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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - Supplements
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Put a freeze on frequent heartburn. Find out if GERD may be causing that uncomfortable burning sensation, then care for the symptoms. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Try a little licorice
Support mucous-membrane healing by chewing 250 to 500 mg of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) before meals and bedtime.
- Kick unhealthy habits
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol to ease irritation that could lead to cancer of the esophagus.
- Uncover the irritants
Experiment with your diet to find out what triggers the discomfort; high-fat foods, spicy foods, peppermint, spearmint, chocolate, and acidic beverages are all potential culprits.
- Schedule your meals
Avoid eating prior to exercise and right before bedtime to reduce symptoms.
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.
- Slim down
Aim for a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing GERD.
- Don’t overdo alcohol
Avoid excessive alcohol use that weakens the esophageal sphincter and increases the risk of GERD symptoms.
- Address your stress
To reduce the impact of stress on GERD risk, find a program that includes group counseling, instruction in coping skills, relaxation training, and other helpful techniques for stress reduction.
- Keep your kid smoke-free
Avoid exposing your infant child to secondhand smoke, as it has been linked with GERD.
- Check your child for allergies
See a health professional to find out if your infant child has allergies to milk or other proteins that can increase the risk of GERD.
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.
Also indexed as:
- acid reflux,
- gastroesophageal reflux,
- gastroesophageal reflux disease,
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
- GERD,
- reflux,
- reflux disease,
- reflux esophagitis,
- stomach acid reflux
About this treatment
What Are "Star" Ratings?
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Chewable DG Licorice | Chew 250 to 500 mg DGL daily before meals and bedtime | Chewing deglycyrrhizinated licorice may help mucous membranes heal. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Aloe | Refer to label instructions | Aloe is a soothing herb traditionally used to treat reflux and heartburn. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Betaine Hydrochloride | Refer to label instructions | Hydrochloric acid is sometimes recommended by practitioners of natural medicine in the hope that improved digestion will help prevent reflux. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Bladderwrack | Refer to label instructions | Bladderwrack is a soothing herb traditionally used to treat reflux and heartburn. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Marshmallow | Refer to label instructions | Mashmallow is a soothing herb traditionally used to treat reflux and heartburn. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Slippery Elm | Refer to label instructions | Slippery elm is a soothing herb traditionally used to treat reflux and heartburn. |
| ||
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
Learn more about Aisle7, the company.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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