Nguyen Trung Hieu, a nutrition specialist from the Nutrition Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, emphasizes that healthy eating protects the digestive system, preventing inflammation, ulcers, and stomach cancer. Those with H. pylori infection must follow their prescribed treatment plan. Certain foods can increase stomach acid secretion, exacerbating ulcers or diminishing the efficacy of H. pylori eradication.

**Spicy and Hot Foods**

Spicy and hot foods, including chili, pepper, mustard, raw garlic, and raw onions, should be limited by individuals with H. pylori. These ingredients stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, leading to burning pain from ulcers, nausea, and bloating. For patients on antibiotic treatment, spicy foods intensify the burning sensation in the epigastric region (above the navel), causing discomfort and appetite loss. Reducing or removing spicy condiments from the diet aids in reducing stomach lining inflammation and promotes healing.

**Fried Foods and Fast Food**

Individuals with H. pylori should avoid fried and fatty foods like fried chicken, french fries, hamburgers, and sausages. Consuming large amounts of fat forces the stomach to work harder, increasing gastric acid secretion. Saturated fats in these items can also inhibit intestinal motility, slowing digestion and leading to bloating and indigestion. Repeated consumption of such foods can damage the stomach lining and elevate the risk of cancer.

Individuals with H. pylori bacteria should avoid fried foods, fast food, and spicy, hot dishes. Photo: Hang Tran

**Sour Fruits**

Highly acidic foods are also on the restricted list. Sour fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, green mangoes, hog plums, and tamarind elevate stomach acidity, aggravating existing ulcers and intensifying burning sensations. Patients with H. pylori should opt for sweet, vitamin C-rich fruits like bananas, papayas, sweet apples, or watermelon instead.

**Alcoholic Beverages**

Alcohol, beer, coffee, strong tea, and carbonated soft drinks all stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, worsening ulcers and diminishing medication efficacy. The ethanol in alcoholic beverages further breaks down the stomach's protective mucus layer, allowing H. pylori to penetrate deeper into the lining. Patients should completely abstain from alcoholic drinks during treatment and significantly limit consumption post-recovery to prevent reinfection.

**Processed Foods**

Processed foods, canned goods, bacon, sausages, and Chinese sausages are also unsuitable for individuals with H. pylori. Doctor Hieu explains that these items contain high levels of nitrite salts, preservatives, and additives. When combined with gastric acid, these substances can form nitrosamine compounds, which are linked to stomach cancer. Prolonged consumption of processed foods can damage the stomach and create an environment conducive to H. pylori growth.

**Sugary Foods**

Sugar promotes H. pylori growth, leading to bloating and impeding stomach healing. Patients can opt for unsweetened yogurt or low-sugar fresh fruits to support a balanced gut microbiome. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals, chew food thoroughly, avoid lying down immediately after eating, and refrain from late-night meals to reduce stomach pressure and prevent acid reflux.

Patients should incorporate probiotic yogurt, garlic, turmeric, honey, broccoli, spinach, and whole grains into their diet. Sulforaphane, an active compound in broccoli, and curcumin, found in turmeric, are known to inhibit H. pylori growth.

Thanh Ba