Unfortunately, in most reflux sufferers, there is a fault in the muscle that lies between the oesophagus and the stomach, called the lower oesophageal sphincter. This muscle is only supposed to open to allow consumed food to pass through, but in the case of reflux, it opens at inappropriate times and allows gastric juices to flow back towards the oesophagus. But this defect can also be aggravated or caused by a number of recognised factors:

• Dietary allergies and errors.
• Weakness in the stomach mucosa.
• Pregnancy.
• Stress.
• Hereditary predisposition.
• Trauma to the stomach area.
• Excess weight.
• Smoking.

Potassium carbonate and bicarbonate

Easy to absorb, effective and inexpensive, these are used as standard therapy for neutralising excess acidity. Commercially available antacids often contain calcium carbonate and it is often thought that it is the calcium which provides the antacid effect, whereas in actual fact, it is the carbonates which have alkalinising properties that combat gastric hyperacidity.

Liquorice root

It’s no coincidence that liquorice is traditionally used to treat digestive problems. Studies show that it stimulates the production of mucous by the stomach and boosts its natural protection against digestive secretions and certain drugs - provided it is free of glycyrrhizic acid (a compound that can raise blood pressure). This is indeed the case with the extract in Anti-Acid Reflux Formula and in DGL, a supplement designed to relieve dyspepsia.

Other research has shown that deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) prevents Helicobacter pylori bacteria, the principal cause of peptic ulcers, from adhering to the stomach wall, an effect similar to that of H.Pylori Fight. Another study of around 100 subjects showed that DGL also has an anti-ulcer effect comparable to that of Tagamet ®, a type 2 antihistamine. Lastly, it is also known to stimulate the growth of gastric and intestinal mucosa cells, while increasing blood flow and reducing muscle spasms.

Magnesium glycinate

This is a bioavailable and highly active form of magnesium which helps prevent oesophageal and stomach muscles from contracting.

Zinc carnosine

This equal parts combination of zinc and carnosine works synergistically. The zinc helps modify secretion of cytokines and combats intestinal inflammation and impairment of the stomach’s immune defences. For its part, the L-Carnosine maximises zinc’s activity at the site of inflammation and in particular, enables it to adhere to gastric mucosa cells. It is also found in the supplement Zinc L-carnosine 37.5 mg.

Extract of orange peel (D-limonene)

Currently the subject of extensive research, D-limonene is a monoterpene compound found abundantly in the peel of citrus fruits (oranges, mandarins, lemons …). Apart from its fruity fragrance, it is recognised for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and muscle-relaxant properties, while the latest research shows it is able to induce apoptosis and thus has an anti-tumour effect. It also stimulates gastric motility and protects against ulcers.

Red elm (Ulmus fulva)

Long-used by Native Americans to treat irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract, this plant was subsequently adopted by European colonialists. Today, its bark is known to contain a large amount of mucilage which primarily accounts for its therapeutic virtues.

Buy Anti-Acid Reflux Formula capsules to fight acid reflux.

This product’s capsules are made of pullulan, a natural polysaccharide obtained by fermenting tapioca or corn. Pullulan contains no animal ingredients and provides an excellent barrier to oxygen, helping to preserve the integrity of the capsule’s ingredients. It is also an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials.

This product’s capsules are composed of HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), a plant substance derived from cellulose. HPMC is widely used for medicines and dietary supplements. It contains no animal ingredients, is recognised as safe by health authorities and is considered more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.