Acid Reflux and Probiotics

Acid reflux affects many thousands of people. Some endure episodes of acid reflux on a daily basis. Others experience it weekly, monthly, or rarely. At least one half of Americans are said to experience acid reflux or heartburn at some time in their lives.

Probiotics and acid reflux may sound like strange companions to some. The truth is, of course, that Probiotics and acid reflux are enemies.

Define Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that have positive, beneficial effects on the person or animal in which they live. They “top up” the levels of good bacteria in our bodies. Just as antibiotics are against bacteria, Probiotics are in favor of good bacteria.

Probiotics and acid reflux, then, meet as the increase of good bacteria heal stomach and upper digestive tract complaints that may cause or increase acid reflux.

Prescription Drugs for Acid Reflux

Prescription drugs are not the answer when it comes to acid reflux. They bring relief, which is why they are sold in such enormous quantities. They do nothing to correct the situation, however.

Probiotics for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux disease is caused by a weakness in the LES, a sphincter muscle designed to control the flow of food into the stomach. The muscle can be weakened by overloads of food churning within the stomach. It can be forced open at the wrong time by excess air or gas in the stomach. It can also be weakened by disease. The symptoms are a burning sensation in the chest, or a bitter taste in the mouth as acid flows back into the esophagus.

Acid reflux disease can often be caused by H. pylori, a pathogenic organism, and the only bacterial organism in the stomach that is never killed by hydrochloric acid.

Probiotics for acid reflux can attack H. pylori and other pathogenic organisms. By destroying them, the “good bacteria” allow the LES to heal, thereby conquering acid reflux.

Try These Steps

1. First, ask your physician if probiotics will hurt you. With his or her approval, begin a detoxification diet. Any health food store can advise you on such a diet. They can also help you choose a good probiotic capsule.

2. Each day, drink one gallon of filtered water, sipping it throughout the day. Do not drink too much at one time.

3. Take relatively high doses of quality probiotics to restore normal stomach function and alleviate acid reflux.

4. Chew FRESH garlic every day, or stir crushed garlic into juice and drink. If the taste or smell of garlic prevents you from using fresh cloves, take a garlic capsule instead. Some probiotic capsules contain garlic.

Helpful Tip

One person’s acid reflux is always a bit different from the next person’s acid reflux. The root causes of weakness in the LES also differ. If probiotics for acid reflux do not cure your problem, try another potential cure.

CAUTION: The information here is for educational purposes only. If you have chronic acid reflux, ask your doctor for advice.