Yogic gut aeration techniques to inhibit Helicobacter pylori-induced acid peptic diseases: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Background: The most common cause of acid-peptic diseases (APDs) is Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) infection. Conventionally, proton–pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used to manage hyperacidity and dyspepsia. PPIs’ persistent use can lead to bacterial resistance, side effects, poor quality of life (QoL), and increased economic burden. H. pylori, being microaerophilic, can be inhibited by gut aeration. Therefore, yogic gut aeration techniques (YGATs) may be a potential option to mitigate H. pylori-induced APDs and reduce medication doses and economic burden. Objective: The study aimed to determine the effect of YGATs on gastrointestinal symptoms, stress, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with H. pylori-induced APDs. Method: Patients with epigastric pain, gastric reflux, and stomach burning were screened and allowed to undergo an endoscopy followed by a rapid urease test (RUT) to confirm H. pylori infection. Thirty-four patients with positive RUT were randomly assigned into two groups. The yoga group (n = 16) received YGAT for two months and seven days in addition to PPI. The control group (n = 18) was provided only PPIs. Signs and symptoms of APD and its co-morbidities (stress and QoL) were measured by using the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), quality of life in reflux and dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaire, and stress indicator questionnaire (SIQ). Results: Split-plot ANOVA computed with Bonferroni adjusted post hoc analyses for intra and inter-group comparisons using the 24th version of IBM-SPSS showed a significant reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms (p<0.001) and stress (p<0.001) and improvement in QoL (p<0.001) in the yoga group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: YGATs may be a harmless and inexpensive alternative or add-on therapy to mitigate H. pylori-induced APDs and their psychological co-morbidities.