Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive issue.

It’s associated with a range of side effects, including heartburn, nausea, belching, and stomach pain.

In addition to medications like antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), most treatments for acid reflux involve making dietary or lifestyle changes.

Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract. They play a key role in gut health and immune function.

Some research has found that supplementing with probiotics may help decrease symptoms of acid reflux and reduce the risk of treatment relapse when used with heartburn medication. Probiotics may also help prevent changes in the gut flora caused by PPIs.

B vitamins may be linked to a lower risk of complications caused by acid reflux. They may also relieve heartburn symptoms when paired with other compounds such as L-tryptophan, melatonin, betaine and methionine.

One study found that increased intake of several B vitamins was associated with a lower risk of reflux esophagitis, a condition characterized by inflammation in the esophagus often caused by acid reflux.

References:

Cheng, J., & Ouwehand, A. C. (2020). Gastroesophageal reflux disease and probiotics: a systematic review. Nutrients, 12(1), 132.

FINBAR Study Group Sharp Linda linda. sharp@ ncri. ie Carsin Anne-Elie Cantwell Marie M. Anderson Lesley A. Murray Liam J. (2013). Intakes of dietary folate and other B vitamins are associated with risks of esophageal adenocarcinoma, Barrett's esophagus, and reflux esophagitis. The Journal of nutrition, 143(12), 1966-1973.