The relationship between reflux and bile function

What is reflux?

Reflux is the reverse passage of gastric contents into the oesophagus which can cause heartburn. The terms are often used interchangeably, but acid reflux is the actual action of part of the stomach contents traveling back up the oesophagus (sometimes into the throat and even into the mouth), while heartburn is the uncomfortable feeling as a result of that action.

What is the cause of reflux?

“By increasing abdominal pressure, obesity, pregnancy, weight lifting, physical work, including some sports, and even tight waistlines in clothing can aggravate reflux symptoms. In addition, smoking, excessive alcohol, tea and coffee consumption, and certain medicines can irritate the lining of the stomach. In addition to a poor lifestyle (e.g. too much sedentary work) and poor eating habits (e.g. late dinners), poor bile function also causes reflux disease. This poor bile function causes a blockage in the small intestines, which prevents food from moving down the intestinal tract.” Source: mayoclinik.org

How can you prevent the onset of bile reflux and help to eliminate it?

“By replacing bile acids, bile secretion becomes regular and it also triggers the small intestine to function, removing the irritation and blockage that allows food to move upwards and cause reflux-like symptoms.” The effect of bile acids on reflux depends on the health condition and individual sensitivity.

To elaborate, “bacteria are usually rarely found in the small intestine. However, if bacteria enter the small intestine through the weakened hydrochloric acid barrier of the stomach or from the large intestine, digestion of carbohydrates already begins here and the bacteria produce hydrogen from the carbohydrate. Some of this is returned to the stomach, increasing its internal pressure, which opens the oesophageal valve and forces the acidic contents of the stomach into the oesophagus.” By replacing bile acids, these bacteria cannot pass into the small intestine.

"I have been taking GALLMET-Mix for a week. I had constant bloating, constant burning in my stomach. After a week, my digestion has improved significantly and I don't experience heartburn. I started to take one capsule a day in the morning and I can still feel the benefits."
Marie B.