Acid reflux also referred to as (GERD) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a common problem that occurs when stomach acid creeps up to the esophagus. This action irritates the GI tract.
The irritation may not be medically harmful, but it causes discomfort and damage to the esophagus if not controlled using acid reducing supplements. Some of the acid reflux’s risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, lying down immediately after eating, certain foods, and soda.
The most common symptoms of acid reflux are regurgitation and heartburn. Regurgitation occurs when foods and liquids from the stomach get through the esophagus into the mouth. Other acid reflux symptoms include wheezing, chest pain, troubled breathing, hoarseness, and a burning sensation.
5 to 10 percent of adults experience acid reflux symptoms daily
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is an acid reflux remedy whose gastritis curative effects were studied and demonstrated in the 80s. It works by preventing acid reflux symptoms, like pain in the upper abdomen, belching, burning, and discomfort.
DGL works by promoting mucus activity in the esophagus and stomach that acts as a barrier to acid reflux. It has anti-inflammatory properties and presents no risk of pseudoaldosteronism.
DGL is a type of licorice that is processed to get rid of any substantial amount of glycyrrhizin(1) and to ensure safe consumption for humans. This makes it safe to use it as a long term supplement for acid reflux because it does not interact with other medications and cause other medical conditions.
Most people take DGL lozenges between meals or a couple of times per day. However, DGL works effectively when taken 6 to 8 times daily, at least 30 minutes before a meal and 2 hours after a meal.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux]
Endefen is an exceptional formula that addresses different acid reflux symptoms. It promotes the growth of gastric mucosal cells that strengthen the gastric lining. It contains green tea that supports intestinal microflora health, astaxanthin, and lecithin that protect the gastric environment and arabinogalactans that promote the production of short chain fatty acids beneficial for intestinal cells.
Endefen is available in powdered form. The powder is dissolved in water to form a mixture that soothes acid reflux symptoms by coating the esophageal lining. Endefen is a daily acid reducing supplement containing essential nutrients that boost GI immune functions.
The recommended Endefen dose is twice per day after a meal. Notably, an Endefen dose taken just before bedtime is highly effective for addressing acid reflux.
Common causes of acid reflux include eating quickly, over-eating, and obesity.
Melatonin is a circadian regulator and sleep aid that is produced by the pineal gland of the brain. Conversely, the gastrointestinal tract contains over 400 times more melatonin(2) than the amount provided by the pineal gland.
Melatonin in the gastrointestinal tract suppresses the excessive production of acid and protects the GI lining from destructive free radicals resulting from toxic agents, stress, and ulcer-causing medication like NSAIDs. Melatonin prevents tissue damage for patients showing acid reflux symptoms.
Melatonin is used as a supplement for acid reflux either on its own or with omeprazole. The melatonin and omeprazole combination therapy are highly preferred since melatonin accelerates omeprazole’s healing effect, and as a result, shortens the acid reflux treatment duration and reduces its side effects as well.
[Also Read: Alkaline Foods for Acid Reflux]
The oral fast-release melatonin is recommended for daily use. A 3mg to 6mg dose should be taken for 4 to 8 weeks to ensure a full recovery. Note that the supplements for acid reflux are more effective when taken at bedtime.
Iberogast is a liquid combination of nine herbs, namely chamomile, balm leaves, peppermint leaves, licorice root, angelica, iberis amara, caraway fruit, celandine, and St. Mary’s thistle. The herbs work together to exert anti-spasmodic, pro-motility, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects.
The pre-mobility and anti-bacterial effects make Iberogast ideal for people suffering from SIBO, a typical acid reflux contributor. It promotes intestinal transit and gastric emptying to alleviate the uneasiness experienced by acid reflux sufferers.
Use Iberogast by diluting it in juice, water, or tea. Drink it during or before a meal. The treatment duration depends on the severity of your acid reflux symptoms and how long they last.
Unless your doctor prescribes it, Iberogast should be taken three times a day. Adolescents and adults should take 20 drops per dose. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 should take 15 drops, while children under the age of 5 should take 10 drops per dose.
[Also Read: Supplements for Acid Reflux]
Aloe is a proven natural acid reducing supplement and is also useful in alleviating acid reflux without causing any adverse side effects. It works by providing essential amino acids and vitamins that boost digestive functions. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the irritated esophagus to relieve acid reflux symptoms, like burning and pain.
Aloe contains anti-bacterial properties that fight the harmful bacteria in the digestive system responsible for triggering acid reflux symptoms. Harmful bacteria produce gas that causes belching and bloating that weaken the LES closure and allow acid into the esophagus.
It is recommended to use an aloe product that contains minimal sugar levels, harmful additives, flavoring ingredients, and a reduced amount of aloin.
Aloe supplements for acid reflux are one of the best remedial measures. Its gel form is highly recommended by doctors. It should be used in generous quantities and taken after a meal. A one-fourth cup of purified aloe gel supplement is highly effective when taken 3 to 4 times daily, in the morning and before bedtime.
Experiencing acid reflux more than twice per week indicates GERD (NIDDK)
Probiotics are found in a wide range of dietary supplements and foods like yogurt and fermented beverages. Taking probiotics supplements for acid reflux aids digestion and protects against toxins and harmful bacteria.
This way, they help in alleviating the acid reflux symptoms that arise when acidic contents from the stomach get into the esophagus.
It is recommended to take 25 to 50 billion units of quality probiotics daily. Adding healthy bacteria to the digestive tract eliminates terrible bacteria that causes indigestion, poor nutrients absorption, and a leaky gut.
Four probiotics capsules a day work effectively to alleviate severe acid reflux symptoms. Once the symptoms are relieved after a few weeks, patients should revert to a prevention dosage of one capsule twice per day.
[Also Read: Probiotics for Gastritis]
Some theories about the causes of acid reflux tell us that it may be caused due to a lesser amount of stomach acid, a condition known as hypochlorhydria. This condition is common among women over 50 years.
Lack of enough stomach acid results in poor motility and incomplete food digestion, causing food to get stuck in the stomach and trigger reflux. Some supplements for acid reflux try to increase stomach acid and alleviate acid reflux symptoms.
In most cases, doctors recommend taking trial supplements and observing how the body reacts. If the supplements ease acid reflux symptoms, patients can continue using them. But, if the discomfort worsens, acidification should be discontinued immediately.
It is safer to start by taking a capsule or two of acid supplements for acid reflux before a meal. Patients have been known to get relief from taking a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar.
[Also Read: Home Remedies for Acid Reflux]
Notably, every research about the causes of acid reflux points towards a poor diet that includes high amounts of processed foods. It is easy to overeat processed foods and neglect the need to consume a healthy and balanced diet.
For digestive health and prevention of acid reflux, it is advisable to consume organic foods, fiber, probiotic-rich foods, and acid-reducing supplements that protect the GI tract.
Some of the foods to include in your diet to improve acid reflux include fermented vegetables, coconut, yogurt, green leafy vegetables, almonds, pumpkin, honey, cucumbers, and asparagus. Additionally, dietary changes reduce acid reflux risk factors, like obesity and complications arising from chronic diseases and inflammation.
Curing acid reflux requires a multi-pronged approach. Lifestyle changes, like avoiding foods that trigger the condition, having healthy diets, and taking the right supplements for acid reflux, can go a long way in preventing its harsh symptoms. Moreover, a massive number of acid reflux victims find relief when they change their diet, exercise regularly, and have proper sleep patterns.
For instance, it is recommended to sleep on the side with your head slightly raised to about 5 inches. Stress management also goes a long way in preventing acid reflux symptoms because stress increases stomach acid production.