Probiotics are prescribed today for an ever growing number of reasons. Aside from the obvious digestive issues, probiotics are recommended for conditions ranging from poor sleeping patterns and blotchy skin to immune system issues and obesity. In this article, we’re going to discuss the use of probiotics to help with acid reflux.
Acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion – these are things that many of us suffer with every single day. But according to some, it is relatively easy to fix acid reflux and heartburn by taking probiotics, or by eating more probiotic foods.
Are probiotics good for acid reflux? Do they help acid reflux in infants? How do they work? What kind of probiotics are best for treating acid reflux? These questions will be answered by this article. If you have GERD or acid reflux, probiotics may help. If so, how many and what kinds should you take? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of probiotics for infants.
Can probiotics help with acid reflux?
Can probiotics help with acid reflux? This question often elicits conflicting answers. While some probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, appear to inhibit hydrochloric acid production, others have an antagonistic effect. In some cases, antacids are ineffective, and probiotics can be beneficial in certain circumstances. For instance, probiotics may reduce the risk of stomach acid overproduction.
Although probiotics may be helpful in reducing the severity and frequency of GERD, their effectiveness in alleviating symptoms has not been proven. Despite this, probiotics appear to be an effective complementary treatment for patients who are taking PPIs for acid reflux. In some cases, they reduce or eliminate side effects of medications, such as shortness of breath, regurgitation, and heartburn. However, more studies are needed to fully understand whether probiotics have a positive impact on GERD symptoms.
Overeating, smoking, and alcohol are common causes of acid reflux. It may also be caused by an imbalance of gut bacteria. This imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to the reflux of acid, resulting in abdominal bloating, gas, and acidity. Probiotics have been proven to help rebalance gut bacteria and combat H. pylori. So, if you suffer from acid reflux, it may be time to start using probiotics.
While the results of probiotics for treating GERD symptoms are encouraging, the results are still a little confusing. Approximately half of the studies compared the two groups. Overall, probiotics reduced the symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, and dyspepsia. In another study, a probiotic supplement improved symptoms of dyspepsia and other upper gastrointestinal symptoms.
Can probiotics make acid reflux work?
The good bacteria in our guts are called probiotics. They are found in foods like yogurt and supplements. They may help ease the symptoms of acid reflux. Probiotics may help the digestive system by promoting faster absorption and easing the process of emptying the stomach. Food that is too full can back up into the esophagus and cause the symptoms of acid reflux. Probiotics may also reduce inflammation in the digestive system, which may ease the symptoms of GERD.
A 2018 study investigated the effects of probiotics on SIBO in children with GERD. The participants included 128 children with the disorder and 120 without GERD. The children were divided into two groups: those who took a PPI plus probiotics and those who took a placebo. The probiotics group had lower SIBO rates than the control group. In addition, the probiotics reduce the risk of dysbiosis associated with PPI use.
When it comes to treating acid reflux, it is better to try to cure the condition naturally. While antacids are necessary for many people, probiotics are recommended to help mitigate acid reflux symptoms. A NOW Foods Clinical GI Probiotic is a good option. There are other strains, however, that aren’t well studied. In addition to taking probiotics, you may want to try taking melatonin and deep breathing techniques.
As GERD is an uncomfortable and debilitating condition, probiotics are welcomed in alternative therapies. In addition to reducing acid reflux symptoms, probiotics may relieve some of the side effects of antacids and other medications. Additionally, the probiotics can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, including heartburn and shortness of breath. This makes them an excellent complementary treatment for patients with acid reflux.
Do probiotics help acid reflux in infants?
The primary outcome for infants was reduction of regurgitation in the probiotic group (defined as having three or fewer episodes per day). Secondary outcomes included the number of stools the infants passed, growth rate, and number of hospitalizations or doctor visits for the condition. Adverse events were also assessed. Infants treated with probiotics had significantly more stools than those not treated with probiotics.
In a prospective observational study, Deshpande et al. found that the exclusive use of proton-pump inhibitors was reduced in preterm infants after probiotic treatment. These drugs reduce the acid secretion in the stomach. Similarly, a systematic review of infant probiotics found no evidence that probiotics reduce acid production. However, this did not rule out the use of probiotics in infants, but does not prove that they help acid reflux.
One possible mechanism of probiotics in the treatment of GERD is the modulation of the esophageal microbiome. Lactobacillus gasseri, for example, is known to increase pepsin production, which may improve digestion and absorption. Probiotics have been proven to be beneficial for infants with GERD due to their role in modulating the esophageal microbiome.
While probiotics are not a cure-all, they are often effective in treating reflux in infants. A study conducted by Dr. Ganjian in the United States found that 40% of infants suffered from reflux during their first four months of life. The reason for this is that their digestive tract is still developing. Therefore, the sphincter muscle that separates the stomach and the esophagus does not open regularly enough to block reflux. When this happens, stomach acid can reflux up the esophagus, causing pain and burning in the throat.
One way to maximize the effectiveness of probiootics for acid reflux is to take them with a good quality prebiotic supplement. For best results, take a prebiotic first thing in the morning before you eat breakfast.
What probiotics should you take for acid reflux?
In addition to restoring digestive function, taking a probiotic supplement can also reduce the need for antacids and PPIs. Because ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut are also responsible for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), preventing or eliminating bacterial overgrowth is key to alleviating symptoms. Probiotics can help restore the balance of gut bacteria and promote normal digestion, which can lead to a reduction in antacid and PPI use.
The role of probiotics in treating GERD is still not fully understood, but there is evidence that they can play an important role. Although some strains of probiotics can exacerbate the symptoms of GERD, others can be beneficial for the overall health of the GI tract. In particular, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 may be of particular interest for those who suffer from acid reflux.
Many of the probiotic strains available on the market are made from natural, plant-based ingredients. Most of them are free of nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, GMOs, and other contaminants. Some may need to be refrigerated for storage and use. Remember, probiotics must be used within their expiration dates to stay effective. For babies, you can try BioGaia Protectis Probiotics Drops to reduce GERD symptoms.
Regardless of whether you are suffering from acid reflux, you may benefit from taking probiotics. Although they can help with a variety of other medical conditions, the exact amount that you should take will depend on your microbiome and your own unique health history. For example, some people can’t tolerate probiotics, while others may react negatively to certain brands and types. If you have a weakened immune system, consult a healthcare professional before taking a probiotic supplement.
Probiotics and digestive enzymes for acid reflux
In addition to using digestive enzymes, probiotics may help relieve some of the symptoms of acid reflux. These supplements contain certain strains of bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium lactis HN019. In addition to helping with GERD symptoms, they may improve gut health and support immune function. These supplements may also help with weight loss and prevent heartburn. Despite their mixed results, probiotics are worth a try.
Both probiotics and digestive enzymes aid in the proper breakdown of food, making them beneficial to GI health. Digestive enzymes are nonliving proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the GI tract. They also help the body absorb the nutrients from food. If you’re looking for the most effective treatment for acid reflux, both of these supplements may be worth trying. To determine which one is right for you, talk to your doctor.
While probiotics are not a substitute for antacids, they can help restore digestive function. If you’ve been prescribed antacids for acid reflux, it’s a good idea to take a probiotic supplement as well. Probiotics can help restore the balance in your digestive system and reduce your reliance on antacids and PPIs. The bacteria are released over a period of 8-10 hours.
In one study, participants took a supplement with L. gasseri, which is associated with improved digestion. After the probiotic treatment, participants reported a reduction in symptoms of dyspepsia and unpleasant fullness. In a 2016 trial, participants of a similar supplement with L. gasseri were able to reduce the amount of gastric acid secreted and the pH level was raised, indicating improved gastric emptying.
So What Is The Best Supplement For Digestive Health?
If your goal is to optimize overall digestive health and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it, then the best supplement for you is always going to be a combined prebiotic/probiotic stack which uses a range of probiotic bacteria and a high quality prebiotic fiber such as FOS or Inulin.
Ideally, the probiotic supplement you use will exclusively contain bacteria species that have been proven to improve digestive health, promote immunity, control appetite and improve skin quality in several clinical trials. Bacteria strains you want to look out for include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Lactobacillus plantarum. These bacteria species are highly beneficial to health and performance.
The type of prebiotic fiber is also important. Not all fibers are the same; some are better than others at feeding healthy bacteria. So it is vital that the best gut health uses prebiotic fiber that is most effective at selectively feeding the healthy bacteria it is introducing to your gut in the first place. This brings us to the most important aspect of a good probiotic - without some prebiotic fiber, taking a probiotic is practically pointless!
After reviewing dozens of popular probiotics and prebiotics, we think there is one clear winner: YourBiology Gut+.
The benefits of taking YourBiology on a daily basis include:
- Lasting changes to gut microbiome
- Promotes weight loss and inhibits weight gain
- Regulates hormones levels (including testosterone and estrogen)
- Better digestion, less bloating, no cramps
- Improved ability to digest dairy
- Enhance immune system function
- Higher energy levels all day long
- Bealthier skin, hair and nails
Johan Theorin is an author, editor, and competitive cyclist. He is the author of most of the content on this website, and he is the site editor. Johan has spent years researching joint health, sports performance and recovery. He is a leading biohacking expert and an experienced physiotherapist.
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