Remedies That Can Help Neutralise Acid Reflux
Various acid reflux treatments are available – each with their own benefits and potential side effects.
You should always consult a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist or a doctor, before taking any new medication or supplements.
Below, we detail some natural remedies for acid reflux before moving onto over-the-counter supplements and medications.
Probiotics for Acid Reflux
Probiotics are live microscopic organisms (microorganisms) that are good for your gut and include ‘friendly’ bacteria.
Probiotic foods include fermented dairy like yoghurt and kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Probiotics are also available as supplements, in powder or capsule form.
Some studies have suggested that both supplements and probiotic foods may help relieve heartburn and acid reflux. However, further research is necessary before we know for sure if probiotics are helpful and if so, in what dose.
Ginger for Acid Reflux
Ginger can help soothe the irritation caused by acid reflux but does not neutralise or reduce acid production. Ginger could be included in your diet to potentially help reduce the frequency of heartburn flare-ups over time.
Ginger also helps food move along in the intestines, improving digestion. This makes it a popular home remedy for acid reflux and for many other gastrointestinal disorders.
You can consume ginger as a tea, add raw ginger to smoothies, or cook with it. There are also ginger supplements available. However, in some cases consuming ginger can have some side effects, especially in large amounts. There isn’t enough research available on the consumption of ginger for acid reflux.
So, it’s best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking ginger supplements, particularly if you’re pregnant.
Sodium Bicarbonate for Acid Reflux
Sodium bicarbonate, known popularly as baking soda, is an antacid that can provide relief by neutralising stomach acid and raising the stomach’s pH levels. The compound is a popular active ingredient in antacid medication.
You should always follow the instructions on the packaging and ensure you don’t take too much. Sodium bicarbonate shouldn’t be taken for long-term relief. Taking too much for too long can have serious side effects. You should always consult with your pharmacist or doctor before you start taking baking soda for acid reflux, particularly if you’re over 60 years old, are on a low-sodium diet, or are taking other medications. You should also avoid taking it at all if you’re pregnant.
Liquorice for Acid Reflux
Liquorice root can help reduce stomach acid and acid reflux. It contains a compound that inhibits an enzyme involved in stomach acid production. Liquorice is available as dried root infusions, decoctions, and powders.
Liquorice for acid reflux is also available as a processed liquorice extract called deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL). DGL is a supplement commonly used for treating stomach ulcers, heartburn, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In DGL, the molecule glycyrrhizin is removed from the liquorice root during processing. The resulting extract has many beneficial plant compounds called flavonoids.
Too much liquorice root (more than 3 grams/day for more than 6 weeks) can cause side effects like:
- sodium and water retention
- high blood pressure
- low potassium
However, DGL is considered safer and with fewer side effects than liquorice root. Still, like with any supplement, it’s best to speak with your healthcare professional or pharmacist before taking DGL.
Antacids
Antacids are over-the-counter medications that provide relief from the symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux. They work by neutralising excess stomach acid, raising your stomach’s pH levels and inhibiting pepsin, the enzyme that helps form the stomach acid.
Common examples of antacids include Gaviscon Double Action (a combination of alginic acid and an antacid). Many types of antacids are available with different active ingredients and different rates of effectiveness. The most common active ingredients in antacids are:
- Calcium carbonate
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Magnesium salts
- Aluminium salts
Read the instructions carefully before taking antacids. Usually, they’re most effective when taken with or after meals and before going to bed.
Alginates (Gaviscon)
Alginates are some of the most popular and widely available acid reflux remedies.
Medicines like Gaviscon are called alginates because they contain alginic acid as their main active ingredient (in addition to an antacid). Alginic acid is a compound obtained from seaweed that turns into a gel when it comes into contact with stomach acid. This gel forms a protective layer on top of the stomach, keeping food contents and stomach acid down; this stops or prevents acid reflux and the resulting heartburn. Studies have found alginates highly effective in relieving acid reflux symptoms.
Gaviscon Double Action also contains an antacid for extra relief. Gaviscon and other alginates are usually available over the counter as tablets or liquids. Some forms of Gaviscon may require a prescription, and children should only take Gaviscon if prescribed by a doctor.
Gaviscon is usually recommended several times a day, after meals and before bedtime. The medication offers fast relief, and the effects last up to 4 hours.
Although Gaviscon is generally well tolerated, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Tell your healthcare professional about any other conditions you may have or other drugs you may be taking.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered what helps acid reflux symptoms and explored relief remedies like probiotics, baking soda, ginger, liquorice, antacids, and alginates. However, these remedies are only suited for short-term use and should not be taken over a long period. Always consult a pharmacist or a physician before taking supplements for acid reflux or OTC medication, and if your symptoms persist, return to your physician.
To learn more about antacids or remedies for indigestion, read our articles. Explore the range of Gaviscon treatments here.
