A Simple Reflux Protocol To Hopefully Bring You Quick Relief

The following is a simple reflux protocol that I used many years ago and have used with great success with my clients.

Why I Recommend These Three Supplements in Combination to Relieve Your Reflux Quickly!

Zinc carnosine is a combination of the mineral zinc and the amino acid carnosine, and it is regarded as one of the best supplements for addressing stomach issues. Zinc carnosine particularly benefits individuals experiencing stomach discomfort due to ulcers, H. pylori dysbiosis, or gastritis. This supplement directly repairs your stomach and intestinal tissues without irritating them, even when taken on an empty stomach. The zinc carnosine chelation achieves this by slowing down the absorption and elimination of zinc, allowing it to act locally within the stomach and esophagus when refluxed into it. Zinc carnosine also protects the stomach lining from opportunistic H. pylori infections and damage caused by NSAIDs, which can lead to ulcers. Furthermore, it has improved the integrity of your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Your LES prevents stomach contents from backing up into your esophagus, which prevents reflux.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are essential for regulating inflammation throughout your body, including your digestive tract. Proper intake of omega-3s is vital for restoring gut health and reducing the inflammation that contributes to reflux symptoms. By reducing systemic inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate the irritation and damage to your esophageal mucosal lining commonly associated with chronic reflux. These fatty acids also help regulate the endocannabinoid system, which controls inflammation and calms an overactive inflammatory Th1 immune response. From a gut health perspective, omega-3 ingestion improves the microbiome by increasing the colony-forming units of beneficial probiotic bacteria, including Bifidobacteria, Lachnospiraceae, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Akkermansia muciniphila. Akkermansia muciniphila, a Gram-negative probiotic bacterium, helps preserve the mucosal lining of our entire intestinal tract, including our esophagus, reducing esophageal inflammation and reflux symptoms. Finally, some omega-3 fatty acid supplements contain lemon oil, which contains D-limonene, which is also anti-inflammatory and has been shown to reduce reflux symptoms. Use caution if you are allergic to fish, are taking blood-thinning medication, suffer from bile reflux, histamine intolerance, or mast cell activation issues.

Magnesium malate is especially important for individuals experiencing fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome, as magnesium supplementation can increase levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), essential for cellular energylood-thinning Malic acid, the chelating agent in magnesium malate, has also been shown to increase cellular ATP levels. Beyond its energy benefits, magnesium malate plays a broader role in digestive health. Proper magnesium supplementation also helps prevent constipation, which increases intraabdominal pressure and reflux. General magnesium supplementation is crucial for maintaining LES health and can aid in alleviating symptoms associated with an improperly functioning LES, allowing it to relax properly when needed. Magnesium also supports lower esophageal sphincter function by regulating calcium influx in smooth muscle cells, which increases LES resting pressure and reduces inappropriate transient relaxations. Finally, the added malic acid in magnesium malate also supports proper bile production and release, which may benefit individuals with poor liver and gallbladder function, improving upper gut digestion and relieving reflux.

General Reflux Protocol for Quick Relief!

Drink only room-temperature water during meals, and do not overeat. I would consume only up to ten ounces of water a meal. Most of your liquid consumption should be between meals and when you first wake up. Eat three meals daily and try not to snack if possible to help maintain proper motility.

Chew your food well while eating, mainly if it contains carbohydrates (to mix well with the bit of salivary amylase we produce). The more you masticate your food, the less work your digestive system has to do.

Do not consume piping hot food or liquid that inflames our delicate upper digestive system tissue when swallowed. Let your food cool off before ingesting it.

Ingesting mint and chocolate can relax your LES and worsen reflux.

Sleep on your left side at night to prevent reflux. Sleeping on our left side or back prevents a lack of LES tone and helps maintain proper anatomical position. If you cannot tolerate sleeping on your left side, sleep on your right side; do not sleep on your stomach, as it increases gastrointestinal pressure. Some people notice relief from sleeping on a wedge pillow or elevating the front of their bed. Do not eat food at least three hours before bed. Finally, practice good sleep hygiene. Melatonin endogenous production is vital for proper LES health.

Increased endogenous vitamin D production helps most people with reflux symptoms. I cannot stress the importance of this advice; it has made the most significant difference in my life and those I have coached who have made the lifestyle changes. If you live in an area where it is difficult to be exposed to sunlight or UV-B, a UV-B-producing tanning bed or supplementation might be needed. Check your 25-hydroxy and 1-25 hydroxy levels to see if your vitamin D levels are within range.

Walking for thirty minutes daily helps relieve reflux symptoms and improve digestion.

I recommend taking these supplements with every meal, at a max of three times daily:

Doctor’s Best zinc carnosine – two capsules with a meal.

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega – three softgels with a meal.

Designs For Health magnesium malate – two capsules with a meal.

Taking betaine HCL at the start of meals can help improve reflux symptoms. However, it should be used with caution if you are suffering from silent reflux.

If you need greater relief, I recommend taking two digestive enzyme capsules every meal. Some digestive enzymes can irritate the lining of your esophagus if you reflux; stop them if they make you reflux worse. Use with caution if you are suffering from an ulcer or gastritis.

Consider taking one dose of Reflux Raft before bed.