Can Probiotics Cause Acid Reflux

Effects Of Antibiotics On The Infants Gut

The microbial population of an infants gut has a significant impact on the childs overall health. Decreased gut microbiome diversity can cause numerous allergic and autoimmune diseases. Antibiotic treatment in infants has been found to reduce both the number as well as species of gut bacteria. Studies have shown that the diversity of gut microbiomes is still incomplete even eight weeks after the infants antibiotic treatment.

Best Drink: Goodbelly Juice Drinks

Technically, this is not a supplement, but a food source of probiotics. However, it differs from the whole food sources, as the probiotic strain is added in a mixture of multiple juices. This is a great option if you aren’t into supplements or fermented foods.

This is a pricer option and will run you about $1.50 per serving, but it can replace your morning juice. It contains a single-strain probiotic, lactobacillus plantarum 299V, which is common in probiotic supplements.

Choose the no-added-sugar option to keep this from becoming an unnecessary source of added sugar in your diet.

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Which Are The Best Probiotics For Acid Reflux

So in summary, probiotic supplements, particularly those containing strains of Lactobacillus, may well help alleviate acid reflux. However, different probiotic strains are suited to different people depending on the underlying cause.

For individuals who undergo triple therapy to treat H. pylori infection, a probiotic supplement containing the strains Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 should be considered. In a clinical trial comparing the effects of taking triple therapy alone compared with triple therapy and a probiotic supplement of Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11, H. pylori was shown to be successfully eradicated in 72% of the triple therapy group versus 92% of the triple therapy and probiotic group after 6 weeks5. These results suggest that taking a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 alongside triple therapy can improve the eradication rate of H. pylori infection which therefore can reduce the severity of acid reflux symptoms. Find out more about the research behind Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 on the Probiotics Database.

Lactobacillus acidophilus®

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How Antibiotics Lead To Acid Reflux

We all know that antibiotics are drugs used for treating bacterial infections in the body. The gastrointestinal tract has a combination of symbiotic and beneficial bacteria called probiotics as well as potentially infective bacteria. Good bacteria keep the growth of bad bacteria in check. Unfortunately, antibiotics are not able to differentiate between the good and bad bacteria present in the gut. They kill the probiotic bacterial population as well. This leads to an imbalance in the intestinal ecosystem and an overgrowth of bad bacteria that produce a lot of gas. The pressure within the stomach increases because of the gases. This pressure forces the LES to relax to release the gases out of the body. And as seen above, a relaxed LES causes food and acid to ride back up the pipe.

Thats why, taking antibiotics with food may lead to discomfort and irritation in the stomach. Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat a host of infections, such as acne, cholera, malaria and syphilis. It has been shown to cause acid reflux. Doctors recommend a judicious use of antibiotics to limit their harmful side effects.

Rebuilding gut bacteria is highly important for cutting through the negative effects of using antibiotics. Adding probiotics to your diet can help in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.

Are Bacterial Infection And Stomach Acid Reflux Are Correlated

Norman Robillard, Ph.D., suggests that SIBO may be the causative factor for GERD. According to his theory, the gas formed by bacteria in the small intestine may push the acid content from the stomach in the esophagus.

However, studies done on the same are small and insufficient to prove this. More studies are needed to prove this claim.

So, while SIBO may cause GERD, it is not always the case.

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What Foods Help Heal The Esophagus

Some foods may provide relief from GERD symptoms. Your diet should include non-citrus fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots. Eating lean proteins, such as eggs and lean cuts of meat, can also help improve GERD symptoms for some people. Other foods to include in your diet are whole grains and other complex carbohydrates, as well as healthy fats, such as olive oil, peanut butter, flaxseed, and salmon.

How Can Probiotics Help Acid Reflux

Heartburn and acid reflux symptoms are irritations of your digestive system that usually results in discomfort and pain. Probiotics are friendly bacteria and may help your body to maintain a healthy balance between the good and the harmful bacteria in your digestive system. They will help with the balance of acids in your digestive system hence easing your heartburn and acid reflux.

When you have eaten a lot of food, it will fill your stomach to the brim. Any excess food will be pushed up close to the esophagus. As it ferments, the acid begins to bubble up, thus causing heartburn. Spicy foods and coffee are known to cause heartburn when combined with foods with high acidic contents.

Probiotics are known to possess characteristics that will help in alleviating acid reflux. They ensure that your body has a balance of gut bacteria.

The probiotics will also interact with the epithelial cells on the stomach lining to manage the secretion of proteins that might cause heartburn.

The best probiotics that can help with acid reflux are those that contain Lactobacillus strains.

Saccharomyces boulardii is also known to reduce any side effects that you might be feeling, thus reducing the risk of diarrhea. You can also take an antiacid together with the probiotic to ensure that your acid reflux is better addressed.

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How Acid Reflux May Be Linked To Gut Dysbiosis

Bio-K+On June 28, 2019

Gastroesophageal reflux , is defined as the backflow of food or stomach acid from the stomach up into the esophagus and is a condition many of us have likely experienced once or twice over the years. In fact, up to 25% of the general population is said to suffer gastrointestinal conditions resulting in heartburn at least one time per month.1

And while typical treatments include a wide assortment of over-the-counter acid-blocking drugs such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors , drugs of this nature have also been linked to negative side effects including gut dysbiosis as well as other more serious health conditions.2 Beyond that, frequent bouts of heartburn or acid reflux could be a signal that other health issues are occurring in the body, and even more specifically in the gut.

The Acid Reflux – Gut Dysbiosis Connection

Dysbiosis is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between good bacteria and bad bacteria in the gut. There are two ways acid reflux and gut dysbiosis are linked. The first is that heartburn or reflux actually might be a symptom of an unbalanced gut microbiome. In fact, this reflux could be your body trying to tell you that something bigger is happening within your body that needs to be addressed. The second link is that over-the-counter reflux medications, such as antacids and PPIs can actually cause gut microflora imbalance.

1. Can acid reflux be caused by gut dysbiosis?

1. Avoid trigger foods & drinks

Lifestyle Changes May Also Help With Acid Reflux And Gerd

Factors that include diet and lifestyle choices impact the severity and frequency of acid reflux and can lead to GERD if contributing practices remain unmanaged. Avoiding foods and changing habits that increase hydrochloric acid will also help heal the gut.

As a review, the foods to avoid include foods high in dietary fat, spicy foods, peppermint, citrus, chocolate, tomato sauces, and acidic beverages like coffee.

Habits to change include smoking cessation, losing weight if overweight or obese, and not eating within 3 hours of bedtime.

Particular foods can help neutralize stomach acid, including foods that are rich in fiber, such as:

• Bananas
• Whole grains

Also Check: Probiotic And Prebiotic Foods List

Side Effects From Probiotics

In general, probiotics are considered safe for most individuals. Minor side effects may occur from taking probiotics and usually affect a small percentage of the population.

Temporary side effects include bloating and flatulence. If yeast-based probiotics are consumed, people may experience increased constipation and thirst.

It is recommended to start with a lower dose of probiotics and slowly increase to the recommended dosage within a month to help the body adjust. Slowly introducing probiotics may help reduce adverse side effects.

Yakult Health Benefits For A Normal Person

Yakult is a supplement that provides 6.5 billion living cells of Lactobacilluscasei Shirota to the body.

Lactobacillus Shirota is a vital part of the body. These roles include neutralizing negative effects from harmful bacteria, normalizing intestinal balance, and regulating bowel movements.

This probiotic strain can withstand acid reflux and pass through stomach acid as well as bile acid. When these beneficial bacteria reach the intestinal tract, they have the potential to change the balance between the good strains and the bad.

This is critical to maintaining healthy digestive health and immune system.

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Acid Reflux Gerd And Gut Health

The microbiome is the fundamental source of health in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria, some fungi, and viruses. In a healthy gut microbiome, the beneficial bacteria outweigh harmful bacteria. An imbalance of the beneficial bacteria can lead to esophageal abnormalities.

Microbial Dysbiosis, the reduction of microbe diversity and loss of beneficial bacteria, can offset the immune system. This can make the body more susceptible to illnesses such as GERD.

Cytokines are proteins that are involved with our immune system and the bodys inflammatory response. Cytokines act as messengers and report pathogen invasion to other cells. When the gut is off-balance, the cytokines are affected. As a result, the esophageal mucosa is altered, and inflammation occurs, resulting in illnesses such as acid reflux.

The health status of the microbiome plays a role in the development of GERD. The esophagus is not just a food pipe where food travels to the stomach. The esophagus is also a host for bacteria and can promote illness if the beneficial bacteria is off balance. The bacteria living in the esophagus can alter the healthy balance in the gut and lead to disease progression.

Factors can offset the balance between the esophageal microbiome and the body, such as diet, antibiotic and medication use, age, oral hygiene, and tobacco smoking.

Managing Acid Reflux After Consuming Antibiotics

Many over-the-counter, as well as prescribed medications, can help relieve acid reflux and heartburn. The options include:

• Antacids, which help neutralise stomach acid. Antacids may provide quick relief, but they cannot heal an oesophagus damaged by stomach acid.
• H2-receptor antagonists can decrease stomach acid. It does not act as quickly as antacids but may provide longer relief.
• Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazolecan reduce stomach acid. Amongst several PPIs available like omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole and Esomeprazole, Omeprazoleis the one having highest published evidence and studies regarding its better safety. All the PPIs have similar efficacy, however, Omeprazole due to its better safety and highest affordability is the most used PPI globally with more than 40% prescription share worldwide.
• These medicines are helpful for people who have heartburn often, say, more than two days of the week.

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the readers situation.

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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%.

Dextrose And Other Sugars

Dextrose is another ingredient of Yakult probiotic drinks.

Dextrose is a tapioca-derived sugar. Its not quite as bad as sucrose sugar because it doesnt contain any fructose molecules. It is still a basic carbohydrate. As if that wasnt enough sugar, we now have more!

Yakult Light replaces sucrose in its ingredient list with other sweeteners, including stevia , polydextrose, and stevia.

People who consume polydextrose, and not maltitol, have lower blood sugar levels than people who consume ordinary table sugar.

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Best Overall: Whole Food Sources

Food sources should be your number one go-to when adding probiotics to your diet. You gain all the nutritional benefits vitamins, minerals and fiber in addition to the probiotic benefits.

Probiotic food sources are typically labeled with wording like “contains active live cultures.” They include:

• Yogurt
• Apple cider vinegar

It’s important to note that all fermented foods are not necessarily probiotic. If the food was heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, then the live cultures aren’t necessarily still alive. So, it’s best to buy these foods in the refrigerated section to ensure their bacteria are alive and well.

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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Can Multivitamins Cause Heartburn

Multivitamins, especially the ones containing zinc, iron, or calcium, can aggravate the symptoms of GERD including heartburn. To avoid heartburn caused by multivitamins:

• Avoid taking multivitamins in empty stomach
• Take multivitamins with food
• Do not take multivitamins right before exercise
• Try the easy to digest forms of multivitamins, such as chewable tablets, powders, and dissolvable forms
• Avoid mega doses of multivitamins, such as the once a month or once a week dose
• Take smaller daily doses of multivitamins
• Try meeting your daily nutrient needs through diet

Study Selection And Data Extraction

Two independent reviewers identified studies for inclusion and analyzed the selected articles. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. The process of the study selection is illustrated in . Titles and abstracts were first reviewed to exclude manuscripts that were published in non-English-language journals, systematic and literature reviews, commentaries, meeting abstracts, letters, case reports, animal studies, and clearly irrelevant studies. The remaining full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, based on the research questions. Data on subject characteristics , study characteristics , and clinical outcomes were recorded. The included clinical trials were scored using the Jadad scale .

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses study flow diagram. Abbreviations: non-gastrointestinal , irritable bowel syndrome , proton pump inhibitor , gastroesophageal reflux disease .

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The Science Behind The Theory

Although the theory is compelling, there is not yet a lot of research to support it.

One small study involved having GERD patients swallow a solution of either fructooligosaccharides or placebo after meals for one week each. FOS are non-digestible and, therefore, available to be fermented by intestinal bacteria. Interestingly, FOS is a type of FODMAP, found in foods like onions, garlic, and asparagus.

The researchers found that the FOS increased the times of relaxation of the esophageal sphincter muscles, as well as increased the amount of acid reflux and GERD symptoms. In this study, there was no mention of SIBO, but the researchers did conclude that it was fermentation within the colon that caused the increase in GERD symptoms.

Another very small study found that a low-carbohydrate diet significantly improved GERD symptoms in a group of eight obese GERD patients.

How Probiotics Treat Acid Reflux

While you can see how probiotics supplements are becoming so popular, what you really want to know is how probiotics help acid reflux. This is one of those areas where science is still very actively studying the results of probiotics on acid reflux, but there are some theories why this natural remedy works.

Prevent fermentation: One theory is that an overgrowth of the bad bacteria in your stomach causes fermentation, resulting in extra gas. The belief is that these gas forces open the lower esophageal sphincter, which then allows acid and other stomach contents to flow upward into the esophagus.

The use of probiotics balances out the good and bad bacteria in the body, reducing the gas and eliminating fermentation.

The stomach works faster: Probiotics may promote faster absorption and stomach emptying. Many sufferers of acid reflux report that they suffer more symptoms after overeating.

This full-stomach feeling may be emotionally satisfying but it makes it much easier for food to back up into the esophagus. When your stomach empties faster, youre closing the window on regurgitation and other GERD symptoms.

When acid reflux reaches the point of GERD, or when it continually creeps up into the esophagus, the lining is irritated and inflammation results. Probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties and can ease these acid reflux symptoms, provided you buy one with the right probiotic strains.

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