Women over 50 4 times more likely to harbor H. pylori

A bacterial infection caused by H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) doubles women’s odds of suffering fatigue and other draining symptoms, say researchers in Scientific Reports. Spread by contact with infected individuals, as well as contaminated food and water, H. pylori infects at least 50% of women. “Inflammation produced by H. pylori damages the lining of the intestines, impairing nutrient absorption and allowing toxins to leak into other tissues,” explains Rosario Ligresti, M.D., chief of the gastroenterology division at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. The result: fatigue, brain fog, bloat, stomach pain and more.

Complicating matters: Immune system dips that occur over time make women over 50 more vulnerable to H. pylori. In fact, Norwegian research suggests that infection risk climbs by 375% between our 20s and our 50s.

Doctors can ID H. pylori with breath, blood and stool tests. And while “triple therapy,” which involves taking an acid-blocking drug and two antibiotics, is often advised, the steps below can eliminate H. pylori naturally.

Black cumin seed eradicates H. pylori as effectively as antibiotics, per an Asian study. The seed and its oil are high in the antibacterial compound thymoquinone. Dr. Ligresti advises taking 1,000 mg. of a product containing 5% thymoquinone after meals twice a day (try Life Extension Black Cumin Seed Oil 500 mg., LifeExtension.com). Bonus: In the study, the supplement also eased stomach pain and heartburn.

Also smart: Season foods with turmeric and garlic. Both contain compounds that thwart H. pylori growth and heal the gut lining. 2/6/23 First for women 33