H Pylori Natural Treatments: Mastic Gum
Before we discuss Mastic Gum, allow me to point out that detailed information about how to adjust your diet so that any of the natural treatment options for H pylori work more effectively, is contained in my 232-page H Pylori Diet E-book, which is available by clicking on the link, below.
Click Here to Get Instant Access to The H Pylori Diet
Mastic gum is a tree resin obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, which is grown on the island of Chios in Greece.
Of all the natural products used against H pylori, mastic gum is probably the best known. Several studies (listed at the bottom of this article) support the contention that mastic gum has an anti-bacterial action against H pylori.
The protocol I originally learned in my functional medicine training involved the use of mastic gum for 60-days at a relatively high dose (4-6 capsules per day).
However, my main symptoms (stomach pain, heartburn and acid reflux) actually worsened when I started taking these supplements.
Despite doctors and practitioners reporting great success using mastic gum in their programmes, it really did not work for me. But don’t let that put you off using mastic gum as H pylori treatment because it DOES work for many people.
Despite my poor reaction to the mastic gum programme, there is quite a large body of research demonstrating its efficacy against H pylori and mastic gum has been shown to kill H pylori in vitro.
In vitro means ‘outside the body’. In other words, the researchers test the effect of substances against H pylori in a laboratory setting (e.g. a petri dish or test tube). We have to be careful in interpreting these tests.
Just because a substance kills H pylori bacteria – or any other infectious organism, for that matter – it doesn’t mean that the same substance will work in your stomach and intestines.
So please do be careful when you look at websites claiming that their products are ‘proven’ to kill anything!
Only Use The Highest Quality Mastic Gum Products
One of the biggest problems with the natural supplement market is that there are many different versions of the same products, with each company claiming that their product is best.
So which one do you choose?
I recommend that you DO NOT go for the cheapest products, no matter how attractive it may be. Generally, you get what you pay for.
The cheaper supplements are generally of significantly lower quality and this can actually cause you to spend MORE money in the long run. It may also take you a lot longer to deal with your symptoms.
Don’t waste energy, time and money on cheap supplements. It won’t serve you.
Gastromend-HPTM (Designs For Health)
In my H Pylori Diet (Overcoming H Pylori Naturally) e-book, I teach you exactly how to use Gastromend HP either alongside, or in place of, Matula Herbal Formula so that you get the best possible results.
Click here to order the e-book now
Gastromend HPTM is an excellent product that is based on mastic gum. It is manufactured by the US company Designs for Health. Of all the mastic gum products, it’s my favourite and the one I recommend to my clients most.
Rather than simply using mastic gum in the capsules, Designs for Health have also added vitamin U, vitamin C and DGL for their antimicrobial activity against H pylori and their ability to heal the stomach and intestinal lining.
Gastromend HPTM also contains zinc-l-carnosine, which is well known for its ability to heal the stomach lining.
The inclusion of these ingredients means that you do not need to buy separate bottles of each product, which helps to keep costs down and convenience high.
Mastika (Allergy Research Group)
Another excellent mastic gum product is Mastika by Allergy Reseach Group. It’s a great product and, unlike Gastromend HP only contains mastic gum.
This is important because some people do have allergies or sensitivities to ingredients such as vitamin U (cabbage juice extract) or DGL (licorice).
Allergy Research Group is a very high quality nutritional supplement manufacturer and many thousands of people have benefited from using their products.
Does Mastic Gum Work For Everyone?
As previously mentioned, when I used mastic gum it made my symptoms worse. However I’ve heard from many people who had great success using this supplement.
As I’ve written about elsewhere on this website, triple and quadruple therapy has a 50-85% eradication rate, depending on which study you read and it’s the same with natural products.
Nobody can guarantee that their specific brand or product will work every time in every person, so be diligent and seek advice if you’re unsure what to do.
If you want the best results from using a mastic gum-based protocol, I highly recommend that you read my H Pylori Diet e-book.
Are There Any Side Effects From Using Mastic Gum?
As with everything that you put in your mouth, mastic gum has the potential to cause a reaction.
Millions of people have gluten intolerance, milk allergy, lactose intolerance and a whole host of other foods can cause problems in individuals as well. I’m sure you heard of people who had serious reactions to seemingly harmless foods like peanuts, crab and strawberries?
We also know that medical drugs – including antibiotics and antacids – can cause side effects for some people as well.
Just because mastic gum is a ‘natural’ product, it doesn’t mean that it will not cause problems for some people.
Unfortunately we don’t possess crystal balls to predict exactly what will happen, so the only way to know whether mastic gum or any other product suits you is to try it.
If you feel any adverse effects whatsoever, stop taking the product and seek professional guidance on alternatives.
Still Not Sure What To Do…Why Not Set Up A Phone Consultation?
If you would prefer to speak to me, or one of my consultants, so that we can help you cut through the conflicting information on H pylori treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our personalized programmes and ongoing individual support ensures that you reach your health goals faster.
To enquire about our consultancy services, simply email Office@HPExperts.com or call on +44 800 310 21 21.
Mastic Gum for H Pylori Treatment: References
Pataschos S, Magiatis P, Mitakou S, et al. In vitro and in vitro activities of Chios mastic gum extracts and constituents against Helicobacter pylori. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2007. Feb; 51 (2):551-9. Epub 2006 Nov 20.
Marone P, Bono L, Leone E. Bacterial activity of Pistacia leticus mustic gum against Helicobacter pylori. J Chemother. 2001 Dec; 13(6):611-4.
Huwez FU, Thirlwell D, Cockayne A. Mastic gum kills Helicobacter pylori. N Engl J Med. 1998; Dec 24; 339(26):1946.
Al-Habbal MJ, Al Habbal Z, Huwez FU. A double-blind controlled clinical trial of mastic and placebo in the treatment of duodenal ulcer. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1984; 11:541-544.