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Acidophilus Cure for Acid Reflux

Treating acid reflux, or gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD) with acidophilus is a gentle, easy-to-try remedy which could be beneficial in reducing its symptoms. Though there are few scientific studies to back up the health claims of acidophilus supplements, they are inexpensive, readily available and generally regarded as safe.

  1. Features

    • Acid reflux occurs when the muscle that opens and closes at the bottom of your esophagus to let food in and keep digestive juices or acids out does not work properly. In this case, some of the digestive juices from your stomach go back up your esophagus, creating heartburn and a bitter taste in the back of your mouth. When this condition happens twice or more per week for more than six months, it means GERD is present.

    Considerations

    • There is some evidence, according to Dr. Allen Spreen, to suggest that acidophilus, taken often enough and with other supplements, can balance the digestive enzymes in the stomach and keep the acid where it belongs--in the stomach. This needs to be done in conjunction with treatments which will strengthen the muscle known as lower esophageal sphincter, or LES.

    Function

    • According to Spreen and others who tout this method of curing acid reflux, by suppressing the acid using traditional medicines, the stomach, which needs acid, simply produces more, resulting in a problem which never goes away. The function of the acidophilus, in conjunction with an enzyme formula that is similar to the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, helps to resolve this problem. The references section below has more information about particular products to try.

    Description

    • Lactobacillus acidophilus is a lactic acid-producing bacteria thought to have beneficial effects on digestion and overall health. It is one of what are considered "good bacteria" that need to be present in your intestines. Others are L. bulgaris and L. bifidus. Alternative medicine supporters claim that a lack of these and other beneficial bacteria in the intestines can cause a range of health issues.

    Benefits

    • Health issues that may be helped by increasing the number of good bacteria in the intestines include constipation, diarrhea, mucous colitis and diverticulosis, bad breath, cholesterol and acne. Taking acidophilus either in yogurt or in a supplement should work quickly to ease your acid reflux. There are no reported side effects to taking acidophilus. Acidophilus should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or at least one hour before meals. If you do not see improvement in your acid reflux very quickly, consult your doctor.

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