Best Supplements for Acid Reflux (2026)

Acid reflux and GERD affect roughly one in five adults, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and throat irritation that can disrupt daily life. While prescription PPIs and antacids provide short-term relief, many people are turning to natural supplements that address root causes — soothing the esophageal lining, supporting digestive function, and promoting a healthy gut barrier. Key ingredients like DGL licorice, zinc carnosine, alginates, slippery elm, and probiotics have clinical evidence for reducing reflux symptoms.

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Ingredient	Form	Best For	Rating
DGL Licorice Supplement	DGL Licorice Root	Powder/Capsules	Best Overall	9.5/10
Zinc L-Carnosine Complex 85mg	Zinc Carnosine + Digestive Blend	Capsules	Best for Gut Lining Repair	9.3/10
Reflux Gourmet Alginate Therapy	Seaweed-Based Alginate	Liquid	Best Fast-Acting Relief	9.2/10
BioSchwartz Digestive Enzymes	10 Essential Digestive Enzymes	Capsules	Best Digestive Enzymes	9.0/10
BioSchwartz Advanced Prebiotics and Probiotics	Multi-Strain Probiotic	Capsules	Best Probiotic for Reflux	8.9/10
Nature’s Way DGL Chewable Tablets	DGL Licorice Extract	Chewable Tablets	Best Chewable Option	8.8/10
Metagenics SpectraZyme Betaine HCl with Pepsin	Betaine HCl + Pepsin	Capsules	Best for Low Stomach Acid	8.7/10

1. DGL Licorice Supplement – Best Overall

DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is one of the most trusted natural remedies for acid reflux, coating the stomach and esophagus with a protective layer that soothes inflammation and promotes healing.

This DGL supplement delivers a potent dose of deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract in a convenient powder format that supports digestive health and gut lining integrity. DGL works by stimulating mucus production in the stomach, which creates a protective barrier against acid damage. Unlike regular licorice, DGL has had the glycyrrhizin removed — the compound responsible for blood pressure elevation and other side effects. Studies from the 1980s demonstrated DGL’s curative effects on gastritis, and it remains a first-line natural recommendation from integrative gastroenterologists.

• Pros:
• Coats and protects the digestive tract lining
• Safe for long-term daily use (glycyrrhizin removed)
• Can be used alongside conventional reflux medications

• Cons:
• Powder format requires mixing with water
• Works best when taken multiple times daily (before meals)

Best for: Anyone seeking the gold-standard natural supplement for acid reflux and GERD symptom relief

2. Zinc L-Carnosine Complex 85mg – Best for Gut Lining Repair

Zinc carnosine is a unique compound that adheres directly to inflamed areas of the gut lining, acting like a bandage to promote targeted healing.

This 11-in-1 digestive and gut health support formula centers on zinc L-carnosine at 85mg — the dose most commonly used in clinical research. Studies have shown that zinc carnosine combined with conventional GERD therapy accelerates symptom relief by approximately 15% compared to medications alone. The compound is unique because it dissolves slowly in the stomach, allowing it to adhere to damaged areas of the mucosal lining for extended repair. The formula also includes complementary digestive support ingredients for comprehensive gut health.

• Pros:
• Clinically studied for accelerating GERD symptom relief
• Adheres to damaged gut lining for targeted repair
• Slow-dissolving formula provides extended protection

• Cons:
• High zinc intake can cause nausea if taken on empty stomach
• Best results require 8 weeks of consistent use

Best for: People focused on healing and repairing the gut lining from acid damage

3. Reflux Gourmet Alginate Therapy – Best Fast-Acting Relief

Created by reflux surgeons, this all-natural alginate formula forms a physical gel barrier on top of stomach contents to block acid from reaching the esophagus.

Alginate therapy represents a fundamentally different approach to reflux — rather than reducing acid production or neutralizing acid, it creates a physical raft that floats on top of stomach contents and blocks reflux from occurring. Reflux Gourmet uses seaweed-derived alginate, which has been safely used in the food industry for over 100 years. The formula is 100% natural, paraben-free, and has no known side effects. It’s particularly effective when taken after meals and before bedtime — the two most common times for reflux episodes. For those also dealing with IBS symptoms, improving overall digestive health can complement reflux management.

• Pros:
• Physically blocks reflux (doesn’t just reduce acid)
• All-natural with no known side effects
• Safe for long-term use, pregnancy, and children

• Cons:
• Must be taken after meals (timing matters)
• Liquid format may not be as convenient for travel

Best for: Anyone wanting immediate, physical reflux protection without altering stomach acid levels

4. BioSchwartz Digestive Enzymes – Best Digestive Enzyme Blend

An 800mg blend of all 10 essential digestive and pancreatic enzymes to improve food breakdown and reduce the gas, bloating, and pressure that trigger reflux.

Poor digestion is an often-overlooked contributor to acid reflux — when food sits in the stomach too long due to inadequate enzyme activity, pressure builds and forces acid upward. This comprehensive enzyme blend includes protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase, lactase, and five additional enzymes to break down proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber more efficiently. Taking digestive enzymes before meals can reduce post-meal bloating and the upward pressure that triggers reflux episodes. The formula is GMP-certified and suitable for both men and women.

• Pros:
• 10 enzymes cover complete macronutrient digestion
• Addresses root cause (poor digestion) rather than just symptoms
• Includes lactase for dairy-sensitive individuals

• Cons:
• Not effective for reflux caused by structural issues (hiatal hernia)
• Must be taken with meals for benefit

Best for: People whose reflux is triggered by slow digestion, heavy meals, or food intolerances

5. BioSchwartz Advanced Prebiotics and Probiotics – Best Probiotic for Reflux

A multi-strain probiotic designed for immune and digestive gut health, with Lactobacillus strains that research links to reduced heartburn and GERD symptoms.

A 2020 systematic review found that 79% of studies showed probiotics had beneficial effects on GERD symptoms, including reduced regurgitation and heartburn. This BioSchwartz formula delivers multiple probiotic strains that support a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Lactobacillus strains in particular may help by reducing gastric acidity and improving LES (lower esophageal sphincter) pressure. The prebiotic component feeds beneficial bacteria for sustained gut health improvement. Those also looking at leaky gut support will find that probiotics play a complementary role in overall digestive healing.

• Pros:
• Multi-strain formula with prebiotics for sustained benefit
• Clinical evidence supports probiotics for GERD symptom reduction
• Additional immune and digestive health benefits

• Cons:
• May cause temporary bloating when first starting
• Probiotics work gradually (2-4 weeks for noticeable improvement)

Best for: People who want long-term digestive rebalancing alongside reflux symptom relief

6. Nature’s Way DGL Chewable Tablets – Best Chewable Option

A classic DGL chewable from a trusted brand, delivering soothing deglycyrrhizinated licorice in a convenient tablet that coats the esophagus on the way down.

Nature’s Way has been producing quality herbal supplements for decades, and their DGL chewable is one of the most popular reflux remedies on the market. The chewable format is particularly effective because the act of chewing releases the DGL compounds and coats the esophagus and stomach as you swallow. Integrative doctors often recommend chewing DGL tablets 6-8 times daily, at least 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after, for optimal results. The licorice flavor makes them palatable and easy to keep at hand throughout the day.

• Pros:
• Chewable format maximizes esophageal coating
• Trusted brand with decades of reputation
• Affordable and widely available

• Cons:
• Licorice flavor may not appeal to everyone
• Requires frequent dosing for best results

Best for: Anyone wanting an affordable, proven chewable DGL from a reliable brand

7. Metagenics SpectraZyme Betaine HCl with Pepsin – Best for Low Stomach Acid

For the counterintuitive cases where acid reflux is actually caused by too little stomach acid, betaine HCl with pepsin helps restore proper acid levels for complete digestion.

Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) is a common but overlooked cause of reflux, particularly in adults over 50. When stomach acid is insufficient, food digests slowly, creating upward pressure and gas that forces whatever acid is present into the esophagus. Betaine HCl supplementation increases stomach acidity to improve digestion and reduce the stagnation that triggers reflux. Metagenics is a professional-grade brand trusted by healthcare practitioners. A 2017 clinical study found that pepsin combined with amino acid hydrochloride significantly reduced symptoms like stomach pain and burning over six weeks.

• Pros:
• Addresses the root cause for those with low stomach acid
• Professional-grade quality from Metagenics
• Includes pepsin for enhanced protein digestion

• Cons:
• Not appropriate for those with excess stomach acid or ulcers
• Requires proper identification of low stomach acid before use

Best for: Adults over 50 or anyone whose reflux is caused by low stomach acid rather than excess acid

8. Iberogast Digestive Herbal Blend – Best Herbal Motility Formula

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A popular German herbal formulation combining nine plant extracts with anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-motility effects specifically studied for reflux and dyspepsia.

Iberogast is one of the most extensively studied herbal preparations for digestive complaints in Europe, backed by multiple clinical trials conducted on behalf of the manufacturer. Its nine-herb blend — including Iberis amara, chamomile, peppermint, caraway, and licorice root — works synergistically to promote optimal gastric emptying and intestinal transit. This is particularly important for reflux sufferers who experience the “stuck” feeling of delayed gastric emptying. By including herbal bitters that stimulate digestive function, Iberogast addresses motility issues that many reflux supplements miss entirely.

• Pros:
• Extensively studied in European clinical trials
• Promotes gastric motility (addresses slow emptying)
• Nine synergistic herbal extracts in liquid form

• Cons:
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Alcohol-based tincture may not suit all users

Best for: People whose reflux involves slow digestion, bloating, and functional dyspepsia

How to Choose the Best Supplements for Acid Reflux

Understanding the root cause of your reflux is essential for choosing the right supplement. If your reflux involves esophageal irritation and inflammation, DGL licorice and zinc carnosine are excellent choices for coating, soothing, and repairing the digestive lining. If slow digestion and food sitting in the stomach triggers your symptoms, digestive enzymes or prokinetic herbs like Iberogast can improve gastric emptying. For physical acid blocking without altering body chemistry, alginate-based products create a raft barrier.

Consider combining supplements that work through complementary mechanisms — for example, DGL for protective coating plus a probiotic for long-term gut rebalancing, or digestive enzymes for better food breakdown plus zinc carnosine for lining repair. Most acid reflux supplements are safe to take alongside conventional medications like PPIs and H2 blockers, though you should space them at least 30 minutes apart.

Look for supplements that specify their active ingredient amounts rather than hiding behind proprietary blends. DGL should contain at least 400mg of deglycyrrhizinated licorice per dose. Zinc carnosine is most studied at 37.5mg twice daily. Probiotics should contain at least 10 billion CFU with specific named strains. Choose products manufactured in GMP-certified facilities with third-party testing verification.

Timing matters with reflux supplements. DGL and alginate products should be taken after meals and before bed. Digestive enzymes must be taken with or immediately before meals. Probiotics can be taken anytime but are often best on an empty stomach. Betaine HCl should only be taken with protein-containing meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements help with acid reflux?

The most effective supplements for acid reflux include DGL licorice (coats and protects the digestive lining), zinc carnosine (repairs gut lining damage), alginate products (physically block reflux), digestive enzymes (improve food breakdown), and probiotics (rebalance gut bacteria). Slippery elm, marshmallow root, and ginger are additional herbs with soothing properties. The best approach depends on what’s causing your reflux — whether it’s excess acid, poor digestion, or a weakened esophageal sphincter.

Is DGL licorice safe for long-term use?

Yes, DGL licorice is considered safe for long-term daily use. The deglycyrrhizination process removes glycyrrhizin, the compound in regular licorice that can cause blood pressure elevation, potassium depletion, and hormonal effects. Without glycyrrhizin, DGL retains the anti-inflammatory and mucus-stimulating properties of licorice root without the safety concerns. Many integrative doctors recommend DGL as a long-term maintenance supplement for chronic GERD.

Can I take acid reflux supplements with PPIs?

Most natural reflux supplements can be safely used alongside PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). DGL, zinc carnosine, alginates, and probiotics are generally compatible with prescription acid reflux medications. In fact, research suggests that adding zinc carnosine to PPI therapy can accelerate healing. However, betaine HCl should generally not be combined with PPIs since they have opposite effects on stomach acid levels. Always space supplements at least 30 minutes from medication doses.

How quickly do acid reflux supplements work?

Alginate products provide the fastest relief, creating a physical barrier within minutes of taking them. DGL chewable tablets can provide soothing relief within 15-30 minutes. Digestive enzymes work within the duration of a meal. However, supplements that heal and repair the gut lining — like zinc carnosine and probiotics — require 4-8 weeks of consistent use for significant improvement. The best approach combines fast-acting relief (alginates, DGL) with long-term healing (zinc carnosine, probiotics).

Can low stomach acid cause acid reflux?

Yes, this is a common but often misunderstood cause of reflux, particularly in adults over 50. When stomach acid is too low (hypochlorhydria), food digests slowly and ferments in the stomach, producing gas and upward pressure that forces whatever acid is present into the esophagus. Signs of low stomach acid include bloating immediately after eating, feeling full quickly, and undigested food in stools. Betaine HCl with pepsin can help in these cases, but it should only be used after proper evaluation.

Are probiotics good for GERD?

Research increasingly supports probiotics for GERD management. A systematic review found that 79% of studies showed probiotics had beneficial effects on GERD symptoms, including reduced heartburn and regurgitation. Lactobacillus strains appear particularly helpful by potentially reducing gastric acidity and improving lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Probiotics also help reduce side effects from long-term PPI use. Look for multi-strain formulas with at least 10 billion CFU for meaningful digestive benefit.

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