Top 3 Supplements for Acid Reflux, GERD, & LPR: Natural Reflux Remedies
Acid reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) are digestive issues that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest, throat irritation, and persistent cough can disrupt daily activities, digestion, and sleep.
While medications can be effective in the short term, these products are not designed to treat the root cause of reflux (my blog on PPIs is a must-read). As a result, many people have incorporated alternative supplementation that can help alleviate symptoms and heal from reflux.
Here’s a guide to some of the best supplements that can help manage acid reflux, GERD, and LPR.
#1. Alginate Therapy
Alginate Therapy is a natural aid to alleviate reflux by stopping acid from traveling beyond the LES. High-quality alginate products are dervided from kelp and are naturally digested after a few hours, reducing risk of side effects.
Mechanism of Action: Alginate forms a gel-like raft on top of the stomach contents when it comes into contact with gastric acid. This raft acts as a physical barrier, preventing acid reflux into the esophagus.
Benefits:
Rapid Relief: Provides quick relief of symptoms by physically blocking acid.
Safe for Long-term Use: Generally considered safe for prolonged use compared to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Adjunctive Therapy: Can be used alongside other treatments, like PPIs or H2 blockers.
FLORA Recommendation: FLORA recommends Reflux Raft to our clients suffering from reflux. In addition to offering Alginate Therapy, Reflux Raft contains ginger and deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which offer anti-inflammatory, prokinetic, and demulcent (a substance that forms a soothing protective layer over mucous membranes) properties. Learn more or try Reflux Raft here.
Slippery Elm
#2. Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm is a mucilaginous herb, utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties for treating reflux.
Mechanism of Action: Slippery elm contains a high amount of mucilage, which swells and becomes slippery when mixed with water. This mucilage coats the esophagus and stomach lining, creating a protective barrier against stomach acid.
Benefits:
Soothing Effect: By coating the digestive tract, slippery elm can help soothe inflammation and irritation caused by acid reflux, providing relief from the burning sensation of heartburn.
Stimulating Mucus Production: It may also stimulate the production of mucus in the stomach and intestines, which helps protect the lining from acid damage.
Versatility: It can be used in various forms, such as powders, capsules, lozenges, and teas, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines.
Slippery Elm Lozenge Recipe
Many of our clients use slippery elm in water, however you can also make homemade lozenges. Try out FLORA’s Slippery Elm lozenges for a fun way to incorporate this herb into your day!
FLORA Recommendation: FLORA recommends Slippery Elm Bark Powder by Vital Nutrients. Use my Fullscript storefront for a 10% discount on this product!
#3. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
DGL is a form of licorice that has had the compound glycyrrhizin removed. Glycyrrhizin is responsible for many of the adverse side effects of licorice, such as increased blood pressure and reduced potassium levels. DGL retains the beneficial components of licorice, making it a popular natural remedy for gastrointestinal issues, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Mechanism of Action:
Mucosal Protection: DGL promotes the production of mucus in the esophagus and stomach, which can help protect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract from acid damage.
Benefits of Using DGL for GERD:
Anti-inflammatory Effects: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the esophagus caused by acid reflux.
Healing Properties: DGL may promote healing of the esophageal lining, reducing irritation and pain associated with GERD.
Reduced Side Effects: By removing glycyrrhizin, DGL eliminates many of the adverse side effects associated with licorice, such as hypertension and electrolyte imbalances.
FLORA Recommendation: FLORA recommends DGL 400mg 10:1 Extract by Natural Factors. Use my Fullscript storefront for a 10% discount on this product!
The question is: Are you using the right supplements (in the right way) for YOU to help you find long-lasting relief from Reflux, GERD, or LPR?
While supplements can be a beneficial tool in a reflux-relief journey, true healing requires a multifaceted approach incorporating diet, lifestyle, and nervous system regulation to meet your individual needs and uncover your root cause.
Working with a trusted healthcare provider can ensure you are using the correct supplements to help you get the most out of your supplement protocol, both financially and medicinally!
If you are ready to find relief from reflux symptoms with an evidence-based, personalized plan, apply for a 1:1 consult with one of expert Reflux Dietitians to begin your journey!
Written by Molly Pelletier, MS, RD, LDN | Molly Pelletier is a Registered Dietitian specializing in acid reflux/GERD/LPR/IBS and a leading voice in nutrition for acid reflux. Molly's background in nutrition science and her personal health journey with GERD culminated in the curation of FLORA Nutrition, where she shares evidence-based tools and strategies to help others recover from reflux and optimize their overall well-being. Follow Molly on Social Media @mollypelletier.rd on all platforms | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest |
Blog co-created with FLORA Team Member & MS Nutrition/Public Health, Jacqueline Gilpin
References
https://www.pharmaexcipients.com/news/alginates-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-treatment/
https://refluxraft.com/?sca_ref=4642612.ztQEw4j4AT
