The Rising Concern: Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, poses a significant burden on a global scale. It is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with stomach cancer, resulting in a substantial loss of lives. Several risk factors contribute to the development of stomach cancer, including genetics, smoking, diet, and infections. However, the potential relationship between H. pylori infection and stomach cancer has emerged as a growing concern, warranting further investigation.

H. pylori Infection: A Potential Carcinogenic Factor

Helicobacter pylori, in short, known as H. pylori is a bacterium that attacks the protective layer of the stomach. H. pylori infection is one of humans' most common chronic bacterial infections. It affects up to 50% of the world’s population, causing a significant healthcare burden.^1,3 It infects the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as stomach ulcers, stomach cancer and various digestive problems like dyspepsia. ^1,2 It is responsible for 90% of duodenal ulcers and 70-90% of stomach ulcers.³

H. pylori is a CLASS I carcinogen

In 1994, H. pylori was classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as carcinogenic to humans.⁴ In 2001, the 15^th Report on Carcinogens of the National Toxicology Program also added that H. pylori infection can cause cancer in humans.⁴

Infection with H. pylori is the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease and stomach cancer.⁴ H. pylori plays a crucial role in the development of chronic gastritis, which is characterised by persistent inflammation of the stomach lining. This persistent inflammation can cause damage to the epithelial cells of the stomach, leading to the formation of ulcers and ultimately increasing the risk of stomach cancer. In addition, chronic inflammation disrupts the delicate balance of cell growth and division in the stomach, and promotes the growth of abnormal cells that can potentially develop into cancerous tumours.

H. pylori infection is difficult to treat

H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacteria. It is a special type of bacteria that lives in the stomach. Unlike most bacteria, which cannot survive in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, H. pylori can adapt to this environment.⁵

H. pylori has a few tricks to survive. It neutralises the stomach acid around it, creating a safe space. It also hides in the layer of mucus that lines the stomach and sticks to the inner surface of the stomach, making it hard for the immune system to reach and attack.⁵

Even when the immune system tries to attack it, H. pylori can hinder it, making it less effective at getting rid of the bacteria.⁵ So, H. pylori is pretty good at evading the body's defences. This can lead to stomach problems and diseases.

H. pylori infection symptoms

Most people infected with H. pylori have no symptoms.² This can make it more challenging to detect the infection and provide appropriate treatment.  Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis is usually made by a breath test, blood test, or endoscopy to determine the presence of H. pylori or signs of inflammation.

H. pylori can be transmitted by the oral-oral or fecal-oral routes, often during childhood. Factors such as living in confined spaces, poor sanitation, and contaminated food or water increase the risk of H. pylori infection

H. pylori infection treatment

Eradication of H. pylori has been suggested as a possible strategy to reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Antibiotic treatments in combination with proton pump inhibitors have been shown to be effective in eradicating H. pylori.

Current treatment guidelines include the standard triple therapy which comprises a combination of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor.⁶

• A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is a medication that reduces stomach acid production. This allows the tissue damaged by the infection to heal.
• In addition, two types of antibiotics are prescribed instead of just one. This reduces the risk of treatment failure and antibiotic resistance.

However, there are limitations to this approach, including antibiotic resistance and the risk of reinfection. Implementing screening and treatment programmes for H. pylori in high-risk groups may help to identify and eradicate the bacterium and thus reduce the incidence of gastric cancer.

H. pylori infection treatment challenges

The treatment of H. pylori infection can be quite challenging, as its failure is not uncommon, and requires serious attention.

Factors Contributing to Treatment Failure: Poor patient compliance

One of the major reasons for treatment failure is poor patient compliance.⁷ Ensuring that patients comply with the prescribed therapy is crucial for successful eradication of H. pylori infection.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that approximately 10% of patients fail to take even 60%⁷ of the prescribed medications, resulting in significantly lower eradication rates.

Factors impacting compliance levels:

Complexity of treatment:

The standard triple therapy often involves a daunting number of pills to be taken daily, between 6 and 12. This complexity can lead to confusion or forgetfulness and affect the patient's ability to effectively adhere to the treatment plan.

Duration of therapy:

Another factor that contributes to poor compliance is the relatively long duration of treatment, which is usually at least 10 to 14 days. Prolonged therapy can discourage patients and increase the likelihood of non-compliance.

Side effects of treatment:

The high number of tablets per day in H. pylori treatment can lead to troublesome symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, which have a negative impact on the patient both physically and socially.

In addition, some antibiotics can even cause an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth, leading to nausea and thus affecting the patient's quality of life. Furthermore, long-term use of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) is associated with an increased risk of kidney damage and failure, which further affects the overall well-being of patients.⁸

Effectiveness of treatment:

It is shocking that up to 20% of patients with an H. pylori infection are not cured after the first treatment.

The fact that successful eradication is not possible is often attributed to the increasing antibiotic resistance of H. pylori, which is an ongoing challenge. Antibiotic resistance can be caused by genetic mutations within the bacterium that change the shape of its genetic material and make it more resistant to the effects of antibiotics.

Doctor's motivation level and patient's awareness level:

The role of physicians in empowering patients to adhere to the treatment plan is critical to treatment success.

Physicians must have a deep understanding of the complications associated with H. pylori infection and motivate patients to adhere to the prescribed treatment programme. Building a trusting relationship between doctor and patient is crucial, especially considering the financial or social problems some patients may face.

Healing your Stomach Naturally with ESTOMAC by Kordel’s

If you’re looking for alternative ways to combat symptoms associated with H. pylori infection and other digestive problems, then Kordel’s ESTOMAC is the perfect solution to keep in mind! This groundbreaking product is designed to provide the relief you need, and more importantly, deserve.

With the recent launch of ESTOMAC by Kordel's, each vegetal capsule is packed with t 150mg of Gutgard® Radix Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice root) extract. This clinically proven ingredient has been specially developed to relieve common complaints such as indigestion, mild vomiting, flatulence and abdominal pain.

GutGard® was developed exclusively by scientific experts and utilises the effective properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as Licorice. This remarkable natural remedy can be traced back to ancient times, when the Greek physician Dioscorides successfully used liquorice to treat people with stomach ulcers in the first century AD.

GutGard® has antioxidant and anti-ulcer properties

It has been scientifically proven that the patented active ingredient, GutGard® has excellent antioxidant and anti-ulcer properties. The study suggests that GutGard® can be used effectively in the treatment of stomach ulcers.⁹

In the study, GutGard®was used as a treatment plan for three types of stomach ulcers (stress-induced, gastric acid-induced, and NSAID-induced). It was found that treatment with GutGard® significantly

• reduced stomach content
• reduced total acidity (increased pH of gastric fluid)
• reduced ulcer index

The study suggests that GutGard® is as effective as omeprazole (a drug used to treat high stomach acid levels) in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

GutGard®: An Effective and Natural Solution for H. pylori Eradication

GutGard®, a natural and effective agent, has shown remarkable efficacy in reducing H. pylori burden. With its ability to provide a viable alternative to conventional treatment approaches, GutGard® represents a promising solution for the treatment of H. pylori infection.

Numerous studies have highlighted the potential of GutGard® in combating H. pylori infection.

The superiority of GutGard® is clear:

In a randomised, double-blind study, patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection were administered a daily dose of 150mg GutGard® for a duration of 8 weeks. The remarkable findings indicate a substantial reduction of 41% in the H. pylori load compared to the placebo group.

This suggests that GutGard® can be a viable alternative for H. pylori management.¹⁰

The scientific data derived from the study highlight GutGard® as an outstanding performer and confirm its efficacy, which is 73.2% or 3.7 times¹⁰ higher than that of the placebo group.

These impressive results emphasise the potential of GutGard® as a safe and natural treatment option to combat H. pylori infection.

Research into the mechanism of action: ¹¹

Researchers have investigated the possible mechanism by which GutGard® exerts its effect against H. pylori. It is suspected that GutGard® inhibits the ability of H. pylori to synthesize key proteins and, at the same time, interferes with crucial DNA processes.

This dual mechanism of action helps to inhibit the growth and colonization of H. pylori.

Supporting evidence from a clinical study: ¹²

In a two-week study involving 120 adults, it was shown that taking liquorice extract, the main ingredient in GutGard®, in combination with standard treatment significantly reduced the presence of H. pylori.

This additional evidence emphasises the benefits of including GutGard® in existing treatment regimens.

Kordel’s ESTOMAC - The Ultimate Solution for Digestive Health!

When it comes to your digestive health, Kordel's ESTOMAC is the best choice. Its powerful formulation with Gutgard® provides targeted relief for a variety of ailments to help you get your well-being back under control.

• Relieves the symptoms of daily intestinal discomfort
• Helps with occasional heartburn or acid reflux
• Helps maintain a healthy stomach and supports gut immunity
• Works symbiotically with probiotics and digestive enzymes
• Supports the treatment of H. pylori
• Inhibits the proliferation of H. pylori in the stomach mucosal

Take 1 capsule daily to heal and restore your stomach health!

Don't wait any longer and experience the benefits of Kordel's ESTOMAC. Say goodbye to your digestive problems and enjoy a life free of discomfort. Try Kordel's ESTOMAC today and restore your digestive health with confidence.

And remember, Kordel's ESTOMAC and Gutgard® are the winning combination you need for a healthier and happier digestive system. Trust in the power of nature and choose Kordel's ESTOMAC for optimal relief.

References

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2. Colledge, H. (2023). H. pylori Bacterial Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/helicobacter-pylori
3. Goh, L., Lee, Y. Y., Leow, R., Raja Ali, R. A., Ho, S. H., Mahadeva, S., Mohd Said, R. H., Chettiar, R. M., & Tee, H. P. (2023). A Malaysian consensus report on the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. JGH Open: An Open Access Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 7(4), 261-271. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgh3.12886
4. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/h-pylori-fact-sheet
5. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/h-pylori-fact-sheet
6. Lamont, J.T. (Sept 2023) Patient education: Helicobacter pylori infection and treatment (Beyond the Basics), UpToDate. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/helicobacter-pylori-infection-and-treatment-beyond-the-basics#H2 (Accessed: 03 November 2023).
7. Taneike, I. (2009). Improving Compliance with Helicobacter Pylori Eradication Therapy: When and How? Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 2(5), 273-279. https://doi.org/10.1177/1756283X09337342
8. Morschel, C. F., Mafra, D., & Carraro Eduardo, J. C. (2018). The relationship between proton pump inhibitors and renal disease. Jornal Brasileiro de Nefrologia, 40(3), 301-306. https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2018-0021
9. Mukherjee M, BhaskaranN, Srinath R, et al. Anti-ulcer and antioxidant activity of GutGard. Indian J Exp Biol. 2010;48(3):269-274.
10. Puram S, Suh HC, Kim SU, et al. Effect of GutGardin the Management of Helicobacter pylori: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:263805. doi:10.1155/2013/263805
11. Asha MK, Debraj D, Prashanth D, Edwin JR, Srikanth HS, Muruganantham N, Dethe SM, Anirban B, Jaya B, Deepak M, Agarwal A. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of a flavonoid rich extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its probable mechanisms of action. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jan 30;145(2):581-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.11.033. Epub 2012 Dec 7. PMID: 23220194.
12. Hajiaghamohammadi AA, Zargar A, Oveisi S, Samimi R, Reisian S. To evaluate of the effect of adding licorice to the standard treatment regimen of Helicobacter pylori. Braz J Infect Dis. 2016 Nov-Dec;20(6):534-538. doi: 10.1016/j.bjid.2016.07.015. Epub 2016 Sep 8. PMID: 27614124; PMCID: PMC9427648.