Dairy products such as milk and cheese typically aggravate patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who experience frequent heartburn or reflux, but Activia yogurt may be a notable exception. Activia contains live bacterial cultures known as probiotics, which may offer digestive benefits and even provide relief from some of the most common GERD symptoms.
Trigger Foods
GERD, according to MayoClinic.com, is a disorder that's characterized by frequent symptoms that might include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, dry cough, sore throat, hoarseness or acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter irregularly relaxes to allow stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Some foods, known as "trigger foods," are likely to encourage the lower esophageal sphincter to weaken. Typically, dairy products such as milk and yogurt are common triggers.
Activia Properties
According to the Activia website, Activia yogurt helps regulate the digestive system and improve digestive health as a result of the Bifidus Regularis bacteria it contains. The bacteria is probiotic, which means it confers a benefit upon its host. According to MayoClinic.com dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, probiotic bacteria may improve general health and is likely to improve symptoms of disorders that feature digestive difficulties, such as GERD.
Lactose Intolerance
If you suffer from GERD and are also lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, Activia may not be appropriate for you. Probiotic bacteria present in Activia and some other types of yogurt break down much of the lactose in the products, making them suitable for people who may not normally be able to consume milk or milk products, but it's best not to try any dairy product before checking with your doctor if you have severe intolerance.
Alternatives
Activia is not the only type of yogurt that contains live and active cultures. Most commercially produced yogurts have at least a couple of strains of probiotic bacteria, so they may also be useful for relieving GERD symptoms. If you cannot have Activia, however, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests trying other natural remedies to improve GERD, such as eating several small meals per day, staying upright in the hours following a meal, wearing loose clothing, losing weight if necessary and avoiding foods that are especially fatty or spicy.
Considerations
Activia is not guaranteed to improve GERD or any of its symptoms. The company's website suggests eating the product daily for two weeks as part of a balanced diet before judging results. If you'd like to try Activia as a potential treatment option for GERD, speak with your doctor before doing so.
