What is the best supplement for H. pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that colonises the stomach lining and is associated with a range of gastrointestinal issues, including peptic ulcers, gastritis, and in severe cases, stomach cancer. While antibiotics remain the mainstay treatment, natural supplements and dietary strategies are increasingly being explored for their ability to complement standard therapies, reduce symptoms, and support gut healing.

If you’re looking for the best supplement to support your body against H. pylori, this guide breaks down the most promising options and how they work.

1. Probiotics

Probiotics are widely recognised as the top supplementary approach for managing H. pylori infection. They help restore gut microbiota balance, reduce antibiotic-related side effects, and enhance eradication rates.

How they help:

Restore microbial balance: Antibiotic therapy often disrupts both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Probiotics replenish good bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii.
Suppress H. pylori: Certain strains produce substances like lactic acid and bacteriocins that directly inhibit H. pylori growth.
Reduce symptoms: Probiotics reduce bloating, nausea, and diarrhoea commonly caused by H. pylori or its treatment.

Best strains:

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus reuteri
Saccharomyces boulardii
Bifidobacterium bifidum

Recommended use: A multi-strain probiotic taken daily during and after antibiotic treatment for at least four weeks may improve success rates and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

What is Pylomed?

Formulation: Usually a chewable tablet (lemon–mint or cherry flavour), containing 40 billion CFUs of L. reuteri DSM 17648 per typical 2‑tablet serving.
Mechanism of Action: This probiotic binds directly to H. pylori in the stomach and intestines, helping to trap and flush the bacteria naturally through excretion, rather than killing them directly .
Supporting Data: Clinical studies suggest that this strain can reduce bacterial load and improve gastrointestinal symptoms associated with H. pylori.

🩺 How to Use Pylomed

Recommended dosage: Typically 1–2 chewable tablets daily, taken with meals.
Who it’s for: Often marketed for individuals who have tested positive for H. pylori, particularly those seeking digestive support or symptom relief.
Popular variants:
- Pylomed Akut® (adult formulation; lemon‑mint flavour)
- Pylomed Mini® (child-friendly; cherry flavour, same strain/dose).

✅ Benefits & Role

Rapid Relief of GI Symptoms
- Many users report improvement in bloating, nausea, discomfort—though individual results vary.
Non-Antibiotic Support
- Works by capturing H. pylori physically, without relying on antibiotics or acid suppression, which may appeal to those preferring gentler approaches.
Adjunct Effect
- May complement standard antibiotic or proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, potentially aiding bacterial clearance and reducing relapse. Note that Pylomed is not a substitute for medical treatment.

⚠️ Limitations & Considerations

Not an antibiotic
- It doesn’t eradicate H. pylori alone; it reduces bacterial load. Complete eradication typically requires prescribed antibiotics and PPIs.
Supplement, not medication
- Results vary; your doctor may recommend testing (e.g., urea breath test) before and after use to monitor impact.
Regulatory status
- It’s classified as a dietary supplement in most regions, not a pharmaceutical. Quality may vary by brand or manufacturer.

2. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

Licorice root has been used for centuries to soothe digestive disorders. The deglycyrrhizinated form is safer for long-term use and has demonstrated anti-H. pylori activity.

Benefits:

Anti-adhesion properties: DGL prevents H. pylori from sticking to stomach walls.
Supports mucosal healing: It enhances the production of mucus, protecting the gastric lining from acid and bacterial damage.
Anti-inflammatory effect: Reduces inflammation caused by ulcers or gastritis.

Recommended use: Take 380–760 mg of DGL 20 minutes before meals, two to three times per day. It’s available in chewable tablets or capsules.

3. Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)

Curcumin, the bioactive compound in turmeric, has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro studies suggest it may inhibit H. pylori growth and prevent it from invading gastric cells.

How curcumin works:

Disrupts bacterial communication: Inhibits quorum sensing, which is essential for bacterial virulence.
Prevents cellular damage: Protects gastric epithelial cells from inflammation.
Antioxidant action: Scavenges free radicals in the stomach lining.

Recommended use: 500–1,000 mg of standardised curcumin extract with black pepper (piperine) for enhanced absorption, once or twice daily with meals.

4. Broccoli Sprouts (Sulforaphane)

Broccoli sprouts are rich in sulforaphane, a compound with strong antimicrobial effects. Sulforaphane targets H. pylori directly and supports detoxification in the gut lining.

Why it works:

Destroys bacterial enzymes: Disrupts urease activity, an enzyme H. pylori uses to survive stomach acid.
Reduces inflammation: Downregulates gastric inflammation markers.
May reduce bacterial load: Some human studies have shown reduced colonisation, although complete eradication is uncommon.

Recommended use: 70–100 grams of fresh broccoli sprouts per day or a standardised sulforaphane supplement (20–40 mg daily).

5. Manuka Honey

Raw or Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide, which have antimicrobial properties. While honey may not eliminate H. pylori entirely, it can suppress its growth and aid healing.

Effects:

Inhibits bacterial growth: Prevents H. pylori from replicating.
Soothes ulcers: Provides a protective coating on the gastric lining.
Boosts immune function: Stimulates white blood cells and modulates cytokines.

Recommended use: 1–2 teaspoons of UMF 10+ or higher Manuka honey, once or twice daily on an empty stomach.

6. Green Tea Extract

Green tea contains catechins, a class of polyphenols known for their antimicrobial properties. Studies show catechins can reduce H. pylori colonisation and improve mucosal integrity.

Benefits:

Inhibits bacterial growth: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is especially potent.
Antioxidant effect: Protects gastric tissues from oxidative damage.
Supports acid balance: Reduces excess stomach acid, alleviating symptoms.

Recommended use: Drink 2–3 cups of decaffeinated green tea per day or take 250–500 mg of green tea extract in capsule form.

7. Olive Leaf Extract

Olive oil and olive leaf extract both contain oleuropein, a bitter polyphenol with antibacterial effects.

How it helps:

Antibacterial action: Disrupts bacterial membrane integrity.
Reduces oxidative stress: Protects gastric tissue from chronic inflammation.
Immune-modulating: Enhances white blood cell response to infection.

Recommended use: 250–500 mg of standardised olive leaf extract daily, with at least 20% oleuropein content.

8. Zinc Carnosine

Zinc carnosine is a compound used to repair the stomach lining and protect against ulceration. It also inhibits the adhesion of H. pylori to the gastric mucosa.

Mechanism of action:

Promotes tissue repair: Stimulates cell regeneration and mucus production.
Anti-H. pylori: Reduces bacterial binding and colonisation.
Synergistic: Works well alongside PPIs and antibiotics.

Recommended use: 75 mg twice daily, ideally taken with meals.

9. Vitamin C

Vitamin C levels are often lower in individuals infected with H. pylori. Supplementation may improve immune response and assist in bacterial suppression.

Benefits:

Boosts immune defences: Enhances white blood cell function.
Supports acid regulation: Helps maintain a healthy gastric pH.
May enhance antibiotic efficacy: Works synergistically with conventional medications.

Recommended use: 500–1,000 mg per day, ideally in buffered or liposomal form for reduced gastric irritation.

10. Berberine

Berberine is an alkaloid found in herbs like goldenseal and barberry. It is known for its strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

What it does:

Directly kills H. pylori: Disrupts bacterial DNA replication and metabolism.
Modulates gut flora: Promotes beneficial bacteria and reduces pathogenic strains.
Anti-ulcer effect: Protects gastric lining and reduces acid output.

Recommended use: 200–500 mg, two to three times per day with meals.

What to Avoid

While supplementation helps, avoid these to prevent aggravation of H. pylori symptoms:

NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin)
Caffeine
Alcohol
Spicy and acidic foods
Processed and high-sugar foods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can supplements alone cure H. pylori?

No. Supplements help reduce bacterial load and support healing but cannot fully eradicate H. pylori on their own. Antibiotic therapy is still the gold standard.

How long should I take supplements for H. pylori?

Ideally, take supplements for at least 4–8 weeks during and after conventional treatment. Some people continue probiotics or licorice root longer for maintenance.

Is it safe to combine supplements with antibiotics?

Generally, yes. In fact, many supplements (like probiotics, zinc carnosine, or curcumin) may reduce side effects of antibiotics. Always consult a doctor first.

Final Takeaway

The best supplements for H. pylori are those that target the bacteria while supporting the body’s natural defences and healing processes. Probiotics, DGL licorice, curcumin, and broccoli sprouts top the list due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal-supportive properties.

However, supplements should never replace medical treatment. If you’re diagnosed with H. pylori, follow your doctor’s prescribed antibiotics and consider supplements as supportive therapy for better outcomes and fewer side effects.

If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider and consider testing again to ensure complete eradication.

What is the best supplement for H. pylori?