Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?

Answer:

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the backup of stomach acid into the esophagus and up toward the throat, causing symptoms of heartburn (acid in the esophagus), regurgitation, and indigestion. Some supplements and lifestyle modification can help relieve reflux. Conversely, some supplements, and many foods, can worsen reflux.

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In this article we discuss supplements including alginate, aloe vera gel syrup, alpha-lipoic acid, arginine, betaine hydrochloride, blessed thistle, caraway, chamomile, citrus bioflavonoids, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), DGL (de-glycyrrhizinated licorice), D-limonene, digestive enzymes, fennel, fish oil, ginger, glutamine, glycine, iron, L-alanine, L-tryptophan (and 5-hydroxytryptophan), magnesium, manuka honey, melatonin, menthol and menthol-containing products (such as mint-flavored toothpastes, mouthrinses and chewing gum), multivitamins, parsley, peppermint oil, probiotics, St. John’s wort, turmeric/curcumin, vitamins B-6 and C, zinc, and zinc carnosine (an ingredient in Acid Soothe), as well as diet changes, including apple cider vinegar, carbonated drinks, cocoa/chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, a ketogenic diet or low-carbohydrate diet, milk, onions, spicy foods, tea and water (including alkaline water).

Before you use supplements to reduce acid reflux symptoms, it is important that you rule out whether your symptoms are the result of other factors such as OTC or prescription medications (e.g., pain relievers), lifestyle issues (such as too much alcohol) or other gastrointestinal conditions (such as ulcers).