Are Probiotics Good For Acid Reflux

What Types Of Probiotics Help My Acid Reflux

There are hundreds of different species of probiotics, and each strain can have a slightly different effect on the body. This means its important to know the difference between each species and to look for specific species used in treating acid reflux.

Researchers have only recently discovered more information about the specific probiotic strains best used to treat reflux.

In a review of 14 studies on probiotic treatments for acid reflux, 11 reported positive benefits. Improvements included reduced regurgitation less reflux or heartburn, fewer upper gastrointestinal symptoms .

The most helpful species of probiotic for acid reflux is Lactobacillus acidophilus.

This probiotic bacteria is well-tolerated, has been shown repeatedly to help with reflux, and has been researched more than any other probiotic species.

When seeking a probiotic supplement, be sure to choose one that contains a high CFU count and a variety of strains.

The most effective probiotic supplements are those made with a delivery system which ensures the bacteria are delivered safely to your gut.

A probiotic supplement that employs patented time-release tablets can deliver around 60% of probiotic bacteria to your gut, while an ordinary vegetable capsule probiotic may deliver only 4%.

Acid Reflux: Are Probiotics Helpful

Dr. Veerendra Sandur explains, “Probiotics are essentially live micro-organisms that increase the good or friendly bacteria in the digestive system which leads to improved digestion and other health benefits. Research has shown that probiotics could help control gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome in some people.”

Over-eating, eating spicy, oily foods, alcohol, sleeping/lying down immediately after eating, eating in a hurry, chronic stress, etc. can all cause heartburn or acid reflux. Imbalance in the gut bacteria can lead to an improper breakdown of food and an increase in intestinal gas, bloating and create unpleasant acid reflux.

Probiotics may help control or reduce this by increasing the number of good bacteria in the digestive system and helping to digest the food better. Dairy products such as curd are some good options to choose from.

Also read: Explained: Acid Reflux And 4 Foods That Cause The Heartburn

Best Probiotic Strains For Ibs:

The probiotic strains that work for IBS are summarized in this table.

Lactobacillus Plantarum CECT 7484

Lactobacillus Plantarum CECT 7485

Pediococcus acidilactici CECT 7483 .IBS-Constipation.Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 Gas and BloatingLactobacillus Plantarum Best overall, mixed, or unspecified types of IBS

Combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07

Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 Tips on Selecting the best probiotics for your IBS

• Results are not typical, Trial & Errors is The Best strategy.
• Select multi-strain probiotics containing combinations of the above according to your main complaint.
• Stick to one type at least 4 weeks Before experimenting with another type.

Read Also: Align Prebiotic Probiotic

How Do Probiotics Help With Acid Reflux

The answer is that although there is not a wealth of research on this yet, there is a growing field of thought that probiotics can indeed help alleviate acid reflux. We already know that probiotics are a highly useful way of rebalancing the gut bacteria but can they help combat H. pylori? It is thought that probiotics can help in several ways. Probiotics are thought to help strengthen the barrier against H. pylori by producing antimicrobial substances, and competes with H. pylori for adhesion receptors, i.e. space on the stomach lining! Its also thought to stabilise the gut mucosal barrier. Some argue also that the production of relatively large amounts of lactate by Lactobacilli is also an inhibitory factor of H. pylori3 as its possible it might lower the H.pylori urease. Additionally probiotics may be able to modify inflammation levels by interacting with the epithelial cells and managing the secretion of inflammatory proteins.

A meta analysis in the World Journal of Gastroenterology4 concluded that The use of probiotics plus standard therapy was associated with an increase in the H. pylori eradication rate, and a reduction in adverse events resulting from treatment in the general population.

The Health Benefits Of Probiotics Explained

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Heartburn and acid reflux can be helped by some simple lifestyle changes.

Eating smaller, more frequent meals, trying to lose weight if youre overweight, and raising one end of your bed 10 to 20cm by putting something under your bed or mattress, are some of the ways to ease heartburn, recommended by the NHS.

But some health experts believe supplements are the answer – in particular probiotics, says nutritional therapist, Natalie Lamb from Bio-Kult.

Acid reflux and the subsequent sensation of heartburn have been associated with poor digestive function and an imbalance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, according to Natalie. Therefore probiotics, which can be found in food, as well as supplements, may be the answer to soothing heartburn.

Natalie added: Live bacteria supplements are often consumed to help tackle pathogenic bacterial or yeast overgrowth and to support healthy digestive function. Researchers are now observing that when a person thinks they are suffering from heartburn the problem could actually be caused by insufficient acid in the stomach.

Also Check: Colostrum For Leaky Gut

I Stopped Eating Cultured Foods ~ Heres What Happened

If you read one of my previous posts, I Stopped Eating Cultured Foods ~ Heres What Happened! you know that one of the first things that happened after a few weeks of no cultured foods was I got the worst heartburn! It was awful and it started coming on and off every few days. I was really surprised that this would happen. My body really needs its daily kefir and anytime your body gives you a symptom, it’s a warning sign. You should heed the call and pay attention to these cries for help that your body sends you. Once I went back to having kefir every day , my symptoms vanished and no more acid reflux.

Best Probiotics For Acid Reflux Criteria

It is important to find high-quality probiotic brands for the best effectiveness because probiotics are live organisms. Here are the criteria used for best probiotic for acid reflux:

• Certified Good Manufacturing Practices -meaning that the companies undergo voluntary third-party inspection
• Contains targeted GERD probiotic strains supported by research
• Rated at least 4.5 stars by over 100 reviewers
• Reviews discuss specific acid reflux benefits
• Soy Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free
• Shelf-stable for ease of use

Probiotics that are shelf stable make for ease of use. In my experience, refrigerated probiotics are less likely to be consumed because they are out-of-sight-out-of-mind.

If you are looking for a more all-encompassing probiotic, it is a good idea to get those that contain multiple beneficial probiotic strains. After all, GERD is related to IBS and other digestive conditions that may be helped by other probiotic types. .

Just make sure it has some of the GERD-researched strains listed above as well.

For some people, it is best to start with a lower dose, or lower colony-forming unit count . Other people do much better with a higher CFU. Because of this, I give you a range of doses and strains.

Don’t Miss: How To Pronounce Probiotic

The Best Probiotic For Ibs And Gerd: How To Choose

Choosing the best probiotic that works for both IBS and GERD is challenging. the two golden rules for choosing the best probiotic for IBS & acid reflux is to go Multi-strain and to avoid probiotic with high FODMAP constituents.

We dug into the research and investigated different probiotic brands to find what works for IBS and Acid reflux.

Here are How to choose the best probiotic for GERD and IBS:

The Best Probiotic Strains For Gerd

There is no enough data about the efficacy of probiotics for GERD symptoms. This metanaliysis investigated 14 clinical trials about the effect of probiotics on GERD.

Here are our conclusions:

• Most of the studies are of low quality .
• However, some studies showed promising results. Probiotics can help decrease gastric acidity and regulate its motility.
• Some probiotic species that are associated with improvement of GERD symptoms include:
• Lactobacillus gasseri LG21
• Bifidobacterium bifidum YIT 10347.

Read Also: Can Famotidine Cause Chest Pain

Summarized Tips On Why You Should Buy From An Online Marketplace

In the year 2022, you have a multitude of options every time you look to buy a new product. You have traditional retailers, department stores, online marketplaces, etc. We believe that for your next purchase, you should seriously consider online marketplaces.

Online platforms come with loads of facilities designed to make your entire shopping experience better. They are reputable, well regarded, and provide you with the opportunity to shop from your home and get the best deals.

A very important thing you get when buying from an online platform is flexibility and convenience. In our busy lives, it is quite hard to find the time to visit a physical store. Meanwhile, you can buy anything you want, including probiotic brand for acid reflux from an online store, while you are taking a break at work or doing your chores.

As it should be clear to you by now, there are a multitude of benefits when you go with an online platform over physical stores. Some of the benefits are summarized below in a few key points:

Our Recommended 10 Best Probiotic Brand For Acid Reflux Reviews 2022

Refluxology Digestive Enzymes and Probiotic – Effective Relief for Stomach Upsets Related to Heartburn, Reflux and Stomach Acid – Natural, Safe, Vegan and Drug-Free Daily Probiotic 60-Day Supply Time Release Pearls. 6 Billion CFU, Delivers 15X More Good Bacteria- Relieve Bloated Stomach & Acid Reflux. Probiotic for Digestive Health for Adults GASTRICELL – Eliminate H. Pylori, Relieve Acid Reflux and Heartburn, Regulate Gastric Acid – Targets The Root Cause of Recurring Gastric Problems, Natural Defence Against Gastric Distress -30 sachets

• HIGH RESILIENCE AND STABILITY â L. johnsonii No. 1088 is heat treated probiotic. It is resistant to very acidic stomach environment.
• EFFECTIVE IN TARGETING THE ROOT CAUSE OF GASTRIC SYMPTOMS BY: Supporting the reduction of gastrin^ and overactive gastric acid secretion Helping to reduce H. pylori and other a such as E. coli, Salmonella and C. difficile Restoring intestinal flora.
• HIGHLY SAFE, NATURAL, LONG-LASTING SOLUTION FOR GASTRIC CONCERNS: Included on the European Food Safety Authority list
• PATENTED INGREDIENT: Patented in Japan, Korea and the United States for strain, function and application . A continual consumption of 3 months is recommended to achieve optimal result. MADE IN JAPAN

Read Also: Do Probiotics Help With Ulcerative Colitis

Why Treat Acid Reflux With Probiotics

Treating acid reflux should begin by treating the cause, not the symptoms.

This means restoring your bodys natural stomach acid production and eliminating bacterial overgrowth. One of the best ways to do this is through probiotics.

Probiotics work to restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which in turn allows them to crowd out the bad bacteria and maintain normal digestive function.

When your gut is lacking in healthy bacteria, it takes longer to break down food. This results in undigested food sitting in your gut where it begins to ferment and cause gas. This gas can push stomach acid up into the esophagus, resulting in reflux.

A meta-analysis in the World Journal of Gastroenterology noted that the use of probiotics in addition to standard reflux treatment helped to eradicate H. pylori .

H. pylori is a bacterial infection that can change the environment in your gut, allowing harmful bacteria to survive and reducing stomach acidity even further.

Probiotics are thought to help protect the gut against H. pylori by producing antimicrobial substances that prevent it from growing. Probiotics also compete with H. pylori for space to develop further, as well as helping to stabilize the gut mucosal barrier and reducing inflammation.

Probiotics are also valuable in preventing the dysbiosis that tends to accompany PPI medication.

Acid suppression with PPIs has been suggested to be a potential factor in the development of SIBO.

New Review Investigates The Role Of Probiotics In Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastrointestinal reflux disease is a common digestive disorder characterized by chronic symptoms resulting from abnormal reflux of contents from the stomach into the esophagus, leading to mucosal damage. The underlying cause of GERD is multifactorial and can result from stress, poor diet, impaired digestion, dysbiosis, hiatal hernia, and esophageal sphincter dysfunction. Risk factors associated with GERD include smoking, alcohol, and NSAID use.

Previously, I had shared research demonstrating that the damage of the esophagus in GERD was shown to be cytokine-mediated due to inflammation and not caused directly by the acid in the stomach.

Pharmaceutical interventions may provide symptom management but they do not correct many of the underlying factors and often have side effects. Lifestyle changes and nutritional support are usually sufficient to address acid reflux. Patients should consider eating smaller portions at meals. In addition, they should avoid laying down after meals and avoid eating too close to bedtime. Also, alcohol and certain foods can trigger symptoms.

While proton pump inhibitors may help with the symptoms, they may not be the solution. Recent previous studies have linked PPIs to chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and an increase risk of a heart attack. PPIs can also lead to other problems such as dysbiosis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth .

Also Check: Why Does Uti Cause Bloating

Probiotics For Gerd And Heartburn

The gut microbiome is composed of millions of microbes living in symbiosis and regulating a number of physiologic processes including gastrointestinal motility. GERD, a multifactorial gastrointestinal motility disorder, may partly result from gut microbiome dysbiosis. Manipulation of gut microbes through diet, prebiotics, probiotics and fecal transplantation is a promising therapeutic target to eliminate heartburn.

Taking Probiotics And Antacids Together

Antacids are medications that neutralize stomach acid and alleviate acid reflux and heartburn. It is safe to take probiotics and antacids together, though each can interact with other medications. For this reason, a person should speak with a doctor before taking any kind of supplement.

Probiotics may increase the effectiveness of antacids and may even be a viable replacement. A large 2021 study investigated different approaches for people with indigestion and acid reflux. Each participant received one of the following treatments:

• probiotics with antacids
• probiotics with prokinetics
• probiotics alone

All groups experienced improvements in their indigestion symptoms. However, the group that received the probiotics alone had the greatest improvements.

Also Check: Stomach Virus Bloating

Melatonin For Acid Reflux

Melatonin may not be the first thing you think of when it comes home remedies for acid reflux. But your gut is responsible for producing more melatonin than your brain, which might explain why researchers have found melatonin for acid reflux to be helpful.

In addition to helping you get a good nights sleep, melatonin is thought to protect the gastric mucosa from free radical damage, influence secretion of stomach acid and certain digestion enzymes, and even have positive effects on anxiety and depression.

A dose of 3-6 mg melatonin for at least 8 weeks has been proven effective for relieving acid reflux symptoms. Just make sure to take melatonin at bedtime to prevent daytime sleepiness, which was the only side effect seen in clinical trials. You can take a supplement like NOW Foods 3mg Melatonin.

Best Probiotics For Acid Reflux

Given that an imbalance of bacteria in your gut can play a role in reflux, do probiotics help with acid reflux? Lets talk about the current research on probiotics for acid reflux.

Probiotics are the good bacteria in your gut that are vital for both your gut and overall health. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi as well as in supplement form, which is what well discuss here.

Probiotic effects are strain-specific, meaning that one strain will have an entirely different effect from another. That means its especially important to pay attention to the specific strains used in research while one strain may be really great for reflux, another could have no effect whatsoever.

Unfortunately, only recently have researchers begun to disclose the specific probiotic strains they have used into their research instead of just discussing the more general probiotic species.

To date, only 2 strains of probiotics have been studied for their potential benefit of improving reflux symptoms in adults.

The best probiotics for acid reflux include:

While there may not be much research on probiotics for acid reflux symptoms quite yet, Im confident that well see more research on this in the future. Ill be sure to put any updates I see into this post!

But beyond their ability to affect reflux symptoms, probiotics may play another key role when it comes to this condition: preventing the dysbiosis that goes along with PPI use.

Read Also: How Long Can Ibs Flare Ups Last