Probiotics are living organisms that are visible only with the aid of a microscope. Probiotics are mainly bacterial in nature, although by definition they may also be yeast or viruses. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM, to be friendly bacteria, they must deliver a health benefit to the user. Recent research shows that some probiotics may be beneficial in treating GERD.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus relaxes and allows stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. The relaxation of the sphincter may be caused by obesity, certain medications, stress and smoking. A recent study in the journal "Gastroenterology" reports that those who suffer with GERD have a higher number of anaerobic bacteria in the esophagus than normal. The study concludes that the resulting inflammation causes cell damage in the esophagus and that treatment with probiotics may help reinstate the natural bacterial environment.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of GERD
The symptom most people associate with GERD is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and throat caused by the reflux of stomach acids. Other common symptoms are continuous burping, sore throat, regurgitation of food, hoarseness, coughing and wheezing. Risk factors for GERD may include drinking alcohol, smoking, eating and then exercising, stress and lying down right after eating. Children can also be at risk of GERD, especially if the child has cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis or epilepsy, a history of food allergies or digestive problems.
Probiotics
Your body depends on friendly bacteria to maintain immunity, protect against other disease-causing microorganisms and to help with your digestion. Your bacteria and how you react to them, is unique to you. Bacterial probiotics are normally grouped into Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, with each group having different strains. What group or strain might work for you may not work for the next person. Limited research exists to support probiotic use as of 2011 so check with your doctor.
Potential Side Effects of Propbiotics
Probiotics have a long history of beneficial use; however, the safety of using them has not been well studied. NCCAM recommends caution as probiotics may cause bloating, gas and mild digestive upsets. Theoretically, probiotics are capable of causing infections in people whose immune systems are already compromised and may also encourage metabolic issues. It is important to note that what one strain of probiotics does won't necessarily translate to another, nor will it necessarily work the same way for another person. Consult with your health care provider.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- "Gastroenterology": Inflammation and Intestinal Metaplasia of the Distal Esophagus Are Associated With Alterations in the Microbiome; Liying Yang, et al.; April 2009
