Some people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, may actually benefit from buttermilk. GERD causes frequent acid reflux. Certain foods trigger symptoms. You may have specific trigger foods that don't bother other people and vice versa. Relief from GERD symptoms may also differ among people. Buttermilk contains probiotics, healthy bacteria that aid digestion. Preventing digestive problems may decrease your risk of acid reflux.
Acid Reflux Causes
Experiencing acid reflux more than two times a week indicates GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, often resulting in the burning sensation of heartburn in the upper chest and throat. You may also experience a bitter taste in the back of your mouth from acidic contents. Heavy meals contribute to acid reflux by making the stomach secrete more acid because of slow digestion.
Trigger Foods
Some foods also weaken an esophageal muscle that normally protects you from acid backup by contracting after food enters the stomach. A relaxed or weakened muscle does not close tightly and allows acid reflux to occur. Fried, spicy or high-fat foods are among the items that may relax the muscle, including dairy items, such as milk and milk products, which contain saturated fat. Acid reflux diets usually recommend lowering your saturated fat intake by selecting low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
Buttermilk Bacteria
Manufacturers make buttermilk from whole, low-fat or nonfat milk using lactic-acid bacteria, including probiotics, known as the "good" bacteria, which combat harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. The probiotics in buttermilk may strengthen the lining of the gastrointestinal tract to protect it from the harmful bacteria. This may help prevent constipation that can aggravate GERD, but research continues on its effectiveness for GERD patients, according to Jennifer Rackley in an article for HealthCentral.
Acid Reflux Diet
Because of its probiotic properties, buttermilk may work in a diet to avoid GERD symptoms, but you should stick to low-fat or nonfat varieties. Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms provides protection. Along with low-fat or nonfat dairy products, your acid reflux diet may also include lean meat or skinless poultry, fish, non-citrus fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods containing probiotics, which include low-fat yogurt, soy products and sauerkraut, may prevent gastrointestinal disorders and help with your general health, according to MayoClinic.com. Probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus may provide balance in the digestive system to help GERD patients, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- HealthCentral; Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux & GERD; Jennifer Rackley; May 2008
- Weight Watchers: The Skinny on Buttermilk
- MayoClinic.com; Is It Important to Include Probiotics in a Healthy Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; April 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; September 2009
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