Some studies have sought to determine whether\u00a0probiotics<\/a>\u00a0reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms in\u00a0gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)<\/a>, a more severe, chronic form of acid reflux.\n<\/p>\n According to research:\n<\/p>\n Findings from a 2020 review of 13 studies noted improvement in symptoms of GERD,<\/a> such as regurgitation, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, and gas (burping and gurgling). Despite the findings, further research is needed to confirm that probiotics are effective for this use.\n<\/p>\n 2. Health Experts Have No Specific Guidelines <\/p>\n In the opinion of health experts:\n<\/p>\n The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has not issued specific guidelines or made comments on the use of probiotics for GERD, either for or against it.The International Probiotics Association says that while GERD treatment should always begin with lifestyle changes, probiotics can be a helpful addition.It’s best to check with your healthcare provider for specific medical advice related to your condition.<\/p>\n 3. How Long They Take to Work Varies <\/p>\n The length of time may vary based on individual factors such as type and severity of symptoms. In the review of studies, some people noticed an improvement in symptoms within one or two weeks, while others noted an improvement in symptoms after 12 weeks.\n<\/p>\n 4. The Best Probiotic Strains for Acid Reflux May Vary <\/p>\n While perusing the dietary supplement aisle, you’ll likely see dozens of probiotics\u2014but which are the best options for acid reflux? Studies include:<\/p>\n In the 2018 study on children with GERD, the researchers found positive results with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri. 5. Side Effects Are Usually Minimal <\/p>\n In the review of clinical studies, many people reported experiencing no side effects. A few people reported gas and bloating. Typically, probiotics are well tolerated. If you do experience side effects, they’ll generally be minor and include gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, like gas.\n<\/p>\n 6. Probiotics Are Not for Everyone <\/p>\n Probiotics are not always safe or appropriate for everyone. You should always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new medications or supplements, including a probiotic. Probiotics may not be safe for certain people, such as:\n<\/p>\n How to Take Probiotics for Acid Reflux Relief There are many types of probiotics available. If you want to take a probiotic supplement<\/a>, you can ask your healthcare provider which one is best for you. Take the following steps to ensure safe use:\n<\/p>\n Follow the instructions on the product label and take as directed.Check the expiration date to make sure your probiotic is not expired.Store your supplement with the bottle tightly closed, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.<\/p>\n Food <\/p>\n Foods that are typically rich in probiotics<\/a> include:\n<\/p>\n KefirKimchiMiso-containing foodsSourdough breadTempehUnpasteurized sauerkrautYogurt<\/p>\n Live cultures are microorganisms used to ferment food and beverages. However, they can also be used to create other fermented products that do not contain probiotics.\n<\/p>\n Some fermented foods\u2014like yogurt or fermented milk\u2014may contain beneficial probiotics. However, not all fermented foods meet the official definition of probiotics, so it\u2019s important to check the label to ensure they contain live and active cultures.\n<\/p>\n Probiotics vs. Antacids for Heartburn <\/p>\n When choosing between antacids and probiotics, it’s important to know why they are different.\n<\/p>\n Probiotics:\n<\/p>\n Are dietary supplements: According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manufacturers of dietary supplements cannot claim that their products can prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. Also, supplements are not regulated by the FDA as strictly as OTC and prescription drugs.Are live microorganisms: The human GI tract has many microorganisms in it. The activity and makeup of these microorganisms are called the microbiota, which can affect human health.Work in the GI tract and can affect microbiota: Different probiotics may have different effects on health based on their strains. Some probiotics may help reduce reflux symptoms.Are better for regular use.<\/p>\n Antacids:\n<\/p>\n Are available as OTC medications: OTC drugs are highly regulated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. Other Ways to Treat Acid Reflux <\/p>\n Your healthcare provider may recommend medications to treat acid reflux, such as:\n<\/p>\n Lifestyle changes to help prevent and control acid reflux<\/a> include:\n<\/p>\n Limit foods that may aggravate reflux symptoms, like chocolate, coffee, spicy or fried foods, peppermint, and carbonated drinks.Avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating.Prop up your head while you sleep. You can do this by putting blocks or books under the legs at the head of your bed or placing a wedge under the mattress. Do not just use pillows to prop your head up, as doing so can increase pressure on the stomach and make symptoms worse.Avoid large meals, instead opting for smaller and more frequent meals.Wear clothes that fit comfortably around the stomach.Stop smoking.Avoid alcohol if possible.Lose weight, if needed.<\/p>\n You can also ask your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations to treat your reflux symptoms.<\/p>\n A Word From Verywell<\/p>\n GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. While probiotics show promise, they are not a proven standalone treatment and should be used alongside other evidence-based strategies.<\/p>\n Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/p>\n National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: usefulness and safety<\/a>.<\/p>\n National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & facts for GER & GERD<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cheng J, Ouwehand AC. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and probiotics: a systematic review<\/a>. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):132. doi:10.3390\/nu12010132<\/p>\n Belei O, Olariu L, Dobrescu A, et al. Is it useful to administer probiotics together with proton pump inhibitors in children with gastroesophageal reflux<\/a>? J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018;24(1):51-57. doi:10.5056\/jnm17059<\/p>\n Su GL, Ko CW, Bercik P, et al. AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders<\/a>. Gastroenterology. 2020;159(2):697-705. doi:10.1053\/j.gastro.2020.05.059<\/p>\n International Probiotics Association. Role for probiotics in GERD?<\/a><\/p>\n National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics<\/a>.<\/p>\n International Food Additives Council. Probiotics<\/a>.<\/p>\n Marco ML, Sanders ME, G\u00e4nzle M, et al. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on fermented foods<\/a>. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18(3):196-208. doi:10.1038\/s41575-020-00390-5.<\/p>\n U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements<\/a>.<\/p>\n International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Antacids<\/a>.<\/p>\n Saint Luke\u2019s. Lifestyle changes for controlling GERD<\/a>.<\/p>\n NYU Langone Health. Lifestyle changes for gastroesophageal reflux disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nA 2018 study of children with GERD who took probiotics found that those who also took a type of acid-reducing medication called a\u00a0proton pump inhibitor<\/a>\u00a0(PPI), such as Prilosec (omeprazole), had significantly fewer digestive symptoms.<\/p>\n
\nThe 2020 review of studies noted limited evidence to compare probiotic strains and how well they work. However, the researchers noted that studies that looked at the strains Lactobacillus\u00a0and Bifidobacterium<\/a>\u00a0all reported positive effects on GERD symptoms.
\nYou can check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a personalized recommendation.<\/p>\n
\n Supplements <\/p>\n
\nAre used to neutralize acids that can contribute to reflux symptoms.
\nContain ingredients or combination of ingredients such as aluminum hydroxide (such as Mylanta, Maalox), calcium carbonate (such as Tums or Rolaids<\/a>), magnesium hydroxide (such as Milk of Magnesia<\/a>, Mylanta), and sodium bicarbonate (such as Alka-Seltzer).
\nProvide quick relief.<\/p>\n![\"Suzanne](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SuzanneFisher-f5e82ea7806b442b865e8576b0ee3550.png\")
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