From "minor problems" to gastric cancer risk
Yesterday, a woman visited us. She had been experiencing intermittent bloating and indigestion for the past year, and she initially thought taking stomach medicine would relieve her symptoms. However, last year, her appetite decreased dramatically, and she lost significant weight. She underwent a gastroscopy , which revealed she had stage 3 gastric cancer. After surgery to remove a large portion of her stomach tissue, the pathology report revealed that a long-standing , undetected infection with Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) was a likely contributing factor to her cancer.
H. pylori from a nutritionist's perspective?
• Invisible "chronic inflammatories": H. pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa, inducing long-term low-grade inflammation, destroying the mucosal protective layer, and making the stomach wall more vulnerable to injury.
• “Invisible barriers” to nutrient absorption: Chronic gastritis interferes with gastric acid secretion and motility, affecting the absorption of key nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 , and calcium, causing fatigue, anemia, bone loss, and other problems .
• “Breaks” in the immune defense line: The gastrointestinal tract is the first line of defense for the body’s immunity. If the mucosa is damaged, the overall immune regulation is likely to become unbalanced, increasing the risk of other infections and chronic diseases.
Nutritionist's key conditioning strategies
1. Health care for mucosal repair: Antioxidation and wound healing
(1) Vitamin C & E : Promote collagen synthesis and reduce oxidative stress.
(2) Zinc: accelerates epithelial cell regeneration and supports the gastric mucosal barrier.
(3) Polyphenols (green tea, berries, nuts): anti-inflammatory and aid in repair.
2. Balancing gastrointestinal microecology: probiotics + prebiotics
(1) Probiotics: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are recommended, with a daily intake of about 10⁹ CFU to reduce treatment side effects and inhibit H. pylori.
(2) Prebiotics: chicory fiber, banana, onion, and garlic provide nutrients for probiotics and promote colonization.
3. High-quality, easily digestible protein: Reduces the burden on the stomach and avoids irritating foods (protects weak mucosa)
Eat skinless chicken, white fish, tofu, and egg whites in small, divided doses to ensure you get the amino acids you need for repair and reduce excessive stomach acid secretion. Avoid high-salt pickled foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) to prevent further damage to the mucosa.
4. High-fiber foods: promote motility and detoxification
Whole-grain oats, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and dark green leafy vegetables maintain regular bowel movements and prevent harmful metabolites from accumulating.
Self-monitoring of lifestyle
• Regular testing : Perform “breath blow” or “stool antigen” testing 6–8 weeks after the elimination course to confirm eradication.
• Eat small meals frequently : 5-6 meals a day, halving the size of each meal to reduce the irritation of the mucosa caused by the vigorous secretion of gastric acid.
• Stress management : Stress can stimulate gastric acid secretion. It is recommended to relax your body and mind through exercise, mindfulness or counseling.
• Adequate sleep : 7–8 hours of high-quality sleep every day helps with immunity and repair.
Conclusion
Don't underestimate bloating and indigestion . If you frequently experience stomach discomfort or have a history of gastritis or ulcers, consult a doctor and work with a nutritionist to develop a personalized diet plan. A multi-pronged approach, including antioxidants, mucosal repair, a balanced microbiome, and a healthy lifestyle, can truly safeguard your gastrointestinal health and keep Helicobacter pylori and its potential risks at bay.
References:
1. Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Report on Helicobacter pylori Management
— Provide international consensus recommendations for H. pylori diagnosis, eradication treatment, and follow-up for reinfection.
Fletcher, S. et al. “Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection—The Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Report.” Gut, 2022.
2. American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Guidelines
— Authoritative guidelines on H. pylori infection screening, antimicrobial therapy duration, and post-treatment monitoring.
Chey, WD, Leontiadis, GI et al. “AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection.” Gastroenterology, 2021.
3. Taiwan Society of Gastroenterology "Guidelines for Helicobacter pylori Infection and Treatment"
— Combining local epidemiology and clinical practice, specifically targeting infection and gastric cancer risk management in middle-aged and elderly populations in Taiwan.
Taiwan Gastroenterological Association, 2020.
4. Yamada's Textbook of Gastroenterology (5th edition)
— Comprehensive gastric mucosal physiology, pathology, and treatment methods, including an in-depth discussion of H. pylori and gastrointestinal diseases.
Feldman, M., Sleisenger, MH (Eds.). "Yamada's Textbook of Gastroenterology." 5th ed., Wiley, 2015.
5. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease
— The scientific basis and clinical application of nutrients in mucosal repair and immune regulation.
Shils, ME, Shike, M. (Eds.). “Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease.” 11th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2014.
6. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence-Based Nutrition Care Manual
— Provide nutritional assessment and case management process for gastrointestinal diseases, including probiotic, vitamin and mineral supplementation recommendations.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020.
7. Anderson, VP et al., Functional Medicine Nutrition Protocols
— Nutritional strategies for microbial balance and inflammation regulation from the perspective of functional medicine.
Anderson, VP, “Functional Medicine Nutrition Protocols.” Institute for Functional Medicine, 2018.