GERD Be Gone: Supplement Guide

For most of us who suffer from acid reflux or GERD, treatment options usually go like this…

• Occasional heartburn–>
• Pop a Tums–>
• More regular heartburn–>
• Talk to doctor–>
• Trial of OTC medicine like Zantac–>
• A year goes by and symptoms continue–>
• Talk to doctor, again–>
• Start a medicine like Prilosec–>
• A few years go by and symptoms continue–> 

As much as medication is often helpful for short-term relief, it is not intended or even safe for long-term GERD treatment. While there are a number of diet and lifestyle approaches that are helpful, I also safely and effectively use a number of high-grade supplements with many of clients. Below is my guide to addressing GERD with supplements:

1. Betaine (trimethylglycine) Hydrochloric Acid(C₅H₁₂NO₂Cl) with Pepsin:

   • Purpose:
     • Provides the body with extra acid and a protein-breakdown enzyme, pepsin to help improve overall digestive function. The stomach already produces acid to help break down food, protect the body from harmful bacteria, and improve absorption of certain nutrients.
   • Used for Those With:
     • Allergies, asthma, gallstones, rheumatoid arthritis and a variety of other condition, which are often associated with low levels of stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). By using this product with meals, protein breakdown improves and there is less likelihood of developing food sensitivities. However, use this product only if you have been diagnosed or suspect hypochlorhydria. 
   • Adverse Effects:
     • This product is derived from beets (vegetarian) and is typically considered safe, except for those with gastric or duodenal ulcers, as it may cause irritation. Do not use this product if you use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cortisone-like drugs, that could cause peptic ulcers.
   • How to Use:
     • Take one or more tablets or capsules, each 5–10 grains (325–650 mg), with a the start of a meal that contains protein.

2. Broad-Spectrum Digestive Enzymes:

   • Purpose: 
     • Helps assist the body in breaking down foods including carbohydrates, proteins and fats. You may see a variety of different types of enzymes in your product. They all typically will end in “-ase” such as lipase, amylase, lactase, protease, etc.
     • Your body naturally produces these compounds. However, supplemental enzymes help those who may produce insufficient amounts.
   • Use for Those With: 
     • Pancreatic enzyme insufficiencies or deficiencies
   • Adverse Effects:
     • Occasional reports of diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea
   • How to Use: 
     • There are various formulations that each contain different types of enzymes in different doses.  Low versus high enzyme strength is typically measured based on the lipase (fat digesting) content. Typically, use 1 to 2 capsules at the start of a meal. 

3. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) and other demulcent herbs:

   • Purpose: 
     • Demulcent herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root help to sooth and protect irritated and inflamed tissue by releasing gummy/slimy film (mucilage) that coats the surface of contacted surfaces such as the esophagus and stomach
   • Use for Those With:
     • Heartburn, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
   • Adverse Effects: 
     • Make sure to use the deglycyrrhizinated licorice as regular licorice root may lead to increased blood pressure (sodium retention and potassium loss) and edema. Licorice normally contains a chemical called glycyrrhizic acid. However, DGL does not contain glycyrrhizic acid and therefore is considered safer.
     • Additionally, these herbs may slow the absorption of certain drugs so talk with your doctor before starting use.
   • How to Use: 
     • There are various formulations of these herbals, but it is best to consume them as a chewable or powder/liquid form. As you swallow these formulas, the herbs coats the mouth and esophagus. It is best to use this supplement prior to a meal, but you can also use them after if heartburn persists.

4. Turmeric:

   • Purpose: 
     • Helps to protect against gastric ulcers by blocking histamine (H2) receptors and increases mucus production around the stomach wall.
     • Turmeric is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent throughout the entire body.
     • Turmeric may assist with gastric motility, preventing food from sitting in the stomach for too long, which may trigger GERD symptoms.
   • Use for Those With: 
     • Inflammatory conditions, GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), gastroparesis
   • Adverse Effects: 
     • There is preliminary evidence that turmeric benefits those with dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease. At high doses or with prolonged use, turmeric may cause stomach irritation so more research is needed.
   • How to Use: 
     • Although turmeric root or powder is typically poorly absorbed in the bloodstream, this type of formulation is ideal when addressing gastrointestinal issues. Use 2-4 grams of turmeric root either as ground turmeric root or as turmeric root tea. Capsule form is also available.

5. Peppermint Oil: 

   • Purpose: 
     • This herb speeds up the early phase of gastric emptying, increases relaxation time of the pyloric valve, and decreases the resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure.
     • It also has a cooling and soothing effect on the body,
   • Use for Those With:
     • GERD, IBS, nausea
   • Adverse Effects: 
     • Heartburn might actually be a side effect for some taking oral peppermint oil so use with caution. Check out this article to learn more. 
   • How to Use: 
     • Use enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules. This form of the supplement helps protect the body from undesired gastrointestinal side effects including stomach irritation and heartburn. Using peppermint oil in combination with caraway oil may offer additional benefit.

6. Iberogast: 

   • Purpose: 
     • STW 5 (Iberogast) is a formulation that includes nine botanicals: Iberis amara, Matricaria chamomilla, Carum carvi, Mentha piperita, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Melissa officinalis, Chelidonium majus, Silybum marianum, and Angelica archangelica.
     • It increases the motility of the stomach, helps to restore gut functioning, and is shown to reduce the severity and frequency of GERD symptoms
   • Use for Those With:
     • IBS, GERD, indigestion, gastroparesis
   • Adverse Effects:
     • Very high safety profile
   • How to Use: 
     • Adults should use 20-drops of this herbal formula three times per day or with meals

In Conclusion:

The world of supplements is often a confusing one! If you need help navigating supplements to help address acid reflux, GERD, gastrointestinal symptoms, or other conditions, then let’s get started working together.