Tired of that dreaded burning sensation in your chest after meals? Fed up with avoiding favorite foods or sleeping propped up just to get comfortable? You’re not alone.
While acid reflux may appear to be a minor condition easily managed with over-the-counter medications, it can be incredibly uncomfortable, and chronic reflux can lead to severe long-term consequences. Recent research suggests an unlikely solution to this irritating yet common condition: probiotics.
What Are Probiotics?
You’ve likely heard of probiotics, but do you understand what they are? Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms in your digestive tract that collaborate to perform essential functions throughout your body, supporting digestion, immune response, heart health, and more.
Your gut houses a diverse population of these microbes—typically viruses, bacteria, and fungi—in communities collectively known as the microbiome. You can obtain probiotics from various food sources, particularly fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus during digestion, creating a burning discomfort in your chest that worsens when lying flat. Those experiencing chronic acid reflux may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The primary cause of acid reflux involves the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter—a ring of muscles that allows food to flow from the esophagus into the stomach, then closes to prevent backflow. When this muscle weakens, it fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Your risk of developing chronic acid reflux increases if you’re obese, have a hiatal hernia, or are pregnant. Smoking, large meals, consuming fried or fatty foods, alcohol, coffee, and certain medications can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
Acid reflux affects approximately 20% of Americans. Left untreated, chronic acid reflux can lead to serious complications including Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal ulcerations. Managing acid reflux often involves lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and steering clear of large, heavy meals before bedtime.
Can Probiotics Help with Acid Reflux?
Recent studies suggest probiotic use may help manage acid reflux symptoms. While more research is needed, results have been promising for both occasional acid reflux and chronic GERD. Probiotics also show potential in easing side effects from medications commonly used to treat acid reflux.
Beyond the familiar heartburn, acid reflux symptoms include regurgitation, nausea, abdominal pain, belching, and shortness of breath. A 2020 systematic review of probiotic use for acid reflux found 11 different studies showing positive results for reducing these symptoms.
Those struggling with frequent acid reflux are likely familiar with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly prescribed medications that reduce stomach acid production. However, PPIs aren’t without potential side effects.
For some patients, PPIs can trigger excessive bacterial growth in the intestines, known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Taking probiotics while on acid reflux medication may help reduce SIBO incidences. While further comprehensive studies are needed to establish the efficacy of probiotic supplementation for acid reflux, current research shows promise.
Can Probiotics Cause Acid Reflux or Make it Worse?
Probiotics are not linked to increased acid reflux risk. Probiotic supplementation doesn’t increase stomach acid production but may actually help ease common acid reflux symptoms. While the effects of probiotic supplementation for acid reflux require further research, no adverse effects have been identified to date.
Best Probiotics for Acid Reflux
Among available studies, common probiotic bacterial strains examined included Lactobacillus strains, Bacillus Subtilis, and Enterococcus Faecium. All showed positive effects on acid reflux symptoms.
When selecting a high-quality probiotic, the American Gastroenterology Association recommends choosing one that clearly lists bacterial strains on the label. Always purchase probiotic supplements from reputable sources. For maximum effectiveness, select supplements containing colony-forming units (CFUs) in the billions—this indicates the number of viable microbes in the product. Higher CFU counts typically deliver better results. Most importantly, consult your healthcare provider before adding any probiotic supplement to your routine.
Several excellent probiotic supplement options for acid reflux include:
Dr. Amy Myers Best Probiotics 100 Billion
Dr. Amy Myers Best Probiotics 100 Billion delivers 100 billion CFUs from 14 different beneficial bacterial strains. Among the 14 strains is Lactobacillus Gasseri, which has demonstrated potential for improving reflux symptoms and indigestion. You can purchase a 30-day supply of this probiotic supplement for $71.97 from Amazon.
Hyperbiotics PRO-15 Probiotics
Hyperbiotics PRO-15 Probiotics provides 15 billion CFU from 15 different beneficial bacterial strains, including Lactobacillus Gasseri. This probiotic supplement comes at a more budget-friendly price of $24.99 for a two-month supply.
NewRhythm Probiotics
NewRhythm Probiotic is a time-release probiotic supplement containing 20 billion CFUs from 20 different beneficial bacterial strains. This supplement ranks among the most budget-friendly options at just $16.99 for a two-month supply.
Bottom Line: Probiotics for Acid Reflux
Probiotics have gained attention recently for their diverse beneficial health effects, including their potential to improve or reduce acid reflux episodes. Although research in this area remains limited, available studies show a positive correlation between probiotics and acid reflux symptom improvement. If you’re interested in exploring probiotic supplements for acid reflux treatment, consult your healthcare physician first.
