It may be good to know that
Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a lactic acid
producing bacteria that is believed to have
beneficial effects on digestion and overall
health. What, however, was not known, is the fact
that acidophilus supplements in powder form can
protect the oesophagus without destroying the acid
(as it is essential for digestion), while at the
same time it kills the GERD pain. But this may be
only half of the story since the other half
involves tightening of the LES (lower oesophageal
sphincter) as otherwise the cycle would not be
complete.
But let us first concentrate on
keeping the oesophagus relaxed and then fix the
LES. And to do that, one has to take acidophilus
supplements (in powder form) along with digestive
enzymes at mid-meal or whenever the pain threatens
to overpower. One, however, has to keep both the
medications handy, so that effective treatment
procedure is not discontinued, even for a short
period. The 'trick of the trade' lies in breaking
open the capsule and depositing the powder into
the mouth, allowing the saliva to roll it down the
oesophagus till it reaches the stomach, effecting
the magical treat. Incidentally, the secret behind
the solution lies in the supplement that contains
billions of 'good boy' bacteria that we should
have in the gastrointestinal tract to effect
healthy digestive environment while the added
enzymes help in the digestion.
As for availability, dosage and method
of taking the supplement, please read on.
Acidophilus, which is available at most supplement
stores as well as through the web, is said to be
the most effective when refrigerated in the
capsule form (powdered) and then the powder thrown
into the mouth preferably sans water. ¼ to ½
teaspoonfuls may be taken along with meal, before
meal or anytime when the burning sensation is
felt. In case this dosage proves to be too
sensitive, it may be lowered or temporarily
stopped till the sensitivity reaches lower level
when the treatment may be resumed. For persons who
feel uncomfortable with dry powder in their mouth,
they may have a few sips of water along with
acidophilus supplement.
For tightening of the lower oesophageal
sphincter which is essential to curing GERD, some
form of super enzymes that contain a plant-based
form of acid called Betain Hydrochloride is often
used. Prolonged intake of this super enzyme may
eventually revive the lost power of the LES to
close fully, thus protecting the oesophagus from
unvarying acid erosion.
Please note that, consuming acidophilus
supplements for a long period of time can lead to
a slight increase in flatulence, which is reported
to have been experienced by some people. Thus, acidophilus
remedy for heartburn is best combined with
other natural remedies in a holistic way that
addresses all the factors that have led to acid
reflux.
We know by now that heartburn is not a
disease in itself, but just a symptom of it. The
most effective way of treating this disease is to
opt for holistic treatment. This is because acid
reflux can happen due to many causes and only
holistic remedies (and not conventional medicine)
can reach out deep into the body and investigate
all these contributing factors. And when all the
factors are investigated and treated, the symptoms
of the disease go away. This approach, that treats
the body as a whole, is indeed better than that of
treating just the symptoms of the disease. This is
why holistic remedies are several times more
effective than conventional drugs.
