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​Food Safety and H. pylori Infection
(Healthy Aging Learning Series)
Health Coaching Session, Feb, 2019

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that has infected human gastrointestinal (GI) in more than half of the world's population.

Epidemiology

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is more common in the older population and may cause significant complications with severe morbidity and mortality. It is an important cause of peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis and stomach cancer. Among the risk factors for acquisition of H. pylori infection, poor socioeconomic status, poor sanitization and hygiene practices, and contaminated food and water, are the most significant ones. ​A significant association was found in a recent study for H. pylori infection with the lower frequency of handwashing before going to the bathroom and the consumption of well water. Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is more of a public health issue, as the foodborne transmission is widely believed by many, which can be prevented by improving hygiene practice and food safety.

Symptoms

The majority of infected individuals remain asymptomatic throughout the life but 10%-20% develops peptic ulcer disease and 1% gastric malignancies. 

The symptoms including – 
  • An ache or burning pain in abdomen
  • Abdominal pain that's worse when stomach is empty
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Frequent burping
  • Bloating
  • Unintentional weight loss

Risk factors:
  • Living in crowded conditions
  • Living without a reliable supply of clean water
  • Living in a developing country
  • Living with someone who has an H. pylori infection
  • Inadequate hygiene practice 

Treatment

Antibiotics are effective treatment for H. pylori infection. Choices including clarithromycin, metronidazole (for 7 to 14 days), or amoxicillin (for 7 to 14 days).

Most of the treatment regimens include a medication called a proton pump inhibitor. This medication decreases the stomach's production of acid, which allows the tissues damaged by the infection to heal. Examples of proton pump inhibitors include lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (AcipHex), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), and esomeprazole (Nexium).

For those who are infected with H. pylori but without symptoms, most clinicians do not recommend treatment. Currently, half of the world population is carrying strains that can survive and multiply in human gastric mucosa. There is a complex associations between human microbiome and health.  Whether H. pylori may be considered as a beneficial gastric pathogen, if asymptomatic, is a controversial topic and more medical research are ongoing.

Prevention

Literature indicate the presence and survival of H. pylori in food samples, such as milk, vegetables and meat, and suggest these foods may play an important role in the environmental transmission of this pathogen. In addition, other studies report the presence of H. pylori in the gastric tissue of some animals (e.g. sheep and cow) and therefore, it is likely they participate in the food chain transmission as reservoirs besides human.  attention to food contamination sources (unhygienic water) and controlling them may prevent transmission of pathogens associated with health. 

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and its complications increase with age.  To reduce risks for H. pylori infection, you can take these preventive actions in daily living –
  1. Food safety – eat clean and well cooked food. Poorly cooked food increases risks of food poisoning and GI infection.
  2. Water sanitation – drink safe water and use safe water for food preparations. Water is  important for the community, protect clean water source and regulate sewage control. Water quality is to be closely monitored locally.
  3. Promote sanitary standard – unsanitary conditions may transmit H. pylori bacteria. Separate raw meat preparations with other foods, require workers use gloves for food handling and meeting proper hand washing guidelines in food industry. [Proper hand washing: Starts with warm water, at least 120 degrees, and a decent sized helping of liquid soap. Place the soap in your hands and wet them briefly. Wash them for a total of 15-30 seconds, scrubbing around your fingers, along the front and back of your palms, and around your fingernails, and under jewelry. Then, rinse them in the warm water and dry them with a clean, sanitized towel or clean paper towel.]
  4. At personal level, promote personal hygiene practice and a proper hand washing after each restroom use or before handling food is the best protection.
  5. Avoid contamination from unsanitary environment and/or personal contact. Note that the bacteria may be transmitted is through the fecal-oral route or the oral-oral route.  Saliva, vomit, and feces are sources of contamination. 

Awareness of self-neglect

Elder self-neglect occurs when an elderly person is no longer able to meet his or her basic daily needs. According to the Elder Justice Act, which was enacted in 2010, elder self-neglect is defined as the "inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care." 

​Signs of self-neglect including but not limit to the following -


  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Lack of essential food, clothing or shelter.
  • Malnutrition and/or dehydration.
  • Living in unsanitary conditions.
  • Neglecting household maintenance.
  • Hoarding: nothing is thrown away, stacks of papers, magazines.
  • Loneliness, social isolation, and/or depression.
  • Untreated medical conditions.

H. pylori risk increases in elders with self-neglect, as physical illness and psycho-social factors are closely related. Share health resources and services to support your loved ones and promote healthy aging. Everyone’s awareness and supportive action counts; we can help.

Feel free to contact qualitylifeforum@outlook.com for your health coaching needs.

Summary:

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium in human gastrointestinal system.  H. pylori infection is prevalent in aging population. The majority of infected individuals remain asymptomatic throughout the life but 10%-20% develops peptic ulcer disease and 1% gastric malignancies. It is treatable with antibiotics. Food safety, water sanitation, and personal hygiene are important for prevention. 


References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5596183/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/helicobacter-pylori-infection-and-treatment-beyond-the-basics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5660766/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4133439/
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/self-neglect
https://elder.findlaw.com/elder-abuse/elder-self-neglect.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291894/

© All rights reserved

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for personal conditions.

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  • Home
  • Forum
    • Mind and Body
    • Feeling well
    • Feeling ill
  • Coaching
    • Coaching Programs >
      • Loneliness Breakthrough
      • Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes
      • Time-Restricted Feeding for Healthy Aging
      • Patient-centered Health Navigation Program
      • Customized program
    • 2022 health coaching monthly >
      • Health: the Cornerstone for Quality of Life
      • Aging Eye Facts
      • Age-Related Hearing Loss
      • Aging and Oral Health
      • Aging Skin and Sun Safety
    • 2021 Health Coaching Monthly >
      • Hew Year Brings New Hope
      • Pandemic Winter Blues
      • Make a Self-Care Plan for Your Golden Years
      • Are You Fully Vaccinated?
      • Less is More
      • Managing Chronic Insomnia
      • Range of Motion Recovery from Frozen Shoulder
      • The Milestone of Age 65
      • Aging Brain
      • Muscle Memory and Cognition
      • Navigation for Healthcare Needs
      • Gratitude Power for Wellbeing
    • 2020 health coaching Monthly >
      • The Key Role of Protein in Healthy Aging
      • Healthy Fat for Healthy Aging
      • Healthy Aging Energy Source Carbohydrate
      • Transform Pandemic Fear to Self-Care
      • Hope endures
      • Breathing and Blessing
      • Listening to your body
      • Keep Fit for Your Age
      • Time-Restricted Feeding Is A Healthy Lifestyle Choice
      • Process and Results
      • Moderation
      • Invest In yourself
    • 2019 Health Coaching Monthly >
      • Empty Nest
      • Food Safety and H. pylori Infection
      • Body Image and Self-Care After Midlife
      • Exercise is Medicine
      • Cognitive Health
      • Dietary Supplements Are Not Drugs
      • GERD
      • Downsizing in the Golden Years
      • Time for change
      • Action is what counts
      • Osteoporosis in Women
      • Dealing with Difficult Emotions in Holiday Season
    • 2018 Health Coaching monthly >
      • The Golden Keys for the Golden Years
      • loneliness Breakthrough
      • Regulate Blood Pressure
      • Lowering Cholesterol
      • Blood Sugar Self-Management
      • TLC Transformation
      • Golden Mindset
      • Nourish Your Body for Healthy Living
      • Keep Life in Motion
      • Tough Fight for the Belly Fat
      • Dealing with chronic stress
      • The Most Valuable Gift
    • 2017 Health Coaching monthly >
      • Willness Attitude and Winterizing Fitness
      • Live with Thyroid Nodules
      • Exercise for Blood Sugar Regulation
      • Longevity and Quality of Life
      • How to Reduce Aging Eye Fatigue
      • Sleep Well
      • Intermittent Fasting
      • Facing a life-threatening illness
      • Music Learning for older adults
      • Better to Eat Meat or Plant Food
      • Immunity and Aging
      • A Special Holiday Gift
    • 2016 Health Coaching Monthly >
      • Wellness Mindset
      • Get Active
      • Balance Training
      • Emotional Healing
      • Vitamin D Deficiency
      • Weight Management
      • Health Literacy
      • Prevention
      • Significant Health Indicators
      • Gratitude for life
      • Home Coming for Holidays
  • Health Product Guide
    • Choices for Healthy Living
    • Vitamins and minerals
    • Digestive Health
    • Heart Health
    • Eye Health
    • Joint Health
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blogs
    • Blog How much water to drink in a day?
    • Blog What’s Good to Eat?
    • Blog Are You Motivated for a Healthy Life Style?
    • Blog A Green Tea Invitation
    • Blog The Value of Vitamin and Dietary Supplements
    • Blog Holiday Edition 2015
    • Blog Travel album of Switzerland
    • Blog A Mourning Dove Story