Top 5 Supplements for GERD and Acid Reflux
Top 5 Supplements for GERD and Acid Reflux
Struggling with the discomfort of GERD and acid reflux? Finding relief might be as simple as exploring the world of supplements. These natural remedies have gained attention for their potential to alleviate symptoms and promote better digestive health. In this post, we’ll delve into the top 5 supplements for GERD and Acid Reflux that could offer you some much-needed relief.
Natural Supplements for Acid Reflux
Here at The GERD Chef, we firmly believe that lifestyle and diet changes are the cornerstones of managing and healing GERD naturally. Without making those kinds of changes, lasting relief just isn’t realistic.
As the old saying goes “keep doing what you’ve been doing and you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting.”
Taking natural supplements for GERD and Acid Reflux is a key part of a healthy strategy for healing. Modern science as well as ancient healing traditions have given us a wealth of knowledge about herbs, vitamins, and superfoods that address GERD symptoms.
Here is a list of the top 5 supplements for GERD and acid reflux that have worked for me and that I’ve gotten great feedback on from other reflux sufferers.
Top 5 Supplements for GERD and Acid Reflux
This unique formula has been around for almost 30 years. While many supplements focus on acid reduction, this one focuses on the root of the problem.
We’ve written before about the critical role that the Lower Esophageal Sphincter plays in reflux issues. Once it gets compromised, reflux is inevitable.
Dr. Barry’s Hiatal Health focuses on soothing and healing the esophagus itself. Ingredients like milk thistle, manganese, and quercetin focus on tissue strength, collagen production, and reducing inflammation. If you know you’ve got a hiatal hernia contributing to reflux you definitely should check this one out.
The best results with this product are after consistent daily use for 4 weeks or so. While some people have quick results, the reality is that it took time to damage your esophagus so it will take time to heal.
Here’s a recent Amazon review:
The papaya fruit contains an enzyme called papain. Papain is what’s known as a proteolytic enzyme. One of the ways they function is by breaking proteins into smaller peptides which makes digestion simpler. Simpler digestion requires less acid which means less chance of acid reflux.
We keep a bottle of papaya tablets on the table at my house. This makes it really simple to have a couple after each meal. If you’re someone that has to take a chewable antacid, you may try replacing it with this healthier alternative.
This Super Papaya product has a nice profile of other digestive enzymes included in the formula. Bonus, it contains chlorophyll and mint which make it a perfect breath freshener after meals!
The production of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach is critical for proper digestion. It also serves to protect your system from unwanted bacteria and fungi. Betaine HCL is a synthesized version that combines betaine, which acts like a B vitamin, with HCL. The result is an acid your stomach recognizes and is optimized for nutrient absorption.
Pepsin is an enzyme that is vitally important for digesting the proteins in meat, eggs, dairy, and nuts.
For those that know their reflux issues are connected with low stomach acid, this supplement can be a game changer.
Here’s a review:
Licorice root is an acid reflux remedy that’s been around for a long time. Unfortunately, it contains a compound called glycyrrhizin which can cause some side effects.
DGL stands for “deglycyrrhizinated licorice”, meaning the glycyrrhizin has been removed. All the healing benefits of licorice are retained without the problematic ingredient.
DGL has been shown to increase mucus production. While this may sound kind of gross, increased mucus acts as a protective lining in your stomach and esophagus.
For those that have connected their GERD issues with h-pylori, DGL has been shown to reduce this harmful bacteria.
I’ve found DGL to be really helpful if taken consistently. Like Dr. Barry’s Hiatal Health, it’s more for healing as opposed to immediate relief.
Ok, this may be an odd one, but stay with me. Most of us are familiar with melatonin and its connection with sleep. It is produced in the pineal gland in the brain and helps regulate sleep cycles. But, it’s also produced in the gut at levels 400x those in the brain. This indicates that it could be really important for digestion.
Studies have shown that melatonin has the ability to suppress excess acid production and also helps protect the GI lining from free radical damage.
For those that frequently are woken up by reflux symptoms, the sleep-regulating benefits of melatonin may be an added bonus.
The journey to reflux wellness is a difficult one. I hope that you find these 5 supplements for GERD and acid reflux beneficial.
I know how tough it is to make lifestyle changes and I know how slow the healing process can be. Stay with it! We believe that GERD can be treated naturally and we believe you deserve a life free of reflux.
Hopefully, these 5 supplements for GERD and acid reflux can help you on your journey!
Looking for more helpful resources? Try these…
Download our eBook, “How To Eat, Sleep, and Breathe Your Way To Less Acid Reflux”
7 Tips For Eating During The Holidays With GERD
Try one of our tasty low-acid recipes!
