Probiotics naturally form in the body and have been called the “healthy” bacteria because they boost the immune system, aid digestion and promote overall health. When your body has low levels of healthy bacteria, it affects your health, including your digestive system, which may increase acid reflux symptoms. When you experience acid reflux more than twice a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. You can boost your healthy bacteria by taking probiotics, but consult with your doctor for dietary and medical advice concerning your particular condition.
Restoring Balance
Taking the probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus in foods or supplements helps restore the balance of healthy bacteria in your body and may relieve or prevent GERD symptoms. Lactobacillus acidophilus, also referred to as acidophilus, has long been used for gastrointestinal disorders, the Mayo Clinic notes. Intestinal disorders may contribute to GERD, but research on the effectiveness of acidophilus for the disorder remains inconclusive. Food sources include yogurt and the fermented soy products miso and tempeh. Check food labels that list lactobacillus acidophilus.
Supplements
Probiotic supplements that contain lactobacillus acidophilus may help balance the digestive system between good and harmful bacteria to help relieve GERD, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The center recommends taking a supplement with 5 to 10 billion CFUs, or colony forming units, a day for GERD patients. You may need to keep your supplements refrigerated for the best results.
Low Fat
Yogurt contains healthy probiotics but also has saturated fat like other dairy products. Too much fat intake may encourage acid reflux, so choose low-fat or nonfat yogurt when you use yogurt as a source for acidophilus. Soy products are made from the natural soybean, which contains oils and protein. These foods usually have few negative effects, such as acid reflux, but people respond to foods differently. You may have your own specific trigger foods.
GERD Diet
Products commonly cited as triggers of acid reflux include fried and fatty foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, citrus fruits, caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol. You may have to identify your own trigger foods by taking note of the foods you eat and the symptoms that follow. An acid reflux diet to reduce or prevent symptoms usually includes lean meat, chicken without skin, fish, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, noncitrus fruits, vegetables and whole grains, such as bread, pasta, brown rice, oatmeal and high-fiber cereal. Taking a daily supplement with acidophilus may also help.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; September 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Acidophilus (Lactobacillus Acidophilus)
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet; Frank Jackson, M.D.
- Mayo Clinic; Is It Important to Include Probiotics in a Healthy Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; April 2010
