Does Moderate Drinking Lower the Risk of Helicobacter pylori Infection?
Recent studies have looked at the correlation between alcohol consumption and helicobacter pylori infection, and while the results aren’t conclusive, the studies suggest moderate drinkers have a lower risk of infection than people who do not drink alcohol. One UK study published in the 2002 American Journal of Gastroenterology found that those who drank 3-6 glasses of beer or wine had an 11% lower risk of H. pylori infection compared to non-drinkers; those who consumed more alcohol had an even 6% lower risk of infection. In a German study just published in the Annals of Epidemiology, researchers looked at current and lifetime alcohol consumption and its relationship with H. pylori infection. Their results suggest that moderate consumption, especially of wine and mixed alcohol, may help in the elimination of H. pylori. US studies seem to point to the benefits of moderate drinking as well; but before patients are encouraged to have a glass of wine as a way to prevent H. pylori infection, many scientists and doctors suggest more studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Helicobacter pylori infection is commonly associated with a variety of gastric complaints and illnesses, including peptic ulcers and even stomach cancer. The UK researchers believe that the antibacterial agents in red wine and beer may be responsible for staving off H. pylori infections in individuals with no history of peptic ulcers, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), or other stomach-related health problems. However, most doctors recommend that patients with ulcers or gastritis avoid alcohol, as it may cause pain and irritation and can even increase levels of stomach acid in certain cases. If you suffer from stomach pain, nausea, excessive burping or reflux, speak to your doctor. He or she can recommend steps you can take to reduce pain. If testing for H. pylori is warranted, a fast, non-invasive BreathID 13C-urea breath test can detect H. pylori infection and provide results right away. Should an infection be present, your doctor can begin treatment immediately.
For more information about how the BreathID breath test system is used to detect H. pylori at the point-of-care, please watch a short film on Urea Breath Tests or contact a company representative by completing the contact form.