Acid reflux is a common lifestyle disease these days. Usually, we see advertisements for probiotics and antacids every day. Antacids are the most advertised while probiotics for acid reflux are made easily available in supermarkets for shopping.
So, what does a probiotic do? Probiotics help improve gut health, making it a natural treatment for acid reflux. We have a wide range of probiotics to choose from and often get confused. Here are some pointers to look for when choosing a probiotic.
Know Your Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents, like food or acid, travel back up into the throat. It's also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), causing throat irritation, chest pain, nausea, chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, and in many cases regurgitation of food, or sour liquid.
If existing for prolonged periods, acid reflux can cause GERD – Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Though not life-threatening, acid reflux does make life bitter, literally! This is where probiotics come into play.
What Are the Symptoms?
1. Heartburn
This condition is characterized by a persistent burning sensation in the chest, typically occurring after consuming food. It often intensifies in the evening, or when lying down, due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
2. Regurgitation
This symptom refers to the unpleasant experience of food or sour liquid refluxing back into the throat or mouth. It can lead to a bitter, or acidic taste, and often accompanies heartburn, contributing to discomfort.
3. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
This refers to the sensation of a physical obstruction, or a painful experience when swallowing, which may occur due to inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus related to acid damage.
4. Coughing
Chronic coughing, or persistent hiccups are common complaints associated with acid reflux. This may occur due to irritation of the throat, or airways from the regurgitated acid, leading to a reflexive cough response that can be both annoying and disruptive.
5. Hoarseness
Many individuals with acid reflux experience changes in their voice, becoming hoarse or raspy. This results from acid irritation of the vocal cords, especially when reflux occurs during sleep.
6. Bad Breath
Foul-smelling breath can be a noticeable symptom of acid reflux, often the result of the presence of stomach acids, and partially digested food coming back up into the mouth.
7. Bloating
A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen is frequently reported by those experiencing acid reflux. This can result from increased gas production, and digestive discomfort associated with reflux episodes.
Types of Probiotics
Probiotics come in many forms for common consumption. The most known to us are pills, yogurts, and drinks/syrups. Among these, a well-known probiotic is yogurt. It can be had as dessert after a meal to help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Drinks like kombucha, which contain fermented bacteria, and yeast, also aid in reducing acid reflux.
Ingredients to Look For
Be it pills, yogurt, or drinks/syrups, the main thing to notice when purchasing a probiotic to help with acid reflux is the ingredients. Here are a few that alleviate different symptoms associated with acid reflux.
Bacillus subtilis
It is a strain found in probiotics that decreases bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, and reduces gastrointestinal irritation.
Bifidobacterium bifidum
This strain, when consumed, helps reduce constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain associated with acid reflux. It mainly works on the stomach, and bowels of our bodies, and provides comfort.
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
Lactis HN019 focuses on bowel movements, and helps prevent discomfort associated with relieving oneself. It increases the speed at which the contents of our stomach empty.
Lactobacillus gasseri
This strain prevents indigestion, and related acid reflux symptoms. It also helps in reducing abdominal fat.
Lactobacillus reuteri
The Reuteri strain is efficient in reducing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In addition, it also increases the frequency of your bowel movements, which minimizes opportunities for constipation.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
It decreases abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal swelling.
Note: Choosing between these ingredients is key in helping reduce your acid reflux. It is also advisable to consult your doctor, or a gastroenterologist to know the best probiotics for acid reflux.
Side Effects of Probiotics
Probiotics are generally safe, but they can have side effects, including:
1. Gastrointestinal Issues
These include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are usually temporary, and can be caused by taking too many probiotics, or not eating enough fiber.
2. Infections
Probiotics can cause localized infections like abscesses or endocarditis.
3. Allergic Reactions
These can include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and trouble breathing.
4. Headaches
Some people may experience headaches after eating fermented foods that are rich in probiotics.
5. Antibiotic Resistance
Probiotic microorganisms can transfer antibiotic-resistance genes to other microorganisms in the digestive tract.
Final Note
Other possible side effects include the production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms and sepsis. You should contact your doctor if you experience any of these side effects, especially if they last long or get worse. You should also contact your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, or other risk factors.
