Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines. The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of probiotic bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. The largest group of probiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria, of which Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt, is the best known. Yeast is also a probiotic substance. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements. It has been suggested that probiotics be used to treat problems in the stomach and intestines. But only certain types of bacteria or yeast (called strains) have been shown to work in the digestive tract. It still needs to be proven which probiotics (alone or in combination) work to treat diseases. At this point, even the strains of probiotics that have been proven to work for a specific disease are not widely available.

People with diagnosed GERD should first try lifestyle and dietary changes. In one study, 44% of patients who experienced symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reported improvement after changing their diet.
Food allergy or intolerance is poorly understood by both those suffering from these conditions and many physicians, as well. The intestinal tract is exposed to innumerable “foreign” substances during the eating process. A large number of potentially injurious substances can be ingested, including chemical preservatives, environmental toxins, and harmful bacteria. In addition, an innocent appearing and otherwise healthy meal may contain nutrients which, in a sensitive individual, can cause a serious allergic reaction or other form of abnormal response. Food allergies or intolerance are difficult to diagnose. Methods used to detect these disorders include elimination diets and blood or skin testing for specific allergic food products. Recently, improvements in testing for food allergy and sensitivity have become much more informative, allowing a customized approach to dietary planning.
Although gum chewing is commonly believed to increase the risk for GERD symptoms, one study reported it might be helpful. Because saliva helps neutralize acid and contains a number of other factors that protect the esophagus, chewing gum 30 minutes after a meal has been found to help relieve heartburn and even protect against damage caused by GERD. Chewing on anything at all can help since it stimulates saliva production.