I tried to ignore the burning in my throat and the trouble swallowing, but after months of taking Prilosec, I finally had to admit my reflux was not getting better. I saw a Gastroenterologist who suggested several tests and procedures. A negative H.Pylori blood test ruled out a bacterial infection in my stomach. A barium esophagram was done to check for abnormalities in my throat since I was having trouble swallowing. The results were normal. However, an upper endoscopy showed evidence of prolonged irritation and inflammation. The good news - there was no cancer growing down there. The bad news - there was no apparent cause or easy cure for my symptoms.

Of course, I just wanted a pill that would fix the problem, but teatment was not that simple. I tried to be a good patient and follow my doctor’s orders. I began eating smaller and more frequent meals. I avoided tight clothing. I didn’t lie down after I ate. I raised the head of my bed. I avoided chocolate, coffee and wine – I was not fun to be around! I also began taking Nexium, a potent acid suppressor, twice a day. I was certain all these efforts would pay off, and I would be cured. Three months later and 18 pounds lighter (remember no chocolate, no coffee and no wine!) I was still having symptoms. It was better, but it wasn’t gone. Another pharmacist, Jay Gill, had been suggesting that I try a probiotic. I just didn’t think they would help. Probiotics are great to prevent diarrhea and yeast infections associated with antibiotic use, but hadn’t been on an antibiotic, and I wasn’t having those symptoms. But, after dealing with the reflux for so long, I decided to give probiotics a try. I started taking Floragen and FOS daily. I didn’t really want to tell Jay he was right, but after about a month I noticed a significant improvement in my reflux symptoms. After 2 months I was able to discontinue the Nexium and after 3 months I was actually able to enjoy a few pieces of chocolate and an occasional glass of wine without any problems. Coffee still does me in, but two out of three isn’t bad.

 

Pro-biotics such as Floragen, Culturelle, Lactinex, etc are products that replace the “good” bacteria that are found naturally in our gut. When we take antibiotics these “good” bacteria are killed off along with the ‘bad’ bacteria that are causing infection. We also lose the ‘good’ bacteria as we age. FOS is a product known as a synbiotic because it serves as a source of food and therefore encourages the growth of the ‘good’ bacteria in the gut. Floragen and FOS work together to help you have a healthy balance in you Gastro-intestinal tract.

 

The loss of beneficial bacteria can cause a variety of gastro-intestinal symptoms:

• Indigestion

• Reflux

• Bloating/Belching

• Constipation and/or diarrhea

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis)

 

Now I’m not suggesting that Probiotics are the cure for reflux because I still have to watch what I eat and how much I eat, but they have made a significant difference for me. There are many Probiotic products on the market and more coming each day (Dannon’s Activa yogurt). But it is important to compare products, and the dosage of the bacteria in each. Also some products require refrigeration in order to ensure the live cultures remain active. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about Probiotics and whether they might help you.

Cheri Garvin, RPh