If it is taken in a capsule form or during a meal, it simply mixes in with the stomach contents and will not form a raft. In order for the alginate to do its job, it has to be taken after a meal in either a chewable tablet or liquid preparation. As the alginate complex makes its way through the intestinal tract the alginate is partially digested and behaves as other dietary fibers until it is finally passed out of the body. When taken with natural buffering agents like calcium carbonate, the alginate produces a very effective “raft” that floats on top of the stomach contents to block the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Alginate has a unique ability to hold upwards of 200-300 times its own weight in water, making it a naturally gelling substance. AlginateĪlginate, also called alginic acid, is a dietary fiber found in the cell walls of brown algae. Have Gas And Feeling Bloated? Here's What Your Gut Is Telling You: Read more. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if suffering from active peptic ulcer, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. The product should contain the enzyme pepsin or a fungal protease to digest protein as well.Ī Note on Safety: Do not take HCL on an empty stomach, take it after a few bites of food.

The recommended adult dosage for HCL replacement therapy is one or two 500 mg capsules with meals up to three times daily. Fortunately, taking HCL as a dietary supplement can help supply what the body may not be producing. 1 In addition to heartburn, lack of HCL often produces gas and bloating within 30 minutes after eating. Some studies have found the low output of stomach HCL in over half of those over age 60. The ability to secrete gastric acid tends to decrease with age. Betaine hydrochloride (HCL)īetaine hydrochloride (HCL) can help if the cause of heartburn or indigestion is a lack of gastric hydrochloric acid (HCL) secretion. The recommended single dosage is 500 to 1,000 mg.ĥ Ways to Benefit More From Calcium Supplements: Read more. CalciumĬalcium carbonate and calcium citrate can be used as antacids for occasional relief of heartburn. There are several natural products with proven clinical benefit in improving heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion: 1. ‌‌ ‌‌8 Natural Supplements For Heartburn, Acid Reflux, And Indigestion Symptoms can be particularly bad when a person is lying down. The common thread among these factors is that they decrease the lower esophageal sphincter tone. The reflux can also be caused by cigarette smoking, chocolate, fried foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, caffeine, and drugs for high blood pressure, antidepressants, hormones, antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, and bisphosphonates.

The reflux is composed of acid, bile, pepsin, and other enzymes that lead to damage or irritation of the esophagus.

With the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, there is a reflux of stomach contents up into the esophagus. It can also be the result of overeating or poor digestive function. Sometimes the dysfunction is due to mechanical factors, such as a hiatal hernia, pregnancy, or obesity. Most often the reflux is due to the altered function of a circular valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux are most often caused by the flow of gastric juices up the esophagus leading to a burning discomfort that radiates upwards and is made worse by lying down. In addition to heartburn, symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion can include difficulty swallowing, feelings of pressure or heaviness after eating, sensations of bloating after eating, and stomach or abdominal pains and cramps. Heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion are common terms used to label upper digestive issues that are not related to an ulcer.

Natural remedies for heart burn