THE GUT PLACE

Occasional Heartburn? Supplements That May Help

That burning feeling behind your breastbone after a big dinner. The sour taste in the back of your throat when you lie down. If this sounds familiar, you are in good company. Heartburn is one of the most common digestive complaints in adults, and it can make it hard to enjoy a meal or get a good night’s sleep.

Many people reach for an antacid or an acid-reducing medication and never think about it again. But there is often more to the story. In this article, we look at what is happening when heartburn strikes, how your gut health may play a role, and which supplements, such as DGL chewables, aloe and probiotics, may support digestive comfort. You may also like our guide to 10 common heartburn mistakes and easy fixes.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that happens when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This backward flow is called acid reflux.

Normally, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), acts like a one-way door. It opens to let food into the stomach and then closes. When the LES relaxes at the wrong time, or when there is extra pressure on the stomach, acid can slip back up.

Occasional heartburn is common. When reflux happens often, or starts to damage the esophagus, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and it needs care from your healthcare provider.

When to call your provider

Please do not try to manage these symptoms on your own. Contact your healthcare provider if you have:

Heartburn more than twice a week, or symptoms that keep coming back
Trouble or pain with swallowing
Unexplained weight loss, vomiting, or black or bloody stools
Chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, sweating or pain spreading to your arm or jaw. Call 911, as this may be a heart problem.

How gut health may play a role

Your digestive system works as one connected system. Diet, stress, body weight, meal timing and the balance of bacteria in your gut can all affect how comfortable you feel after eating.

Some researchers have suggested that an imbalance of gut bacteria may contribute to extra gas and bloating, which can add pressure to the stomach.

It is also worth knowing that long-term use of acid-reducing medications can change the gut environment. If you have been taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for a long time, read our article on PPI overuse and risks. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own. Talk with your prescriber first, and click here for more in-depth information on how to safely deprescribe a PPI.

Supplements that may support digestive comfort

Not every supplement is right for every person. Quality, form and your own health history all matter. Here are the ones we are asked about most often.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria. They may help support a healthy balance of microbes in your gut. Different strains do different things, so a probiotic that works well for one person may not be the best choice for another. Our pharmacists often recommend a multi-strain, high-potency product such as Ortho Biotic. Click here for more in-depth information on the power of probiotics.

If you are seriously ill or have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking a probiotic.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)

DGL is licorice root that has had most of its glycyrrhizin removed. Glycyrrhizin is the compound in licorice that can raise blood pressure, lower potassium and, in large amounts, cause serious heart rhythm problems. DGL has traditionally been used to support the protective mucus lining of the stomach and esophagus. It usually comes as a chewable tablet taken around mealtimes. We carry Nature’s Way DGL Fructose Free, a sugar-free chewable made with GutGard® DGL.

Even though DGL is processed to remove glycyrrhizin, check with your provider first if you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or are pregnant.

L-glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. The cells lining your intestines use it as an energy source, and it is being studied for its role in supporting a healthy gut lining. It is found in foods such as eggs, beef, dairy and beans, and it is also sold as a powder or capsule. Ask our pharmacists about the professional-grade L-glutamine we offer to our patients.

Aloe vera

Aloe has a long history of traditional use for digestive comfort. If you try aloe, choose a product made for internal use from the inner leaf gel and labeled as decolorized or with the aloin removed. The outer part of the leaf contains aloin, a strong laxative, so we do not recommend cutting and eating gel straight from a houseplant. Our pharmacists often recommend Super Aloe from Ortho Molecular, a professional aloe formula made for internal use.

Berberine

Berberine is a natural compound found in plants such as goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape. It has been studied for its effects on gut bacteria and digestion. However, berberine can interact with many prescription medications, and it is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is best used only with guidance from your pharmacist or provider. Ortho Molecular’s CM Core combines berberine with alpha lipoic acid, and our pharmacists can help you decide whether it is a good fit.

Digestive enzymes

Some people feel heavy, full or bloated after meals. Digestive enzymes may support the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Browse our digestive enzymes category or ask a pharmacist which one fits your needs.

Simple habits that make a difference

Supplements work best alongside a few everyday habits. The National Institutes of Health recommends finishing meals two to three hours before lying down, losing weight if you are overweight, and avoiding the foods and drinks that bring on your symptoms. Research reviews also support raising the head of your bed for nighttime symptoms and quitting smoking.

Stress matters too. Long-term stress affects digestion and your stress hormone, cortisol. Click here for more in-depth information on the long-term effects of chronic stress.

How Coast to Coast Compounding can help

At Coast to Coast Compounding in Golden, Colorado, our pharmacists can:

Review your medications and supplements to look for anything that may be making heartburn worse, and check for interactions.
Help you choose a quality probiotic, such as Ortho Biotic, or products from our digestive enzymes category.
Work with your prescriber if you have questions about long-term acid-reducing medications.

Have a question? Request a call back from one of our knowledgeable pharmacists on our Ask a Pharmacist page.

Disclaimers

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Frequent heartburn can be a sign of GERD or another condition that needs medical care. Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting a supplement or making changes to your medications.

References

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults
Ness-Jensen E, et al. Lifestyle intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25956834/
Katz PO, et al. ACG clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34807007/
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Licorice Root. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licoriceroot
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: Usefulness and Safety. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-usefulness-and-safety