Does yogurt help acid reflux

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The Impact of Yogurt on Acid Reflux: A Research Synthesis

Introduction to Acid Reflux and Yogurt

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. Dietary modifications are often recommended to manage symptoms, and yogurt is frequently suggested due to its probiotic content. This article synthesizes current research to determine whether yogurt can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

Probiotic Yogurt and Inflammation Reduction

Probiotic Yogurt and Postprandial Inflammation

Research has shown that probiotic yogurt can reduce postprandial (after eating) inflammation, which is a contributing factor to various gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux. A study involving healthy young men demonstrated that both probiotic yogurt and acidified milk significantly reduced inflammatory markers such as IL6, TNFα, and chemokine ligand 5 after a high-fat meal . This reduction in inflammation could potentially alleviate some symptoms of acid reflux, as inflammation in the esophagus is a common issue in GERD patients.

Gut Microbiota Modulation

The same study also highlighted that probiotic yogurt induces beneficial changes in gut microbiota. Specifically, there was a notable increase in beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus delbrueckii spp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius spp. thermophilus . These probiotics are known to improve gut health, which can indirectly support the management of acid reflux by enhancing overall digestive function and reducing gut inflammation.

Functional Ingredients in Yogurt and Their Effects

Ingredients Beneficial for Gut Health

Another study explored the impact of various functional ingredients added to yogurt, which are known to support gut health. Ingredients like slippery elm bark, l-glutamine, and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine were found to improve the physico-chemical properties of yogurt without significantly altering its sensory characteristics . These ingredients are known for their soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract, which could be beneficial for individuals suffering from acid reflux.

Microbiological and Sensory Characteristics

The incorporation of these functional ingredients also influenced the growth of beneficial bacteria in yogurt. For instance, quercetin increased the growth of Lactobacillus bulgaricus, while maitake mushrooms enhanced the growth of Streptococcus thermophilus . These changes in microbiological properties suggest that yogurt fortified with specific functional ingredients could offer additional benefits for managing acid reflux by promoting a healthier gut microbiome.

Conclusion

While direct evidence linking yogurt consumption to the alleviation of acid reflux symptoms is limited, the available research suggests that probiotic yogurt can reduce inflammation and improve gut microbiota, both of which are beneficial for managing acid reflux. Additionally, the inclusion of functional ingredients in yogurt can further enhance its gut-soothing properties. Therefore, incorporating probiotic yogurt into the diet may offer some relief for individuals suffering from acid reflux, although more targeted research is needed to confirm these benefits.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Probiotic yogurt and acidified milk similarly reduce postprandial inflammation and both alter the gut microbiota of healthy, young men.

Probiotic yogurt and acidified milk both reduce postprandial inflammation and alter gut microbiota in healthy men, potentially benefiting dietary treatments targeting 'low-grade' inflammation.

RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2017·

83citations

·Kathryn J Burton et al.

Physico-chemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of yogurt as affected by ingredients that help treat leaky gut.

Most of the ingredients used to treat leaky gut in yogurt did not cause major changes to its physico-chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties.

RCT

2023·

11citations

·Ricardo S Aleman et al.

A combination of acid lactase from Aspergillus oryzae and yogurt bacteria improves lactose digestion in lactose maldigesters synergistically: A randomized, controlled, double-blind cross-over trial.

Combining freeze-dried yogurt cultures and acid lactase significantly improves lactose digestion and reduces symptoms in lactose malabsorbers.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2015·

29citations

·M. de Vrese et al.

Bulgarian yogurt relieved symptoms and distress and increased fecal short-chain fatty acids in healthy constipated women: A randomized, blinded crossover controlled trial

Continuous intake of Bulgarian yogurt with starter culture for three weeks may relieve constipation symptoms and distress in healthy constipated women, with increased short-chain fatty acids suggesting gut-brain axis stimulation.

RCT

2021·

5citations

·Rata Khuropakhonphong et al.

Effect of yogurt containing polydextrose, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study in chronic constipation

The combination of polydextrose, L. acidophilus NCFM, and B. lactis HN019 in yogurt significantly shortened colonic transit time in patients with chronic constipation after two weeks compared to control group.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2014·

66citations

·D. Magro et al.

Yogurt and gut function.

Yogurt consumption may improve gastrointestinal health, potentially due to effects on gut microflora, bowel transit, and gastrointestinal immune responses.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2004·

517citations

·O. Adolfsson et al.

Short communication: Chia seed extract enhances physiochemical and antioxidant properties of yogurt.

Chia seed extract enhances the growth of lactic acid bacteria, physiochemical properties, and health benefits of set-type yogurt.

In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal

2019·

68citations

·H. Kwon et al.

Improving the sensory and rheological properties of yogurt using aqueous extract of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Aqueous extract of basil improves the viscosity, hardness, and syneresis of yogurt, with the R2 treatment showing the highest sensory evaluation of taste, flavor, texture, and general acceptance.

2022·

1citation

·Isra'a Qassim Mohsen Khalil et al.

Viability of microencapsulated bifidobacteria in set yogurt during refrigerated storage.

Microencapsulation increases the viability of bifidobacteria in yogurt during refrigerated storage, potentially improving the gut health of humans.

Highly Cited

2000·

258citations

·K. Adhikari et al.

Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium to potentiate immunoglobulin A responses to cholera toxin in mice.

Yogurt supplemented with L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. significantly enhances mucosal and systemic IgA responses to cholera toxin in mice.

Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly Cited

1999·

147citations

·M. Tejada-Simon et al.

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