Licorice root, otherwise known as DGL is a natural herb that is used in many applications. It is also known as Yashti-Madhu, sweet root, Spanish licorice and Glycyrrhiza glabra. All forms are available widely on and off line. Licorice root is a natural supplement with expectorant properties. This can help with the release of damaged mucous lining caused by GERD which is why licorice root and acid reflux disease are sometimes mentioned together. With some properties of cortisone and estrogen, it also helps the body deal with stress.
Stress has not been shown to actually cause acid reflux, but it does typically heighten the symptoms to an extent. On the other hand, studies have shown that relaxation or stress relieving drugs, vitamins or minerals can significantly decrease the intensity of the symptoms. By process, since licorice root helps us deal with stress, it tends to keep the body in a more relaxed state. This lessens the effects of GERD.
Licorice root is chemically known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL. Most of it is produced in Greece, Turkey and Asia. It has been used for centuries as a folk treatment for many disorders including acid reflux disease. Many users say that it is pleasant to take as it has a naturally pleasing flavor. This makes DGL a favorite of many sufferes looking for relief from their symptoms.
Licorice root as an acid reflux disease remedy is not used as a cure, but as a pain reliever. Regular dosing of licorice is said to lessen the pain of GERD symptoms during flare ups. So by default, it is a preventive measure as well. Patients who use licorice root report that usually once a day is sufficient, but twice daily might be called for in severe cases. Licorice root is not normally used in cases where there is already severe damage to the esophagus lining. It is more widely used in sufferers with mild symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.
The important thing to know here is that using licorice root, with it's natural properties, is a good way to lessen the effects of GERD before they occur. DGL seems to have some effect on gastric acid production as well since it is widely used in the treatment of some types of stomach ulcers. In Japan, physicians have prescribed a man-made form of licorice to treat ulcer patients. While this treatment is not available in the USA, it has had some profound results in Japan.
A study was done on 100 patients that had not improved with conventional treatments. These patients were given the synthetic licorice for 6 weeks. Of these, 90 percent showed a pointed improvement. In 22 cases, the ulcers disappeared completely.
So even as a folk remedy or in a synthetic form, DGL or licorice root is shown to be effective as a pain reliever for GERD symptoms, as an effective preventive therapy and as an acid production reducer. All of these are good omens for the GERD sufferer.
As always, you should consult your physician before starting on a regimen of licorice root in any form. Some allergic reactions have been reported as well. So, to be safe, talk to your doctor to find out if a licorice root - acid reflux disease remedy is right for you.
Our overall health can be influenced by lifestyle choices to a surprising degree. Acid reflux is one of those areas, and if your doctor has diagnosed this condition, you will want to investigate how you can control the symptoms as much as possible to live more comfortably. The disease won't easily go away, unfortunately, but its effects can be tamed and sometimes prevented by making a few lifestyle changes. The following seven tips are a great place to start.
1. Reduce Meal Sizes
If you typically eat three big meals a day, try adjusting your schedule to taking six small daily meals instead. This can help to prevent you from overeating. When your stomach gets too full, there is an increased amount of gastric pressure. Overeating is a major cause of acid reflux flare-ups, so stick to smaller meals and give your stomach a break. Eating more slowly can also help to reduce your discomfort.
2. No Bedtime Snacks
Don't eat or drink anything for at least two hours before going to bed. If you typically take an afternoon nap, try doing it in a chair. Lying down on a full stomach will cause the contents of your stomach to press against the lower esophagus, increasing the chances of acid reflux.
3. Choose Foods Carefully
Acid reflux can be triggered by a host of common foods and beverages. They either increase acid production, and thus gastric pressure, or relax the lower esophagus muscle, leading to the reflux. Foods that trigger your own heartburn should certainly be avoided. Write down a list of what you know cause this in you, perhaps spicy foods, juice or citrus foods, coffee, and so on. These irritate the esophagus lining in many people. Especially at dinner, avoid these foods and you can avoid nighttime heartburn. If you don't have a list of heartburn suspects, keep a record for a couple of weeks to keep track of foods to avoid.
4. Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol
Another smart step in reducing acid reflux is avoiding alcohol consumption. Alcohol has two problems: it creates stomach acid, and relaxes the muscle of the lower esophagus. When relaxed, that muscle can allow stomach contents to reflux back into the esophagus. Consuming very small amounts of alcohol might be okay, but keep an eye on your reactions. And stop smoking as soon as you can if you have digestion problems. Along with dozens of other health concerns, smoking stimulates production of stomach acid, and of course that leads to greater acid reflux symptoms.
5. Sleep Smart
The basic laws of gravity apply here. If you sleep with your head higher than your torso, the contents of your stomach are more likely to stay where they belong. Purchase a wedge-shaped pillow to keep your head and shoulders elevated. You can also try propping the legs of your bed with bricks or blocks to create an incline. Adjustable beds are also excellent choices.
6. Loosen Up the Waistband
Tight clothing can constrict your stomach, squeezing food in your stomach against your lower esophagus. Of course, we know where this will lead! So loosen that belt, or buy clothing with adjustable waistlines or elastic support. Be free and loose, and your stomach will thank you.
7. Get More Relaxed
Stress may not have a close relationship with heartburn, at least researchers have not found one yet, but it still may be implicated in acid reflux. Stress may be more of a precursor to the problem. In any case, it is a good idea to use relaxation techniques to help reduce stress, and help you avoid heartburn inducing behavior.
Some health conditions aren't caused by a single factor; they're the result of many factors making up one big problem. Trying various lifestyle changes can add up to big relief from chronic acid reflux.
Both Lee Dobbins & Fallon Cullerne are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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