Probiotics cause acid reflux!

Krupsee,

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I just wanted to shed some light on probiotics "containing" acids and causing acid reflux. I know this thread is old, but when I googled "probiotic acid reflux" this was the first thing that came up, and I hate that the top result in google is promoting misinformation.

Probiotics do not "contain" any sort of acid... you can see this easily enough by looking at the ingredients on any probiotic packaging. The OP is correct in that the bacteria contained in the probiotics, which are different types of lactic acid bacteria (LAB for short), DO produce lactic acid, which obviously is acidic and has a low pH. What's important to know, however, is that these LAB only produce the lactic acid and create an acidic environment once they've adhered to the intestinal epithelium and taken up residence there. Once they colonize the GI tract, they begin to produce lactic acid which creates a slightly acidic environment in the GI tract and inhibits the growth/colonization of other (harmful) bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, while at the same time favoring the growth/survival of the LAB. This is just one of the many reasons why they are beneficial to us (and why doctors promote their usage). Anyway, the point is that they only create an acidic environment once they've colonized the GI tract... NOT when they're in your esophagus or stomach. In fact, they are usually encapsulated in a matrix of substances that prevents them from even being released before they have reached the GI tract, otherwise the majority of them would be destroyed by the very acidic environment of the stomach and never make it to their destination (the intestinal lining). It seems rather unlikely that these supplements could cause acid reflux. I have never found a package that lists this as a side effect of taking them and have never read a scientific journal article that mentions any sort of acid reflux-related effects from probiotics (I do research and development for a biotechnology company that develops probiotics, among other things).

We have millions, if not billions, of these organisms in our body naturally without taking any probiotics, so we shouldn't be scared to put more in. We should be grateful for the option to help supplement our body with these organisms because every single day more research comes out pointing to the fact that these organisms that make up our microbiota are important for regulating and boosting all sorts of bodily functions other than just digestive health and immune functions. If you're interested, go search PubMed for information on probiotics and you'll be amazed by what you find. Hope this helps someone. :)

I am gluten/soy intolerant and when on probiotics (possible Celiac, but not diagnosed), I seem to have increased burping and a GERD reaction. The most recent probiotics I've been taking are chewable, and I'm thinking this may have exacerbated a sinus infection and unilateral epithelial tonsil cyst since the tablets are broken up and the microbes set loose long before they reach the intended location. I'm stopping the acidophilus and hoping the reflux stops. I also eliminated coffee, mint, alcohol, yogurt, citrus, and nuts (a while ago). Fingers crossed I can start drinking coffee again if my esophagus heals... I miss the coffee even more than real bread.

Hi, there are a lot of probiotics on the market. All different kinds. Some powerful and some weak. I am not sure if causes more symptoms. For me it has not. But there was time even water did cause me issues.
With that said, antibiotics and ppi's don't work well together. For some reason, the ppi's stop working when taken with antibiotics. My doc told me this. He told me to check with him when ever I have a new drug introduced.
The media will pick this up and it will be common knowledge one day soon.
Unfortunately, you have take the antibiotics. Talk with your doc about what you can do or take.
Again antibiotics make the ppi's less effective. Maybe a lot less effective.

My family has enjoyed great success with probiotics. I might add that we have given them to our children as young as six months for thrush...worked well.

I would like the know if anyone has used the RAW brand mentioned here: www.mygardenoflifeprobiotics.com

Post Edited (Vickilgore) : 1/19/2014 7:32:11 PM (GMT-7)