organic chicken and asparagus. I was eating apples but had an intense reaction to those yesterday.
I am only 23 years old. I do not have any health conditions (but an obvious issue right now). I have had blood work done and all thyroid, endocrine, blood counts, infectious disease and such come back normal. I have also had extensive tests – ultrasound, MRI and these were okay. My blood work test for H. Pylori came back elevated and it was in the past too.
I am reactive to even supplements. I was on Ultra Flora and became reactive to it after a period of about 5 days. I actually tolerated this the best of most other things. B vitamins have caused my heart to race, magnesium caused extreme shortness of breath, mineral supplements and others have turned my nose and chest bright red with again shortness of breath. Others cause pressure in my head.
I know that I cannot resort to the conventional medical community. I have tried. They don’t recognize leaky gut and such things. I have recently been prescribed even more antibiotics for H. Pylori.
I get really disoriented (especially at night). I sometimes see strips of light in front of my face. My surrounding environment looks like a movie– my perception is distorted- hard to describe. It doesn’t look blurry but rather just different- like a movie’s view of the world and not real life (fast movement for example or different depth perception). I have been told that gut toxins and such can migrate to my brain. Also, deficiencies do not help.
I am really confused as to how to help myself. I know that I am in need of nutrients very much so. I have tried to take Metagenics medical food and even react to this. I need to provide my body with what it needs.
I know this seems so extreme and it is. I have had cold laser therapy and been desensitized to minimize these reactions. I have been tested kinetically to determine what my body needs. I then react to taking what it is needing.
If you can make any suggestions whatsoever, I would be ever so so grateful.
I am not sure how much H. Pylori can contribute to this? I know with some people it doesn’t cause near as many issues as it does others. I also have not read of it causing such extreme food intolerance and cognitive effects, etc.
I know that with all of this, I do not need H. Pylori. I am not sure how to go about eliminating it with all of these sensitivities. Have you heard of H. Pylori causing such things? Can it? Can it contribute to a leaky gut? I am aware of candida and replenishing natural flora. Can H. Pylori cause such symptoms and food reactions?
I know that I need Probiotics very much so. I reacted to what I was taking, so am not sure what else to do. I have so many Probiotics- Xymogen, Ultra Flora, Flora Plus, etc, etc.
Please any insight would be most appreciated. I am trying so hard.
-Mary
Sharon,
That’s great that it handled your H. pylori. In your case it was all you needed, in others it’s not. Maybe you had a mild case, maybe it was just the right thing for your body, maybe you had the bacteria for just a short time and it needed a mild treatment. Regardless I am glad it’s gone.
Now that it’s gone, it’s time to start on a broad spectrum probiotic and HCl to keep it from returning. Thank you for the comment.
I was diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in May.09, but I’ve been having problems for much longer that that. This bacterial situation has actually been on and off for several years, but in 2009 it got much worse. It got so bad that I wasn’t able to do a urea breath test, because I couldn’t stand without the proton pump inhibitor (acid blocker), Losec, in my case. So I had an endoscopy to be diagnosed with H. pylori. As a first round therapy I had the standard "triple therapy" (2 antibiotics and one antacid). In May I first tested positive, again in July, and again in August, so this time I was put on "quadruple therapy." I finished that up and after just one week off the drugs all my symptoms came back. My biggest symptom was lots of heartburn, really bad. I was having heartburn from everything, even from plain water.
Seeing that antibiotics didn’t help, I decided to look for help on the internet. I found different forums where people were sharing same stories as mine. Than I found Matula tea: I bought one month supply, 150$ US dollars (I’m in Canada). The tea helped for exactly one moth and after that my
symptoms came back. I never gave up, I looked again for help; this time I found Amy King’s blog, sending a link towards Doctor Ettinger’s website. There I found his story; he actually, himself, had H. pylori at one time, and shared his experience of how he treated it. I decided to follow his protocol step by step.
This was happening in November 09. After 2 weeks of Monolaurin + HPLR + Enzymes, I was felling better. I had to give up on the HPLR, as I wasn’t feeling to well from that. Dr. E said maybe it was to strong for me. I replaced it with Mastic Gum. I finished 2 moths of treatment to kill the bacteria and now I’m following
the maintenance treatment. By now it feels so good not to have heartburn, it’s almost gone.
Now what you have to remember is that besides treatment you have to change your life style, what you eat and how you exercise. Exercise with more cardio than weights. About food, try to avoid all foods which will cause you heartburn like oranges, tomatoes, pasta, all greasy stuff and junk food. I
bought a juice maker. During my killing treatment I was juicing everyday: 3 carrots + piece of cabbage + one raw potato which will make you 500ml glass of juice. Even now, every other 3rd day I drink that. You have to make your body more alkaline than acidic. Dr. Ettinger assisted me through this phase, answered any questions I had and supplied me with all of the products. Now I’m felling normal again.
Thank you, Dr. E.
Hi Dr. Ettinger,
I also have been to Amy’s website have found a lot of great info there. I was scared with the heart palpitations and the immense pain I felt in my side and back. It has subsided greatly since I have started with the monolaurin, mastic gum and Manuka honey, probiotic VSL#3. I did start off with the triple antibiotic treatment from my doctor back in November, but to no avail. My question is when I stopped the triple antibiotics I have had a pain in my very lower back or upper buttock region that I can’t explain, almost like it is my tailbone but not quite. It has been there since I finished the antibiotics and also my left heel has tremendous pain in it sometimes(most of the time) when I walk on it, so therefore I limp. Did not have this before antibiotic treatment. Could the h-pylori have anything to do with this?? I have only been on the natural treatments for a week now and I am hoping to feel better in a few months. Also should I take the H-PLR with the rest of the stuff I am taking?? Thanks so very much for any help you can offer me.
Patty,
Were you on: Cipro, Avelox, Proquin XR or Levaquin? As these can all cause spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture or Achilles tendonitis.
H-PLR with the rest of your supplements is perfect.
Hi again Dr.E, I have redone my urea breath test for HP at the end of January ‘10 and it came negative! voila!
Dr. Ettinger,
what brand of Monolaurin do you recommend for pylori patients?
Ecological Formulas 600mg caps – 2/2x/day. 2,000mg’s is a daily therapeutic dose, more is not better.
Thanks for the quick response. As far as mastic gum goes, are
you still prescribing it for “healing” purposes, as opposed to treating
pylori?
I’ve been on a regimen of aloe vera juice, cabbage juice, slippery elm and
mastic gum (2 grams a day) for the past month and have progressed
a lot. Is this too simplistic for you?