Best Probiotics For Acid Reflux

Probiotics

Probiotics are living microorganisms mainly in our gut known to improve several conditions related to inflammation of the intestines.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease – Stomach Acid coming upward to the food pipe from the stomach, hence acidity sensation (heartburn), discomfort especially after eating.

What causes it?

• increased gastric acid secretion from the stomach eg. from eating
• Increase pressure in the stomach eg. overweight
• Weakened muscles around the end of the esophagus that should normally prevent acid reflux
• Hiatus hernia ( part of the stomach slid up out of the belly cavity into the chest )

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can range from mild abdominal pain, and discomfort to

• Feeling sick before or after eating
• burning sensation in the chest
• unpleasant taste in the mouth
• bad breath

How do probiotics supplements help with acid reflux?

Can reduce stomach acid production 

• Lactobacillus probiotics strains are known to have this particular effect

Can promote the production of a protein called mucin

• Bifidobacterium species promote this particular protein n which acts as a barrier to acidity in the lining cells

General Effects 

• Probiotics are known to reduce inflammation in the gut and create healthy environments for the cells to function.
• It also helps reduce body weight which indirectly helps reduce the pressure in the stomach and then reduces the reflux of acid.

Personal advice

• Do not rely on probiotics supplements ONLY if you have reflux symptoms
• The main treatment is still the one that your doctor prescribed such as proton pump inhibitor eg. omeprazole, lansoprazole, or helicobacter pylori eradication therapy
• Sometimes reflux symptoms might need further investigations such as blood tests or camera tests
• Despite more evidence and theories coming out, currently, no clinical guidelines directly support the use of probiotics for this particular condition.
• Probiotics are best obtained from dietary sources: check best probiotics foods

5 Best Probiotics for Acid Reflux

 Culturelle Ultimate Strength Probiotics

Culturelle Ultimate Strength Probiotics comes with 20 billion CFU of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG which is known to support gastrointestinal health by strengthing the barrier cells and removing the toxic bacteria thereby reducing inflammation and cell damage.

It also contains Inulin which comes is a strong dietary fiber and has excellent properties such as slowing the release of sugar thus helpful for maintaining blood sugar and providing regular bowel movement.

Balance One probiotic

Balance One Probiotics has a fair mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species especially Lactobacillus Acidophilus and a fairly good amount of CFU – 15 Billion.

One major advantage of this is it contains prebiotics which is food for probiotics. This can also help the growth and diversity of existing probiotics

• Contains prebiotics
• 15 Billion CFUs Of Probiotic Bacteria
• 12 Proven Strains
• Shelf-Stable
• Time-Release Tablets – released slowly over 8-10 hours
• Prebiotic Included
• Tablets form which has been tested to show more resistance against stomach acid

Dr formulated probiotics

Dr. Formulated Probiotics is manufactured by Garden of Life, well known due to the use of high-quality raw materials. I chose this product at the top of the list because it has a decent amount of CFU – 50 billion, and contains all of the species known to have a good effect on Gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, pain, and gas.

It is dairy free, vegan, and free from any genetically modified ingredients.

• CFU – 50 Billion
• Resistant to stomach acid
• Excellent micro bacterial diversity
• Dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free
• No refrigeration required
• Once a day formula

They also have a separate product for women – Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women

Portions Master Gastrointestinal Support

Portion Master Gastrointestinal Support Probiotics is a product with a special focus for gastrointestinal symptoms. The strains are research-based with a good amount of CFU.

• CFU count 30 Billion
• Contain essential species for Gastrointestinal health
• Shelf stable
• Resistant to stomach acid

Miracle Green Digestive and Immune Probiotics

Miracle Green Probiotics For Digestive and Immune Health contains a large number of CFU – 50 Billion with targeted release technology to help the product survive stomach acid and reach the target location. It contains 18 most studied strains for gastrointestinal health and immune boosting organisms.

• CFU 50 billion
• 18 Strains for good diversity
• Vegan
• Shelf stable
• Non-GMO, Gluten-free
• 2-capsule daily formula
• GMP certified in the UK

Garden for Life Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care

Garden for life Ultimate Care Probiotics is one of the best overall probiotics supplements. It has 34 probiotic strains with 100 billion CFU. The diverse strains help with problems in the gut and have inflammation-suppression properties.

• CFU 100 billion
• 34 strains 
• Vegan
• Carbon-free certified product
• Not shelf stable