Protecting stomach health starts with preventing Helicobacter pylori infection

1. The invisible culprit of stomach disease: the threat of Helicobacter pylori

In Chinese restaurants, the scene of friends and family sitting together and sharing delicious food is warm and beautiful, but you may not know that such a happy gathering may hide a health risk - Helicobacter pylori (Hp). The infection rate of this tiny spiral-shaped bacterium in the natural population worldwide exceeds 50%, and the infection rate in my country is as high as 59%, which means that one in every two people is a carrier. It is not only the main cause of chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers, but also a risk factor for gastric cancer listed as a Class I carcinogen by the World Health Organization.

2. Know this hidden "stomach killer"

1. The survival strategy of Helicobacter pylori

This microorganism, which is only 3 microns in diameter, has unique biological characteristics: the flagella structure helps it penetrate the gastric mucosa, and the urease system breaks down urea to produce "ammonia clouds" to resist gastric acid, allowing it to survive in a strong acid environment. Once it breaks through the gastric mucosal barrier, it will continue to release toxins, causing gastric mucosal damage.

2. Health alerts after infection

Early infection may be asymptomatic, but long-term infection can cause:

Persistent upper abdominal pain (worse after meals)

Repeated acid reflux and heartburn

Loss of appetite, unusual feeling of fullness

Stubborn oral

Unexplained weight loss

3. Full analysis of infection routes

Oral-to-oral transmission: saliva transmission through sharing eating utensils and kissing

Fecal-oral transmission: Not washing hands after defecation contaminates food

Stomach-to-mouth transmission: Spread of germs in vomit

Nosocomial transmission: incompletely disinfected endoscopy

3. The golden rule of home protection

1. The dining revolution

Each dish is equipped with a serving spoon and chopsticks

Each person uses their own tableware

Baby food is prepared separately to prevent chewing and feeding

2. Kitchen hygiene upgrade

Strictly separate raw and cooked chopping boards

Steam sterilization of tableware every week (100℃ for 15 minutes)

Boil the rags daily and keep them dry

3. Personal hygiene management

Seven-step hand washing method (at least 40 seconds before meals and after defecation)

Replace your toothbrush every month and store it with the brush head facing upwards

Bring your own cutlery pack when dining out

4. Self-protection strategies when dining out

Select restaurants that display "Sanitary Grade A"

Request to provide individually packaged sterilized tableware

Soak the cold dishes in boiling water for 10 seconds

Hot pot ingredients are fully cooked (core temperature of meat ≥ 75°C)

Avoid drinking spring water from unknown sources

V. Key points for protection of special groups

Pregnant women: Pre-pregnancy screening and treatment to avoid the risks of medication during pregnancy

Children: Establish the habit of separate meals before the age of 3 and regularly test hand flora

Elderly people: Soak dentures for disinfection every day, and take extra precautions while taking stomach medicine

VI. New progress in detection and treatment

1. Convenient detection method

C13/C14 breath test: non-invasive test with an accuracy rate of over 95%

Fecal antigen test: suitable for children and special populations

Serum antibody testing: suitable for epidemiological surveys

Standardized treatment plan

A 14-day course of quadruple therapy (2 antibiotics + proton pump inhibitor + bismuth) can achieve an eradication rate of 90%. During treatment, please note:

Take medication on time

Avoid smoking, drinking and spicy food

Simultaneous testing of family members

7. Eliminate common cognitive misconceptions

Myth 1: "No treatment if no symptoms"

The truth: Asymptomatic infected people are still at risk of gastric mucosal damage, and adults are advised to actively seek treatment.

Myth 2: "Garlic/honey can kill bacteria"

The truth: There is no food that can effectively kill Hp, and excessive intake may irritate the gastric mucosa.

Myth 3: "You won't get infected again after you're cured"

The truth: The annual reinfection rate is about 1.5%, so prevention must be continued.

8. National Protection Action Plan

Incorporate the use of serving chopsticks into family conventions

The community launched the "Stomach Health Screening Week" activity

The catering industry promotes the "smart tableware disinfection system"

The school offers a "healthy diet practice course"

Preventing Helicobacter pylori infection is the first line of defense to protect the gastric health of all people. Starting today, let us use a pair of serving chopsticks to protect family affection, use scientific knowledge to resist germs, and jointly build a protective wall for digestive tract health. Remember: prevention of gastric disease is always better than treatment. Every hygiene habit you have today will add points to your future health.