Reflux, intestinal flora and digestion: causes, symptoms and diet

Reflux, intestinal flora and digestion: causes, symptoms and diet

Reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, occurs when stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. Particularly typical are Heartburn, acid regurgitation, a burning sensation behind the breastbone, a sour taste in the mouth or discomfort after eating.

Reflux is often only understood as „too much stomach acid”. In reality, the issue is more complex. In addition to the lower oesophageal sphincter, meal size, eating rhythm, body weight, stress, digestion, gas formation, intestinal flora, SIBO, histamine and individual trigger foods can also play a role.

In this article, you will learn about the connections between Reflux, digestion, intestinal flora, histamine, biogenic amines, fibre and healthy nutrition and why a holistic approach often makes more sense than just looking at stomach acid.

What is reflux?

With reflux, acidic or partially digested stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. The mucous membrane of the oesophagus is not designed to come into regular contact with stomach acid.

Many people are familiar with occasional heartburn. However, if symptoms occur regularly, are severe or are a burden on everyday life, they are often referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD for short.

A burning sensation behind the breastbone is typical. Some people also experience pressure, belching, coughing, hoarseness, throat clearing, difficulty swallowing or an unpleasant feeling in the throat.

Reflux symptoms

Reflux can manifest itself in different ways. Some people have classic symptoms, others have more unspecific symptoms.

Common reflux symptoms are

• Heartburn
• Acid regurgitation
• Burning behind the breastbone
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Nausea
• Feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen
• Cough irritation
• Hoarseness
• Compulsive throat clearing
• Complaints after large or late meals

Medical advice should always be sought in the event of chest pain, shortness of breath, bloody vomiting, black stools, severe difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss or persistent severe symptoms.

Why does reflux occur?

The lower oesophageal sphincter plays an important role. It is located at the junction between the oesophagus and stomach. It normally prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus.

If this closure does not function optimally or the pressure in the abdomen increases, reflux can occur more easily. A full stomach, eating late, being overweight, certain foods, alcohol, smoking, pregnancy, medication or stress can also favour symptoms.

From a holistic perspective, it is also worth taking a look at digestion: if food sits in the stomach for a long time, a lot of gas is produced or the stomach is very bloated, this can exacerbate reflux symptoms.

Reflux and intestinal flora

The Intestinal flora does not directly affect the oesophageal sphincter. Nevertheless, it is often considered in connection with reflux because digestion, gas formation, fermentation, flatulence and the intestinal environment can be linked.

An unbalanced diet with lots of sugar, white flour, highly processed foods, little fibre and long lists of ingredients creates a different intestinal environment than a diet with natural foods, vegetables, herbs and soluble fibre.

Especially if reflux occurs together with flatulence, bloating, sensitive digestion or intolerances, it is worth taking a look at the intestinal flora and digestive quality.

Reflux and SIBO

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, i.e. a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. This means that there are too many or atypical bacteria in the small intestine.

SIBO can be associated with flatulence, gas, bloating, abdominal pressure, diarrhoea, constipation or poor tolerance of certain carbohydrates.

Reflux and SIBO do not „always” occur together. However, there are people in whom severe gas formation, abdominal pressure and disturbed digestion can exacerbate reflux symptoms.

Anyone who suspects SIBO should seek medical or nutritional advice. A generalised self-diagnosis is not advisable.

Reflux, histamine and biogenic amines

Also Histamine and others biogenic amines are discussed in connection with sensitive digestion, reflux, skin reactions, headaches, palpitations or intolerances.

Histamine is produced in the body itself, but can also be absorbed through food. Ripened, fermented, long-stored or heavily processed foods in particular can contain biogenic amines.

Biogenic amines include, among others:

• Histamine
• Cadaverine
• Putrescine
• Tyramine

These substances are not automatically problematic. However, the quantity, combination, intestinal flora, DAO enzyme, freshness, processing and individual tolerance can play a role for sensitive people.

You can find out more in the article about Histamine intolerance causes, cadaverine and intestinal flora.

Reflux and processed foods

Highly processed foods can have an unfavourable effect on reflux for several reasons. They often contain a lot of fat, sugar, white flour, additives, flavourings, flavour enhancers or isolated ingredients.

These are often particularly problematic:

• Large, greasy meals
• fried food
• Very sweet foods
• Fast Food
• Ready meals
• Sausages and highly processed meat products
• Soft drinks and carbonated drinks
• Late meal shortly before sleep

These foods do not cause reflux in everyone. However, they can be typical triggers and should be consciously observed in the event of symptoms.

Reflux and bread, sugar and modern nutrition

Bread and baked goods can also play a role in sensitive digestion. Not all bread is the same. A genuine sourdough bread with a long leavening process is different from a quick bread with additives.

Quick baked goods, white flour, sugar and sweet snacks can put a strain on digestion and promote flatulence or bloating in some people. If this causes more pressure in the stomach, reflux symptoms can become more noticeable.

You can find out more in the article about Sourdough bread, gluten, FODMAP and intestinal flora.

Reflux and gastric mucosa

The gastric mucosa is protected from stomach acid by mucous substances and other protective mechanisms. The oesophagus does not have this protection in the same way.

If stomach acid regularly enters the oesophagus, this can irritate the mucous membrane. Prolonged reflux can lead to inflammation or changes in the mucous membrane.

Therefore, severe or frequent reflux should not be ignored permanently. Medical clarification is particularly important in the event of difficulty swallowing, blood, severe pain, weight loss or symptoms despite treatment.

Reflux and Barrett's oesophagus

In some cases, long-term reflux can be associated with changes in the oesophageal mucosa. One known change is the so-called Barrett's oesophagus.

This does not mean that everyone with heartburn is automatically at high risk. But it does show why persistent symptoms should be taken seriously.

Anyone who regularly experiences reflux symptoms should have a doctor check whether further diagnostics are advisable.

Reflux, glyphosate and modern agriculture

Glyphosate is often discussed in connection with modern agriculture, GMO plants, animal feed, residues, intestinal flora and the microbiome.

However, it would be too straightforward to point to glyphosate as the cause of reflux. Reflux is a complex digestive issue with many possible factors.

A cautious categorisation makes more sense: residues, highly processed foods, industrial agriculture and low nutritional quality are all part of the wider context of modern nutrition. If you want to relieve your digestion, you can look out for organic products, transparent origins, short lists of ingredients and natural foods.

What should you not eat with reflux?

There is no perfect reflux diet for everyone. Many triggers are individual. Nevertheless, there are foods and habits that can often exacerbate symptoms.

Reflux is often viewed critically:

• Very greasy food
• Deep-fried food
• Large meals
• Eating late before going to bed
• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Peppermint
• spicy food
• Tomato products
• Citrus fruits
• Carbonated drinks
• Highly processed foods

It is important to keep a food diary. This will help you to recognise which foods trigger your personal symptoms.

What can you eat with reflux?

Many people tolerate lighter, less processed meals better. This can be helpful:

• smaller meals
• Eat slowly
• Do not lie down immediately after eating
• Light vegetable dishes
• Well-tolerated protein sources
• Oats, potatoes or rice, if individually suitable
• Mild herbs
• Sufficient water
• High-fibre foods in tolerable quantities

The following also applies here: Tolerance is individual. What helps one person may cause discomfort for another.

Dietary fibre, prebiotics and reflux

Dietary fibre are an important part of a healthy diet. They are often considered in connection with intestinal flora, fermentation, satiety and digestion.

In the case of reflux, however, tolerance is crucial. Too much fibre at once can increase bloating and a feeling of pressure. Fibre should therefore be increased slowly.

Especially Prebiotic dietary fibres like Inulin and pectin are often considered in connection with intestinal flora and digestion. Also Pure apple fibre may be of interest to people who want to make their diet more fibre-conscious.

If you have a sensitive digestive system, a slow start is particularly important.

Reflux and lifestyle

In addition to diet, habits also play an important role. These are often helpful:

• smaller portions
• Last large meal 2-3 hours before sleep
• Raise the head of the bed slightly if discomfort occurs at night
• Weight management, if obesity plays a role
• Avoid tight clothing on the stomach
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
• Reduce stress
• Avoid smoking
• Recognise trigger foods individually

Fulvicherb Synergy in connection with reflux and digestion

Fulvicherb Synergy combines fulvic acid, arginine, inulin, pectin, niacinamide, natural unrefined rock salt, sunflower lecithin and selected herbs in a liquid formula.

The recipe is suitable for people who are concerned with digestion, intestinal flora, dietary fibre, natural ingredients and healthy nutrition.

However, individual tolerance is particularly important in the case of reflux and sensitive gastric mucosa. Liquid products with an acidic flavour or organic acids can cause a burning sensation in some people. You should therefore start carefully and observe your own tolerance.

Fulvicherb Synergy does not replace medical treatment for reflux, GERD, gastritis or Barrett's oesophagus. However, it can be used as a complementary liquid formula in a conscious nutritional concept if it is well tolerated by the individual.

How can you test Fulvicherb Synergy for sensitive digestion?

If you are prone to reflux, a sensitive stomach or a burning sensation, you should test new products carefully.

This can be useful:

• Start with a small amount
• Do not take on an empty stomach if you are sensitive
• Dilute well with water
• spread the amount over the day
• pause in case of burning, discomfort or deterioration
• Clarify existing illnesses with a doctor

In the case of severe reflux, gastritis, known ulcers or medication, use should be discussed on an individual basis.

Frequently asked questions about reflux, intestinal flora and nutrition

What is reflux?

Reflux means that stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. Typical symptoms are heartburn, acid regurgitation, a burning sensation behind the breastbone or a sour taste in the mouth.

What are typical reflux symptoms?

Typical symptoms are heartburn, acid regurgitation, nausea, chest burning, coughing, hoarseness and discomfort after eating.

Which foods can trigger reflux?

Common triggers are fatty foods, large meals, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, peppermint, tomato products, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks and highly processed foods.

Does reflux have anything to do with intestinal flora?

Intestinal flora is not the only cause of reflux. However, it can play a role in connection with digestion, gas formation, flatulence, SIBO and individual tolerance.

What is SIBO?

SIBO means bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. It is often associated with flatulence, bloating, abdominal pressure and impaired digestion.

What role does histamine play in reflux?

Histamine and biogenic amines can be discussed in connection with digestion, mucous membranes, intolerance and reflux complaints in sensitive people. Individual tolerance is crucial.

Is fibre good for reflux?

Fibre is important for a healthy diet. In the case of reflux, however, it should be increased slowly so that no additional gas formation or feeling of pressure occurs.

When should you see a doctor with reflux?

Medical advice should be sought in the event of frequent or severe reflux, difficulty swallowing, blood, black stools, unintentional weight loss, chest pain or discomfort despite treatment.

Conclusion: take a holistic view of reflux

Reflux is more than just occasional heartburn. In addition to the reflux of stomach contents, eating behaviour, meal size, trigger foods, stress, body weight, digestion, gas formation, intestinal flora and individual tolerance also play a role.

If you want to reduce reflux symptoms, you should not just avoid individual foods, but improve the overall quality of your diet: fewer highly processed products, smaller meals, more natural foods, slowly increasing fibre and consciously supporting digestion.

Apple pectin with inulin, Pure apple fibre and Fulvicherb Synergy can naturally fit into a conscious nutritional concept - always with a view to individual tolerance and without replacing medical treatment.