Probiotics Can Reduce Symptoms of Reflux

Probiotics Can Reduce Symptoms of Reflux

Key Takeaways

  • PPIs are among the most frequently prescribed medications globally - consistently sitting as the third and fourth most frequently prescribed medicines in Australia between 2015-2021.
  • PPIs provide temporary relief of acute symptoms of GORD by reducing the amount of stomach acid.
  • It is common to confuse reflux symptoms for having too much stomach acid, when the symptom may actually be associated with not having enough stomach acid.
  • PPIs can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium and magnesium.
  • PPIs change the bacteria all the way through the digestive tract.
  • Probiotics can effectively reduce the frequency and severity of GORD symptoms.

Impacting approximately 10-15% of the Australian population1, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic and persistent condition affecting the upper digestive tract.2 GORD develops when stomach acid leaks out of the stomach and up into the oesophagus, which can result in mucosal damage and recurring symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation and difficulty swallowing.3 An increasing health burden on both the community and the individual, GORD is also a risk factor for other chronic diseases such as cancer, mental health disorders, respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease.2

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