How Helicobacter Could Affect Your Weight and Appearance

My Drastic Weight Loss Was Embarrassing and Took a Toll on My Mental Well-Being.

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My Teenage Health Struggles with helicobacter: Overcoming Eating Disorders, Weight Loss, and Finding Healing

In my teenage years , I felt comfortable and satisfied with my health. I ate well, exercised regularly, and stayed focused on my studies. However, everything changed when stress took over, leading to an eating disorder. I stopped working out, and that’s when I began to notice issues such as hair loss, significant weight loss, myopia (nearsightedness), health complications, trouble focusing, increased distraction, impatience, and a tendency to get angry quickly.

Health Struggles and Eating Disorders

Since then, I’ve continued to battle with thinness and unexplained weight loss. Despite trying for years to improve my eating habits, focusing on healthy and organic food, and even suspecting that I had intestinal issues, nothing seemed to work. I made changes, like cutting out dairy products and focusing on better food choices. While some habits improved, I found that even when I ate well, I didn’t seem to benefit from it or gain weight.

Over the years, my weight has remained stagnant . It’s incredibly difficult to gain even 1–2 kilograms, but I can easily lose weight. Excessive burping was another symptom I dealt with, prompting my mom to insist I visit a doctor. After avoiding it for years due to other priorities, I finally went. The doctor prescribed several tests, with the most expensive being a breathing test. The results revealed that I tested positive for Helicobacter pylori, had low iron levels, and elevated cortisol levels (a stress hormone)..

Helicobacter Treatment and Iron Supplementation

I followed the doctor’s prescribed treatment plan, taking antibiotics for 14 days, followed by iron supplements and other vitamins (Ferix and Aktiv A-Z) for 1–2 months. The first 14 days were tough and required a lot of patience. I experienced dizziness, heart palpitations, and a constant sense of fear. However, these side effects were manageable when I focused on maintaining a healthy diet. For me, eating a large amount of food wasn’t something I was accustomed to, and I don’t believe my food intake was sufficient.

The iron supplements had their own set of side effects, mainly constipation, which was painful. To manage this, I increased my fiber intake and drank double the amount of water each day.

Looking Forward: Second Test and Ongoing Progress

After completing the initial treatment, I am eagerly waiting to finish the second round of tests to monitor my recovery. After a month of taking the treatment and vitamin supplements, I began noticing significant improvements in my health. There’s no more stomach pain, my face looks more radiant, and my under-eye area has improved. I breathe easier during exercise or running in the morning, and I no longer feel exhausted when climbing stairs.

Fifteen days after finishing the iron supplements, I retook the HP test, and I’m happy to report that I tested negative for Helicobacter pylori — it’s gone! My cortisol levels have decreased, although they are still elevated based on the reference scale.

Struggling with Weight Gain and Finding a Healthier Path

Despite all the improvements, my weight remains a challenge. I’ve just gained just 3 kg, and I’m still struggling to reach my weight gain goal of 5 kg in 2025. During my treatment, I wasn’t eating meat or chicken — only vegetables, quinoa, and plant-based protein alternatives in addition multivitamins supplements. However, I now feel more satisfied with my overall health and digestive health.

Tips for Better Health and Weight Management

I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way, and here’s my advice for anyone facing similar health struggles:

• Avoid fast food

• Skip sugary snacks and sweets

• Cook meals at home with fresh ingredients

• Focus on a balanced diet with healthy fats, proteins, and fiber

• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated