Helicobacter Pylori, or H Pylori for short, is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the stomach and small intestine.
Research has clearly shown that due to its shape, H Pylori can “pierce” the lining of our stomach and duodenum (small intestine).
Think of the lining of the intestine as a kind of internal “skin.” When H Pylori bolts into that lining, it causes irritation, swelling, and inflammation. It’s a bit like sticking little thorns into your skin. Irritation and inflammation lead to two relatively common conditions: gastritis and duodenitis.
It’s the inflammation and damage to the stomach lining that can set off chain reactions that lead to weight gain. Here are 3 ways this happens:
H Pylori and Weight Gain Explained #1.
Whenever there is inflammation in the body, the adrenal glands produce “fire-fighting” hormones. The main hormone is cortisol. We often see high cortisol levels in people who have H. pylori because the inflammation causes excess cortisol to be released.
When cortisol is high, it can actually lead to the storage of body fat around the tummy and in “spare tires” around the waist.
Over time, if the H Pylori inflammation does not resolve, the adrenal glands can become weak. At this point, they may not be able to make enough cortisol. In turn, this can lead to an inability to burn body fat.
Additionally, tired adrenal glands lead to imbalances in other key hormonal systems that regulate the burning of body fat. Lower testosterone levels in men, for example, are seen with adrenal fatigue, and lower progesterone levels in women.
Explanation of H Pylori and weight gain #2.
It is known that H Pylori actually causes a reduction in the amount of stomach acid that is produced. This is because it damages cells called parietal cells, which produce acid.
If there is not enough acid, the food may not break down or be absorbed. This causes an inefficient metabolism, which can lead to weight gain.
I know of several cases where people took digestive enzyme supplements and hydrochloric acid and lost weight very quickly. The weight came back as soon as they stopped the supplements and then disappeared again when they resumed.
Explanation of H Pylori and weight gain #3.
Science is beginning to suggest that H Pylori infection may play a role in thyroid problems. Antibodies produced against H Pylori are thought to also attack the surface of the thyroid gland, slowing its function.
It is well known that the thyroid gland is essential to keep the metabolism optimized. Low thyroid has long been associated with weight gain and the ability to lose weight.
The problems associated with H Pylori seem to be increasing every year as more and more research is done on this unwanted intruder.
If you have weight control issues, it might be a good idea to find out how to get tested for H Pylori (along with other digestive infections), as it can be a missing link in the puzzle.