Do probiotics work for the acidic effects of GERD? The “friendly” bacteria from probiotics can improve the digestive system, but their ability to relieve acid reflux may depend on the individual.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, results in the burning sensation and uncomfortable feeling in the upper chest from heartburn,
according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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Symptoms usually occur after eating or drinking certain liquids. Heavy meals and lying down soon after eating can exacerbate problems. Other symptoms include a sour taste in the mouth from acid reflux, chest pain, sore throat, belching, and regurgitating food.
Probiotics help to balance the digestive system by ridding it of unhealthy bacteria and increasing healthy bacteria in the gut.
Yogurt is among the foods that contain probiotics to aid in digestion. However, yogurt is a dairy product and many people with GERD find that symptoms occur after consuming full-fat dairy products,
says Healthline. Low-fat dairy foods are sometimes recommended in diets for GERD. Low-fat yogurt might help with relief for some people, but Healthline points out that there is not enough research on how well probiotics work for GERD symptoms.
Along with yogurt, foods such as sauerkraut and some fermented beverages also
contain probiotics, according to Livestrong. Probiotics in the diet protect against bad bacteria and toxins, offering gastrointestinal benefits.
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Livestrong also notes there isn’t enough quality research done on humans to show the advantages of probiotics in treating GERD. However, probiotics can improve stomach emptying, which could help avoid GERD symptoms that occur after people eat a large meal. Heavy meals put pressure on the stomach that causes acid backflow into the esophagus.
The question of whether probiotics do work for GERD involves the triggers that each individual with the ailment experiences. While foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, dark chocolate, and pickles contain probiotics, each person has different culprits that trigger acid reflux.
Probiotics that don’t trigger problems could help the overall digestive system and relieve or prevent GERD for some people, but more research is needed in this area.
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