Studied Probiotic Strains For Acid Reflux
This journal states that Gastroesophageal reflux disease has a negative impact on quality of life and leads to expensive health care costs. According to the NIDDK, at least 20% of the US population may have Acid Reflux so it is prevalent in society.
In this randomized clinical control trial from China, 134 patients with Reflux Esophagitis were split up into two groups. The first was given 20mg of Esomeprazole PPI daily for 8-weeks along with a probiotic supplement that contained Bacillus Subtilis and Enterococcus Faeciumprobiotic bacteria.
The second group was also given 20mg of the PPI but instead of the probiotic bacteria, they took a placebo. Those who completed the 8-week trial were asked to fill out a reflux diagnostic questionnaire but there was no difference between both groups in the questionnaire.
The other results that were interesting were that a Gastrointestinal symptom rating scale score was lower in the Probiotic group and so was small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The study claimed that combining probiotics with Esomeprazole may be beneficial.
In my opinion, I think this study was poorly done because the probiotic strains used weren’t great. It would have been better if they had used Lactobacillus bacteria and secondly I think that self-reporting scores doesn’t always provide accurate results. No information on diet was given either.
Beware Gut Symptom Triggers
Some people find particular foods cause them problems. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, salad dressings and fizzy drinks, can trigger heartburn, while wheat and onions may cause irritable bowel syndrome.
And if you cannot digest lactose, the sugar in milk, you’ll develop wind and diarrhoea after drinking milk or eating dairy products, including cream, cheese, yoghurt and chocolate.
Try to stay away from foods and drinks that trigger your digestive symptoms. Keep a food diary to work out which foods cause your symptoms.
What Causes Acid Reflux And Gerd
Acid Reflux and GERD doesn’t happen for no reason and usually will be a result of your lifestyle choices. The following put you at risk.
- Anxiety & Mental Health
- Eat Large Meals Before Sleeping
- Eating Acidic Foods
- Being Overweight
If you don’t fall under any of those categories then a hiatal hernia could also be a cause for Acid Reflux and GERD. If the Hernia is big enough it may allow acid to move back up your Esophagus but most of the time the Hiatal Hernia doesn’t cause many symptoms. Other causes include H. Pylori infection and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome . According to the functionalgutclinic, SIBO may also lead to positive reflux-symptom association for regurgitation.
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Which Yogurt Is Best For Acid Reflux
Technically speaking, yogurt is an acidic food because its pH levels range from 6-8. Once consumed, it does not produce high amounts of stomach acid since the fermentation process reduces its pH levels though certain ingredients and yogurt making processes can increase or decrease its acidity.
Additionally, yogurt is a low acid-forming food and wont affect the acid and alkaline balance in the body.
Having said that, not all yogurt is made equally. There are dozens of different types of yogurt with varying ingredients, fat, and sugar content. These are the types of yogurt that are best for acid reflux:
- Low fat: Foods that are high in fat, specifically whole fat milk, cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax too much. In the process, more stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus which then offsets acid reflux symptoms. Additionally, yogurt made from whole fat milk should be avoided because this can be harder to digest and can trigger acid reflux.
Look for yogurt that contains under 3 grams of fat for every 100 gram serving fat-free and non-fat yogurt which have under 0.15 grams of fat per 100 grams are also beneficial.
- Low sugar: Eating small amounts of sugar in itself doesnt cause acid reflux symptoms. But when sugar is combined with other ingredients that are known to cause acidity, symptoms can appear. Stay away from yogurt that has been flavored with citrus foods, chocolate, and other acidic foods.
Go Easy On Spice To Avoid Tummy Troubles
Many people love spicy food and it does not bother their digestive system. Others find their tummy is upset when they have spicy food.
It’s not just scorching hot foods like chillies that trigger heartburn. Milder but flavourful foods like garlic and onion can also bring it on.
If spicy foods give you heartburn, stomach pain or diarrhoea, go easy on them in future.
If you already have a problem like heartburn or an irritable bowel, avoid them completely.
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Speed Digestion With Sauerkraut
You may think of sauerkraut as just something to pile on a hot dog, but chomping on the popular condiment actually helps digestion. Thats because sauerkraut and other fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria that make them easier to digest, and their prebiotic fibers feed the helpful gut bugs living in your colon. Other fermented fare you may want to try are kefir , kimchi , and miso .
Fermented foods eaten as an appetizer are a staple of different traditional cultures because of how they prepare the GI tract for digestion, says Finkel.
Word to the wise though: Go easy on fermented foods at first. Too much too fast can lead to a bout of cramping and diarrhea.
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 .
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What Can Yogurt Do To Treat Acid Reflux
- Soothe the esophagus as a cool, alkaline and smooth food
- Boost the immune system for the whole health because of its probiotics including beneficial bacteria that is easy to find in the digestive tract
- Aid in the proper absorption of nutrients, and proteins of the body.
- Prevent the acid reflux due to its protein source and help in digesting the food.
- Strengthen the muscles of the lower esophagus due to the richness calcium.
- Improve intestinal motion, reduce the inflammation, the pain and discomfort, decrease the appearance of gas in the intestine.
How Can I Make My Stomach Acid Stronger
5 ways to improve stomach acid
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Is Greek Yogurt More Acidic Than Regular Yogurt
Due to its slightly acidic nature, regular yogurt has a slightly sour taste, however, its still slightly sweeter than Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is, by nature, thicker and creamier in texture and has more of a tangy yogurt taste and is, therefore, a great alternative or substitute for sour cream or mayonnaise.
Best Probiotics For Acid Reflux Brands
I highlighted the probiotics in the ingredients that have research to support their use for gastric acid reflux for your convenience.
Here are a few good probiotic options that meet all of the quality criteria:
- Amy Myers Probiotic 100 Billion is formulated by Dr. Amy Myers and contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium longum, and 11 other powerful probiotic strains. This is the highest-rated and THE most concentrated probiotic available today.
- Body Health Probiotic with Perfect Amino contains 40 Billion CFU with 5 key strains for acid reflux, including lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and Bacillus subtilus with 7 other beneficial strains. This is highly rated as well as third-party-inspected with GMP standards.
- Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Platinum Series Immune+90 Billion CFU Guaranteed, formulated by Dr. Perlmutter. Contains the key probiotics lactobacillus gasseri, lactobacillus rhamnosus, bifidobacterium bifidum, bifidobacterium lactis, and 12 other beneficial strains. This is a highest-rated probiotic on the market and one of the most concentrated.
Histamine-free probiotic for reflux
Some people need a probiotic that doesnt release histamine in their body such as people with histamine intolerance. One on the market meets that criteria:
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Probiotic Supplement For Digestive Support
The gastrointestinal microbiome is a complex and important system in our bodies.
It helps us digest food, absorb nutrients, and supports the tissues lining our immune system.
Nature’s Bounty Ultra Strength Probiotic 10 helps maintain a healthy digestive and immune system, as well as supporting upper respiratory health.
A New Cause Of Acid Reflux
Another emerging cause of reflux is an imbalanced microbiome, or gut bacteria and flora.
Many experts in the field of probiotics have conducted research to show that acid reflux can be a result of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth .
Both SIBO and GERD may be caused by an altered microbiome. This is where probiotics start to come in to focus on acid reflux.
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Acid Reflux Pregnancy And Probiotics
Acid reflux is also common in pregnancy. 80% of pregnant women deal with acid reflux due to an increase in the hormone progesterone. The increase in progesterone causes a . As the fetus develops, the uterus becomes enlarged and crowds the abdomen, and forces stomach acid up towards the esophagus.
Heartburn can also be a secondary condition in expecting women who have gallstones. Complications related to acid reflux are rare in the prenatal population. It is recommended that acid reflux be managed initially with lifestyle modifications and dietary changes. In most cases, heartburn resolves after delivery.
Probiotics like Omni-Biotic Panda can benefit mothers during pregnancy by improving the balance of the microbiome, supporting immune health, and aiding healthy digestion.
Stay Hydrated To Keep Things Moving
Fluids play an essential role in partnership with fiber to get solids through your system since water helps your body break down and digest food, according to Mayo Clinic. Hydration and water are friends, says Finkel. In fact, one of the easiest digestive tips to follow is to stay hydrated throughout the day. Water is a great choice to speed digestion, but almost any non-alcoholic fluid will do. Be careful with caffeinated beverages and sodas if you have reflux they can be triggers for heartburn, and caffeine acts as a mild diuretic.
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Will Taking Probiotics Make Me Sick
Probiotics are a component of your microbiome, a bigger picture involving microbes and your body. Imagine your microbiome as a diverse community of creatures that collaborate to maintain your bodys health, like a forest.
Probiotics do not pose a health risk to most healthy individuals. It is widely accepted that they are safe, and people give them a try to see whether or not they may be beneficial in treating various medical ailments.
Before taking a probiotic supplement, discussing the matter with your primary care physician is essential since there are some conditions in which you should not do so. Before beginning to take a new supplement, it is usually essential to first have a chat with your doctor.
Top Superfoods To Help With Your Symptoms Of Gerd
If you suffer from GERD, chances are that diet is probably a big part of your life. Managing your symptoms of GERD, particularly your acid reflux, is a battle thats oftentimes fought in the kitchen, and it involves some amount of meal planning. When you remove all the reflux trigger foods from your life, youre left having to piece together what you can actually eat.
As acid reflux and GERD specialists, we do what we can to help you, and while no diet or superfood will cure your acid reflux, managing your diet can help ease a lot of the discomfort caused by your GERD. Here are 5 top superfoods that can help minimize your symptoms of GERD.
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Is Coconut Yogurt Good For Acid Reflux
Coconut is known to have helpful electrolytes that promote the pH level and control acidic reflux. All the food items containing coconut could help decrease inflammation, preventing severe symptoms of acidic reflux.
Coconut yogurt is considered to aid digestive health. It is the best type of yogurt to consume for acidic reflux. It is also low in sugar and contains more antioxidants. Moreover, if it is consumed in adequate amounts, it could lower the risk of colon cancer, improve intestinal function, and lower serum cholesterol.
Coconut yogurt also contains more energy and proves very beneficial for your health. It is packed with probiotic-rich food with bacteria that improve the process of the digestive system.
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.
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Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics For Women
This product, formulated by a doctor who is an expert in the human microbiome, provides 50 billion CFUs in 16 strains. It has a higher rating than most probiotics at 4.7/5 from over 43 000 ratings.
All strains are Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, including five of the strains, which appear to provide relief from acid reflux. While this formulation is for women, with one of the strains also promoting vaginal health, Garden of Life also has a probiotic formulated for men.
They are packaged in multiples of 30, and the recommended dose is one capsule per day. The capsule can be opened and the content mixed with water or juice if you have trouble swallowing capsules.
Pros:
- Priced on the lower end of the scale for probiotics
Cons:
- Low CFUs compared to most other probiotic supplements
- Contains milk but, according to the manufacturers, not at a level that would affect persons who are lactose intolerant
How Do Probiotics Improve Acid Reflux
There are a few ways that probiotics can help improve acid reflux symptoms.
First, probiotics can help to restore the balance of gut bacteria. When there is an imbalance in the gut bacteria, this can lead to increased inflammation and irritation in the stomach lining, which can trigger acid reflux symptoms.
Secondly, probiotics can help to increase digestion and absorption of food. This means that less food will be sitting in the stomach for longer periods of time, which will reduce the risk of triggering acid reflux symptoms.
Thirdly, probiotics also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the stomach lining.
If you have severe symptoms associated with gastric acid secretion, your healthcare provider might recommend a course of proton pump inhibitors as they work to lessen the amount of acid made in the lining of the stomach. The course of treatment might last only a few weeks or longer if required.
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Hazards Of Feeding Dogs Yogurt
Again, although yogurt is not toxic, your dog might have trouble digesting it. Dogs bodies are not designed to digest lactose after puppyhood, and, therefore, a food high in lactose can cause gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog displays any of these reactions, be sure to check in with your veterinarian. As with all treats, feed your dog a small amount and see how they react.
As with any dairy product, dog owners also have to be concerned with the fat content. Any time you give a dog too much fat in their diet, they can suffer from stomach upset, or even pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. As previously mentioned, always make sure the yogurt contains no xylitol.
