H. Pylori and Smoking and Coffee and Alcohol

Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) bacteria infect the stomach lining and can lead to peptic and duodenal ulcers. These can be incredibly painful and lead to more severe issues if exacerbated and left untreated. While there are many different causes of H. Pylori, recent studies have indicated a link between smoking, coffee, and alcohol, and H. Pylori.

While not a definitive cause of H. Pylori, tobacco and caffeine consumption have both been linked to H. Pylori infection and heightened peptic acid secretion that can lead to ulcers. Alcohol, on the other hand, has a more complex relationship with H. Pylori, indicating a negative correlation with beer and wine in older age groups, and a positive one with subjects aged 18-35.

Relationship Between Smoking and H. Pylori

We all know that smoking is host to several negative health effects. Though when thinking about the harmful impacts of smoking, we normally think of the disruption to pulmonary and cardiac health rather than that of the digestive system.

However, a 1998 study from the BMJ found a higher likelihood of H. Pylori infections among smoking populations. Two other contemporary studies found similar results suggesting a positive correlation between smoking and H. Pylori infections.

The link between smoking and active H. Pylori infections might be caused by the increase in acid and pepsin secretions allowing for the infection to thrive while damaging the stomach lining.

Alcohol and its Strange Relationship with H. Pylori

Alcohol has a strange relationship with people. Many drink it and experience positive socio-emotional effects, but too much not only mitigates these perceived effects but also can cause a host of other physical problems. Similarly, alcohol has a strange relationship with H. Pylori.

A Finnish study found that adults aged 18-35 with a history of drinking were more likely to experience active H. Pylori infections, while adults over the age of 46 experienced a negative correlation between alcohol consumption and H. Pylori.

Another result of studies contemporary to the BMJ is how the amount affects H. Pylori. Lower alcohol consumption didn’t seem to influence the infection while moderate to high consumption of alcohol lowered the risk of H. Pylori.

Coffee and H. Pylori

The same 1997 BMJ study found a positive correlation between caffeine consumption and helicobacter infection.  The study found that those who consumed more than 2 cups of coffee in a 24-hour period regularly were more likely to suffer from H. Pylori.

The leading theory is that caffeine irritates the stomach lining leaving it vulnerable to infection.

Smoking, Coffee and Alcohol, and H. Pylori

These three substances interact with H. Pylori in different ways. Smoking appears to have a positive correlation, though it is not statistically significant in most studies. Alcohol appears to have a protective effect on the stomach lining, while caffeine seems to increase the likelihood of H. Pylori infection.

It’s Not All Doom and Gloom with Pylo-X

While smoking is something best to quit, there is no need to ditch coffee altogether. If you’re prone to H. Pylori infections or gastro-intestinal issues, the oral supplement Pylo-X might be right for you. Pylo-X works by managing H. Pylori present in the stomach while administering vitamin E which helps repair ulcers.