Did you know that 13.4% of Malaysians experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? [1]
GERD is a chronic condition of your stomach acid frequently flowing back into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. [2] This constant acid reflux can cause many troublesome symptoms and damage to the esophagus in the long run.
Signs & Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of GERD include [2]:
- A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Sensation of a lump in your throat
If you have nighttime acid reflux, you might also experience:
- Chronic cough
- Laryngitis (an inflammation of your voice box due to overuse, irritation or infection)
- New or worsening asthma
- Disrupted sleep
Treatment
GERD can be treated by managing the symptoms and here are some things that you can do. [3]
1. Diet And Lifestyle Changes
- Eat slower, smaller meals
- Eat at least 2 hours before sleep
- Lose weight if needed
- Avoid nicotine, alcohol and caffeine
- Avoid high fat foods
2. Taking Medications
- Antacids and H2 blockers can help to deplete acids.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) block certain acidifying protons and may also heal damaged stomach lining.
- Unfortunately, PPIs are linked with increased risk of other adverse effects: osteoporotic-related fractures, Clostridium difficile infection, community-acquired pneumonia, vitamin B12 deficiency, kidney disease, and dementia. [4]
3. Taking Probiotics
- Probiotics are a type of good bacteria found in the digestive tract. They are important for digestive health and immune function. [5]
- A meta-analysis found that 79% of studies about probiotics and the effects on GERD symptoms concluded that probiotics helped to reduce the symptoms of GERD, including reduced regurgitation and decreased heartburn. [6]
- In another 12-week study, combining heartburn medication with probiotics reduced the risk of treatment relapse, compared with a control group that only got heartburn medication. [7]
Probiotics are available at SM Health Care Sdn Bhd.
BiO-LiFE A.B. Adult Gold Pre & Pro
-
Contains 10 Billion CFU Probiotics
- Lactobacillus plantarum LP01: 60.00mg
- Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12: 133.33mg
- Inulin-Oligofructose Powder: 2271.00mg (derived from Chicory Root) providing Inulin-Oligofructose: 2089.32mg - Adding prebiotics to probiotics can boost the survival of probiotics, making sure they arrive to the digestive tract alive and well.
- Also improves bowel movement, promotes better absorption of vitamins and minerals, and boosts immunity.
- No preservatives, artificial colours and flavours.
- Available in 3 sizes.
