Heartburn, acid reflux, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (or GORD) – the condition goes by many a name and causes discomfort across the population. In fact, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), it is estimated that between 10 and 30 per cent of adults in developed countries suffer from the frustrating and unpredictable condition.
Though the likeliness of suffering from acid reflux increases with age, many of us – teenagers and young adults alike – experience intermittent episodes of bloating, hiccupping, painful heartburn and nausea.
The single most frustrating element of suffering with GORD is the fact that you simply never know when it’s going to strike. Though the NHS, alongside many other health resources, suggest eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the likelihood of an episode, it can still feel impossible to pin down exactly what triggers those more violent and body-shaking hiccups.
At ES best, we’ve been known to pop a Pyrocalm before a night-out to prevent uncontrollable and incredibly painful drunken gasps for air. Yet even with our go-to remedy, it remains unlikely that you’ll be able to predict a bout of severe reflux, no matter whether your evening is on the romantic candlelit dinner or the drunken sailor end of the spectrum.
Indeed, long-term and restorative solutions for acid reflux and heartburn can be tricky to find. In order to understand how to properly treat acid reflux, let’s first get a few of the key questions and definitions out of the way.
What exactly is acid reflux?
Heartburn is caused by excessive acid reflux, which is when stomach acid has travelled up towards the oesophagus. If you suffer from it on a regular basis, it is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Is acid reflux curable?
Ultimately, it depends on whether you can pinpoint a definitive cause for your acid reflux which – as we already know – is incredibly difficult.
For some, it is caused by what is known as a hiatus hernia. This is when part of your stomach moves up into your chest. (Sounds scary, but it’s incredibly common and not very serious, we promise).
For others, it is simply an unpredictable condition which is sometimes worsened by certain foods, drinking alcohol, eating too much too quickly, stress and anxiety or even the increase of certain hormones including progesterone and oestrogen.
Most doctors will recommend antacids or alginates to neutralise the stomach acid. Other treatments include herbal remedies and in the case of a hiatus hernia, a surgical procedure. However, it is important to note that antacids and alginates are short-term solutions which will not cure the greater problem for good.
If you find that your bouts of acid reflux are frequent and severe, it is best to contact your GP for further treatment options.
How can I prevent acid reflux?
According to the NHS, you can help prevent acid reflux by eating little, but often. You can also raise the head of your bed by around 10-20cm in order to prevent stomach acid from travelling upwards. The NHS also suggest not smoking, drinking less alcohol and not eating between 2-4 hours before bed.
Without further ado, keep scrolling for a round-up of the best remedies for acid reflux and heartburn – for when holding your breath and counting backwards just doesn’t cut it.
Best products for eliminating acid reflux at a glance:
- Best for fast relief, renewal and protection of the gut: REZCUE Zinc Carnosine + L-Glutamine Drink Powder 120 Grams - £23.95, Theranordic
- Best for quick and easy relief: Rennie Peppermint Heartburn & Indigestion Relief 24 Tablets - £2.39, Superdrug
- Best for symptom control: Pyrocalm Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets 14 - £6.99, Superdrug
- Best for herbal alternative: Gaia Herbs, Reflux Relief, 45 Chewable Tablets - £25.62, iHerb
- Best for natural barrier for the stomach: New Nordic Frutin Gastro 60 Gel Chewable Tablets - £15.49, H&B
- Best for bloating and GORD: DEBLOAT+ - £40, Cult Beauty
- Best for doctor’s choice: Lansoprazole - £16.99, Health Express
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REZCUE Zinc Carnosine + L-Glutamine Drink Powder 120 Grams
Best for: fast relief, renewal and protection of the gut
Thera Nordic’s Finnish founder, Joni Laiho, has worked in the nutritional supplement industry for over 15 years and has designed over 100 high-performing supplements. Starting out in the gut health industry in order to help a loved one overcome a serious gut illness, Laiho witnessed the real-life efficacy of high-quality supplements, which he now continues to develop with Thera Nordic.
REZCUE treats leaky gut and prevents acid reflux and heartburn by soothing and repairing the gut lining. This is achieved via the dual effects of a unique combination of Zinc Carnosine and L-Glutamine, both scientifically proven to be highly beneficial for the GI tract. As the powder is consumed in a water-soluble drink, it immediately soothes the mucosal lining from the mouth to the stomach and the small and large intestines.
Simply mix a scoop of the powder into a warm or cold liquid and take it twice daily. Let the powder dissolve for one minute before drinking. Not only does this product work to relieve heartburn instantly, but its continued use can have impressive restorative effects – simply skimming a few of the REZCUE’s reviews demonstrates this marvel.
This supplement can be taken with or without food.
Buy now £23.95, Thera Nordic
Rennie Peppermint Heartburn & Indigestion Relief 24 Tablets
Best for: Quick and easy relief
An oldie, but a goodie. Rennie tablets have been around since 1931, and we can even remember being given one or two by school nurses after a few too many finger sandwiches. They’re the UK’s bestselling heartburn and indigestion brand, and over one million tablets are sold on average every day in the UK alone.
Rennie is an antacid which neutralises that nasty excess stomach acid to help provide some relief. Rennie also contains alginates, which are active ingredients that form a protective layer on top of the stomach contents to help reduce acid reflux. It’s a short-term solution for immediate aid and doesn’t necessarily work to treat the wider issue. Nevertheless, this peppermint flavoured wonder is perfect for those who suffer from infrequent bouts of acid reflux and heartburn. Rennie is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Buy now £2.39, Superdrug
Pyrocalm Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets 14
Best for: Symptom control
As mentioned earlier, these are a go-to option for us here at ES Best – whether we’re preparing to paint the town or enjoy a good meal. The active ingredient in Pyrocalm is Omeprazole 20mg, which is a kind of proton pump inhibitor. Proton pumps are enzymes in the lining of your stomach which produce acid to help you digest food. Thus, Pyrocalm provides effective relief for heartburn and indigestion by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach significantly.
A reliable back-up if you can’t get a hold of your Lansoprazole, or for a higher-powered alternative to Rennie, Pyrocalm certainly makes our top three.
Buy now £6.99, Superdrug
Gaia Herbs, Reflux Relief, 45 Chewable Tablets
Best for: Herbal alternative
For the occasional heartburn and indigestion sufferer, these herbal supplements could be the answer for you. Providing general digestive support and heartburn relief, these supplements are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and produced by a certified B-Corp.
Reflux Relief is made in Tuscany, Italy by Aboca, the herbal supplement leader in Europe since 1978. Gaia suggests taking up to three tablets daily, as needed after meals. The chewable tablets are made from a simple blend of aloe, chamomile and marshmallow root in order to provide a cooling relief to extinguish that fire in your chest.
Buy now £25.62, iHerb
New Nordic Frutin Gastro 60 Gel Chewable Tablets
Best for: Natural barrier for the stomach
Another chewable option, these gel tablets are manufactured in Sweden and made from an intriguing blend of dolomite, magnesium, dandelion and pectin. Dolomite is a natural source of calcium and magnesium, while Pectin is a soluble fibre supplement.
Unlike the products listed so far, these gels work by forming a natural foam barrier on top of the stomach to prevent acid from escaping into the oesophagus.
Buy now £15.49, Holland & Barrett
The Nue Co DEBLOAT+
Best for: Bloating and GORD
The Nue Co has come up with a means to combat chronic bloating, gas, heartburn, indigestion and other symptoms associated with IBS - and fast. Cruelty-free, non-toxic and non-GMO, these capsules are made from a blend of multiple enzymes, liquorice root extract, as well as organic cinnamon, ginger and turmeric powders.
Though certainly pretty to look at, the DEBLOAT+ supplements walk the walk too. With over 70 reviews on the brand’s website heralding the success of these tiny, all-natural pills – their anti-inflammatory properties are clearly very real.
The 17 digestive enzymes packed into these supplements help to break down food and relieve IBS symptoms, particularly following the consumption of carbohydrates. Meanwhile, the trio of organic powders mentioned above are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Moreover, according to the brand, Liquorice root has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is believed to pacify “altered pitta”, reduce heartburn and heal ulcers. Sign us up.
Buy now £40.00, Cult Beauty
Lansoprazole
Best for: Doctor’s Choice
Lansoprazole is a prescription-only mediation, classified as a proton pump inhibitor. Rather than simply neutralising stomach acid, it works to reduce the volume of acid in the stomach altogether. As previously mentioned with regard to Omeprazole, Lansoprazole prevents the cells in your stomach lining – otherwise known as ‘proton pumps’ from working as hard.
Though this is a prescription medication, it is still only a means of short-term relief. It is most effective approximately two hours after taking it, and the effects normally last for 24 hours. If you think you’re in need of a prescription solution, get in touch with your GP or simply complete an online consultation at Health Express.
Buy now £16.99, Health Express
