Anti-Acid Reflux Formula is a natural formula to fight acid reflux, delivered in vegetarian capsules, to support gut health. Nutritional supplements can be really valuable in combatting acid reflux, especially when they combine substances that have been the subject of rigorous scientific scrutiny.

Why choose Anti-Acid Reflux Formula?

There are three main benefits to choosing this nutritional approach to treating acid reflux and reducing its associated risks.

• All the ingredients included in this formulation are from natural sources.
• The effects of each of them are well-documented by science.
• They complement each other synergistically, and so constitute an optimal reflux remedy.

It’s thought that between 20% and 30% of Western populations may be affected by acid reflux and most of them ignore their condition. Yet in the long term, this decision may prove very costly to their health. Taking Anti-Acid Reflux Formula will not only improve day-to-day symptoms (at least in terms of heartburn and cough) but it will also prevent the development of ulcers, cancer and chronic inflammation.

Where reflux is more resistant, it may be advisable to combine it with digestive enzymes that are free from protease (which irritates the stomach), as well as with probiotics that contain at least 5 billion active organisms (especially Lactobacillus acidofilus bifidus) or a curcuma supplement such as Super Curcuma, available to buy at Supersmart.

What is Gastroesophageal reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux is the term for what happens when part of the stomach’s contents – especially highly acidic gastric juices - travel back up the oesophagus. This disorder causes what is referred to as heartburn (though it is actually oesophagus burn). If it persists over the long-term, the consequences can be more serious: since the oesophagus wall is unable to withstand the acidity, it results in chronic inflammation with the potential for more serious damage (particularly ulcers).

Why look to nutritional supplements to treat acid reflux?

It is a common and persistent problem which often proves resistant to conventional medicine. Most of the time, treatment involves the use of substances ranging from simple antacids (such as chewable calcium carbonate or bicarbonate tablets) to more active medications such as Maalox® or Gaviscon®, as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which directly counteract the production of acid by the stomach. Another option is H2 antihistamines which by blocking certain receptors in the stomach, reduce acid secretion and thus regurgitation. These remedies are very widely used but they all involve adverse side-effects, and in particular, increase the risk of osteoporosis-induced fractures.

What could be masked by the symptoms?

The symptoms of gastric acidity may seem harmless, but they can sometimes mask or lead to a gastric ulcer. It is therefore very important to treat reflux as soon as it develops. Heartburn can cause other symptoms such as a chronic cough, a husky voice, digestive problems, inflammation with lesions (ulcers or wounds), narrowing of the oesophagus (peptic stenosis), problems swallowing, laryngospasm and even cancer of the oesophagus.

What are the possible causes of acid reflux?

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.

What are the benefits associated with Anti-Acid Reflux Formula?

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.

Part of Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine for centuries, Curcuma is traditionally used to stimulate digestion and treat digestive problems. It also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To improve uptake and absorption of curcumin, our dietary supplement Super Curcuma in vegetarian capsules, has been formulated to be 29 times more bioavailable than a traditional product, now available to buy at Supersmart. In order to take advantage of Curcuma’s benefits, we recommended a dose of 1 to 2 capsules a day.

What is Curcuma?

Originating from South Asia, Curcuma, or turmeric, is a perennial herbaceous plant and a member of the ginger family. It is particularly valued for its rhizomes (the underground parts) from which the yellow-orange spice is obtained. Though the spice is primarily known as a culinary ingredient, Curcuma also has a number of health benefits.

How does Super Curcuma work?

This supplement acts primarily by increasing bile secretion, thus facilitating digestion. As a result of its therapeutic benefits, Curcuma has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. Researchers have succeeded in isolating the substances responsible for Curcuma’s many benefits – curcuminoids – of which curcumin is the most abundant in Curcuma and the best-documented in the scientific literature. Curcumin is recognised for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As an antioxidant, Curcuma helps combat free radicals, the reactive molecules responsible for cellular ageing.

What do studies say about Curcuma?

Given Curcuma’s many properties, scientists are investigating its use in the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases. While results are still awaited, there is evidence to suggest Curcuma may have a role in treating certain inflammatory diseases and arthritis. Other studies are also underway on the spice’s anti-cancer properties and potential for preventing some forms of cancer. Additional research is currently in progress which will hopefully reveal all Curcuma’s secrets. See also our article 5 good reasons to consume turmeric.

Buy Super Curcuma to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties.