What is the best natural supplement for acid reflux?

Heart burn or acid reflux is a condition that can go from an occasional feeling of chest pain to chronic pain due to stomach acid rising into the esophagus too often.

The 6 Common Causes of Acid Reflux

While the primary cause for acid reflux is the malfunction of the valve between the esophagus and the stomach, recent studies reveal there are other factors that contribute to this condition [1] such as:

1. Foods that promote acidity
2. Excessive alcohol consumption
3. Being overweight/obesity
4. Smoking
5. Pregnancy
6. Frequent use of painkillers

Some of these risk factors can be avoided with lifestyle changes and symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter drugs.  [3]

H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are prescription drugs that can be used when symptoms persist to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

In the most serious cases, surgery can be performed to strengthen the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach, which will prevent acid from flowing up. [2]

Why is it important to get treatment for acid reflux?

When not treated properly acid reflux leads to a decreased quality of life.

The symptoms can be different for each patient and can include in the most serious cases severe chest pain that mimics heart attack, narrowing of the esophagus, bleeding, emotional distress, and pre-cancerous lesions in the esophagus’ lining.  [2]

What are the risks of traditional treatments for acid reflux?

Even though the prescription and over the counter drugs might help with the alleviation of symptoms, there are some risks associated with taking medication for acid reflux.

An FDA study recently stated that the use of PPI can cause low magnesium levels, arrhythmias, seizures, greater risk for osteoporotic fractures, and cardiac birth defects when used during pregnancy. [4]

Another thing to consider is that these medications might not be treating the root cause of the problem. If anything, these medications only relieve the symptoms and doesn’t go about changing a person’s lifestyle to prevent acid reflux from occurring. 

What are natural supplement alternatives for treating acid reflux?

There are a variety of natural supplements that can minimize heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms for the long haul.

We care about our customers here at Phytocopeia, so we made a short list of the 5 best natural supplements for acid reflux. These can be taken alongside traditional medication as well.

1. Melatonin

Although melatonin is commonly known as a sleep hormone, it can also promote the increase in release of gastrin. Gastrin is responsible for contractility of the lower esophageal sphincter. This can offer long lasting relief with the bonus of improved sleep quality. [5]

 2. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria located in the digestive tract and play a key role in gut health and immune function.

When used by themselves, probiotics have been reported to reduce regurgitation and heartburn, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and gas. [6]

Moreover, probiotics can also be used simultaneously with drugs like esomeprazole and other PPIs to reduce abdominal symptoms of acid reflux and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth caused by the medication. [7]

 3. Alginate

Alginate supplements from Laminaria hyperborea contain sodium and sodium bicarbonate. They are especially effective treating mild symptoms and postprandial acid reflux, or acid reflux that occurs shortly after a meal.

They exhibit effects comparable to those of omeprazole and antacids in the elimination of heartburn and lowering frequency reflux episodes. They work by forming a physical barrier that floats on top of the stomach acid and prevents it from going up the esophagus.

Alginate supplements are safe for children and can be used long term. [8]

4. Turmeric (Micronized Curcumin)

Turmeric spice obtained from the Curcuma longa root is popular for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Even though it only contains 2-8% curcumin, which is the active ingredient, turmeric has still been reported to increase gastrin, secretin, and bicarbonate secretion, all of which help alleviate acid reflux and its associated symptoms.

Some studies have shown turmeric consumption can have potential in reducing and preventing inflammation of the esophagus after exposition to stomach acid. [9]

CurcumaPRO contains a micronized form of curcumin for maximum potency and absorption.

 5. Phytonutrients and other botanicals

There are 9 phytonutrient botanicals commonly used to treat acid reflux, each affecting the different portions of the stomach differently.

• German chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
• Clown’s mustard (bitter candy) (Iberis mara)
• Garden angelica (Anelica archangelica)
• Caraway (Carum carvi)
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Greater celandine (Chelidonium maius)
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Generally, these botanicals increase relaxation of the proximal stomach and increase motility in the distal portion. Basically, these herbs help with waste excretion.

A study reported these botanicals to have a 60% success rate in decreasing symptoms caused by acid reflux from severe to mild or absent. [9]

Other Natural Supplements for Acid Reflux

Some other recommendations might include:

• Flavonoids such as micronized resveratrol, quercetin, micronized Fisetin, and apigenin can help reduce esophageal damage during acid reflux events.
• Ginger supplements are known to help boost digestion and proper nutrient metabolism.
• Teas
• Apple cider vinegar

Although these might work for some people, it is important to keep in mind they might worsen symptoms for others if taken too often or in combination with other supplements.

The important thing when choosing a supplement is finding one that works for you and makes you feel better and does not generate other risks.

Final Words

Regardless of if you are treating your acid reflux exclusively with natural supplements or use them as a complement to your prescribed medical treatment, they will help improve your quality of life and prevent future complications.

With this in mind, and the approval of your doctor, you can choose the natural supplement that adjusts to your needs and start feeling better in no time.

References:

1. 8 Foods That Could Trigger Acid Reflux. (2022). Retrieved 6 April 2022, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/acid-reflux-food_n_2019932
2. Acid Reflux – American College of Gastroenterology. (2022). Retrieved 6 April 2022, from https://gi.org/topics/acid-reflux/
3. Clarrett DM, Hachem C. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.
4. (2022). Retrieved 6 April 2022, from https://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/PublicHealth/31076?utm_source=breaking-news&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking-news
5. Bang CS, Yang YJ, Baik GH. Melatonin for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease; protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Jan;98(4):e14241. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014241. PMID: 30681611; PMCID: PMC6358381.
6. Cheng J, Ouwehand AC. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Probiotics: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 2;12(1):132. doi: 10.3390/nu12010132. PMID: 31906573; PMCID: PMC7019778.
7. Sun QH, Wang HY, Sun SD, Zhang X, Zhang H. Beneficial effect of probiotics supplements in reflux esophagitis treated with esomeprazole: A randomized controlled trial. World J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(17):2110-2121. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i17.2110
8. Bor S, Kalkan İH, Çelebi A, et al. Alginates: From the ocean to gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2019;30(Suppl2):109-136. doi:10.5152/tjg.2019.19677
9. Berzofsky, C., Sandhaus, H. (2020). The Treatment of Reflux Disease: Standard and Alternative Approach. In: Zalvan, C.H. (eds) Laryngopharyngeal and Gastroesophageal Reflux. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48890-1_29