Probiotic Cures for LPR

Laryngealpharyngeal reflux (LPR) is characterized by an overproduction of acids in your stomach. The acids in your stomach are produced in excess, and forced up your esophagus and into your throat when the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle band at the entrance of your stomach, fails to keep the acids inside your stomach. Symptoms include the production of thick mucus, an irritated throat, chronic coughing, hoarseness and sleep disturbances.

Diagnosis and Treatment

LPR is not the same thing as heartburn, and you should see your doctor to be diagnosed with LPR. Your visit will entail the collection of your medical history, an examination of your neck and head, and a close look at your throat and nose. Your doctor may use a Fiberoptic Laryngoscope, which is a flexible device with a lens that views your throat and voice box. Your doctor will use the device to look for irritation and inflammation in your throat and voice box. If your condition warrants and you have severe LPR, the doctor may request an Ambulatory 24 hour pH Monitoring test, which involves inserting a tube through your nose and into your esophagus. The tube is capable of monitoring acid levels in your esophagus as well as your throat, and a computer detects acid levels for a period of 24 hours.

Your doctor may advise you to lose weight and improve your posture if necessary, because both issues can contribute to LPR symptoms. Dietary changes and medications will be essential for the reduction of stomach acid production. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair reflux issues.

Probiotics

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The consumption of probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, casei gg, rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum have a positive effect on your digestive system. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that promote the natural balance of bacteria in your digestive tract by replenishing healthy bacteria in your system after a course of antibiotics, and probiotics improve digestive processes by hindering disease-causing bacteria from growing in your stomach and intestines. Probiotics are an excellent all-natural treatment for diarrhea, constipation, Candida overgrowth, urinary tract conditions, inflammatory bowel conditions and reflux conditions and they promote expedient immune system responses.

Probiotics and LPR

In "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living: Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults," authors Janet Zand, Allan N. Spreen, and James B. LaValle explain that probiotics, when consumed, neutralize metabolites that are toxic, and indirectly help in rebalancing the acidity in your digestive tract. The authors assert that there are dairy free probiotics for individuals who have allergies to milk, so consuming probiotics can be safely done by anyone. Further, in "Food and Nutrients in Disease Management," Benjamin Kligler and Roberta A. Lee explain that probiotics should be consumed when you have a reflux condition to re-inoculate the intestinal tract and to rebalance the flora in your digestive tract. What’s more, in "Integrative Medicine," Kligler and Lee argue that the consumption of probiotics can help in alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort, pain and bloating, and can regulate bowel movements as well as decrease issues with flatulence.

Consumption

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Obtain probiotics through foods that have live probiotics, such as tomatoes, honey, barley, onions, garlic, wheat and yogurt. Probiotics are also available as freeze-dried powders, granules and in capsule form. The most common probiotic is Lactobacillus acidophilus; consume 1 to 5 billion live cells a day through a variety of foods sources to rebalance the bacteria in your digestive tract. You can also consume Lactobacillus acidophilus in capsule form; take one 100 mg capsule three times a day to relieve symptoms associated with LPR.