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Produced by: Popular Science China

Author: Wang Juelian

Producer: Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology

During holidays, families and friends come together, and a table full of delicious food is a must. However, the "invisible thief" – Helicobacter pylori – is also lurking, ready to accompany you "home." Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that resides in the stomach. It can attach itself to the stomach lining and produce a series of enzymes and toxins that lead to damage and inflammation of the stomach lining, resulting in conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcers. Furthermore, H. pylori infection is closely linked to the occurrence of stomach cancer. Although there are no clear symptoms of H. pylori infection, it can often cause symptoms like stomach bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and bad breath. One of the primary routes of H. pylori infection is through shared dining and toasting among friends and family. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to prevent H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori, HP) infection, especially during gatherings. Below, we will focus on effective ways to prevent HP infection during meals.

Separate dining or the use of communal chopsticks and spoons.

During group meals, to reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended to adopt a system of serving individual portions or to use shared chopsticks and spoons. The individual portion system ensures that each person has their own cutlery and food, effectively preventing cross-contamination. Using shared chopsticks and spoons helps ensure that there is no contact with others' saliva when serving food, thereby reducing the chances of bacterial transmission.

Pay attention to dietary hygiene.

Choose restaurants with good hygiene standards and avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods that may carry bacteria. Furthermore, try to refrain from eating food that has not been thoroughly heated, as these items may carry Helicobacter pylori. Also, pay attention to the disinfection and cleanliness of utensils, ensuring they have been thoroughly washed before use.

Strengthen personal hygiene habits.

Developing good personal hygiene habits is key to preventing HP infections. Fecal-oral transmission is one of the routes of infection. It is important to wash hands thoroughly before meals and after using the bathroom to avoid touching the mouth, nose, eyes, and other areas with unclean hands. Additionally, regular tooth brushing and rinsing, as well as dental cleaning when necessary, can help reduce the risk of infection.

Avoid the mode of transmission through word of mouth.

Oral transmission is one of the main routes for the spread of HP. Therefore, behaviors such as mouth-to-mouth feeding and kissing should be avoided. Parents should refrain from mouth-to-mouth feeding when giving food to their children to prevent transmitting bacteria to them. Additionally, it is advisable to minimize close contact with family members or friends infected with HP or to suggest that they undergo appropriate eradication treatment.

Boosting immunity.

People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections from Helicobacter pylori (HP). In clinical observations, we have found that in couples who have lived together for decades, one partner may be infected with HP while the other remains HP negative. Therefore, it is important to focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep to enhance the body's immunity. Additionally, maintaining a positive mindset and optimistic emotions can also contribute to improving immunity and reducing the risk of infection.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the underlying cause of HP (Helicobacter pylori) infection is a weakness of the spleen and stomach, with a local pathological mechanism characterized by damp-heat obstruction. HP is categorized as a "damp-heat evil." Therefore, although HP is an infectious disease, it is not necessarily contracted just by dining with friends who test positive for HP. On the basis of spleen and stomach weakness, combined with damp-heat obstruction, or infection with damp-heat evil, this can further lead to sluggish Qi circulation, manifesting clinically as symptoms of indigestion such as abdominal bloating and nausea. This can subsequently lead to blood stasis in the vessels and a diminished ability to transform and transport, which is also the traditional pathological basis for the potential progression to gastric mucosal atrophy and intestinal metaplasia if HP is untreated, ultimately even leading to gastric cancer (in some individuals, this may progress to gastric Malt lymphoma). Hence, TCM treatment for HP primarily focuses on clearing heat and detoxifying, strengthening the spleen, and eliminating dampness.

Here are some simple dietary recommendations for the prevention and treatment of Helicobacter pylori (HP): 1. Probiotics: Incorporate food items rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, which can help balance gut bacteria. 2. Garlic: Include raw garlic in your diet, as it has antibacterial properties that may help combat HP. 3. Green Tea: Drink green tea, known for its antioxidant properties, which can support the digestive system. 4. Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts: These vegetables contain compounds that may inhibit the growth of HP. Include them in salads or stir-fries. 5. Fruits: Eat a variety of fruits, especially those high in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, and kiwis, to boost your immune system. 6. Honey: Consider taking manuka honey, as it has antimicrobial properties that may be beneficial in treating HP. 7. Ginger: Incorporate fresh ginger into your meals or teas for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. These dietary suggestions can support overall gut health and may assist in managing HP. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Dandelion tea

Dandelion belongs to the Asteraceae family and the Taraxacum genus. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling, and dispersing nodules. It can provide relief and corrective effects for those suffering from conditions such as pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, mumps, gastroenteritis, and cholecystitis. Additionally, it serves as an adjunct treatment in the therapy of HP (Helicobacter pylori).

Usage: Take 10 to 30 grams of dandelion and steep it in water to make a tea.

Precautions: Those with yin deficiency and cold constitution should use caution, as this medicine is slightly cooling. It is not advisable for individuals with a cold stomach to take it on an empty stomach.

San Huang Qing Re Tea

San Huang includes three medicinal herbs: Huang Lian, Huang Qin, and Da Huang. Research both in vivo and in vitro indicates that these three substances have a certain therapeutic effect on Helicobacter pylori (HP).

Usage: Soak 5 grams of Huanglian, 5 to 10 grams of Huangqin, and 5 grams of Dahuang in water with a spoonful of honey to make tea. Consume 1 to 2 times a day.

Precautions: ① This tea is slightly bitter and cold; it is not recommended for individuals with noticeable damp-heat conditions. ② It may cause loose stools and increased frequency of bowel movements; if necessary, reduce the amount or discontinue use. ③ It should be consumed after meals; patients with favism should avoid drinking it.

Note: The tea beverages mentioned above are relatively cool; it is recommended to consume them under the guidance of a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner after proper diagnosis.

In summary, an increase in gatherings can easily lead to HP infections, making prevention crucial. By implementing measures such as serving meals separately or using shared utensils, paying attention to food hygiene, strengthening personal hygiene habits, avoiding oral transmission routes, and boosting immunity, the risk of infection can be effectively reduced. There is no need to worry if infected with HP; with proper treatment and the support of herbal tea, one can live without "幽" and maintain gastric health.

Content from: Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology

Content resources are provided by the project unit.