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DGL Tablets for Acid Reflux Healthy Stomach Function A balance of adequate acid and protective lining in the stomach is needed to ensure comfortable, easy digestion. Gastric acid is secreted to kill bacteria and help break down food before it passes into the small intestine, where nutrient absorption occurs. Gastric acid is a highly effective digestant because it is extremely corrosive. The pH of gastric acid (~1.7) is strong enough to eat through the skin. The stomach is lined with mucosal cells that secrete a protective layer of mucin. Usually, this natural protection is effective in guarding the stomach wall against acid damage. If there is an imbalance between acid secretion and mucosal protection, acids can begin to irritate the stomach wall. The presence of harmful intestinal bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori, can also disrupt this balance. Maintaining normal acidity and supporting the stomach’s natural protective mechanisms are therefore essential for normal stomach function and comfort. Facts about Licorice / DGL Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial herb, the root of which has been used for over 3,000 years to treat a wide range of complaints, making it one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in history.* However, the naturally occurring glycyrrhizin in licorice has been shown to cause undesirable side effects such as elevated blood pressure. Therefore, Nature’s Life chewable licorice tablets contain De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL). The root of the licorice plant contains 10 triterpenes and 22 flavonoids1, which are the constituents believed to be responsible for its beneficial properties.* Flavonoids, in general, are known to inhibit both acid secretion and the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria.*2 The flavonoid component isoliquiritigen found in licorice has been shown to protect gastric mucosal cells.*3 The proposed mechanism for DGL’s action is that it stimulates the stomach’s protective factors, particularly the growth and activity of mucosal cells.*4 One reason for this beneficial effect may be that DGL increases blood flow to these tissues.*5 Several clinical trials have shown DGL to be extremely effective in providing relief for severe stomach discomfort.* In one trial, 40 people with over twelve years’ history of severe stomach discomfort were given DGL in amounts of either 3 g or 4.5 g daily.6 All 40 patients showed substantial improvement, usually within 5 to 7 days.* Another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported that 16 people with significant stomach discomfort showed an average improvement of 78% when given 360 mg of DGL thrice daily, compared to 34% in the placebo group.*7 Subsequent trials have compared DGL’s effectiveness to that of prescription drugs such as cimetidine. Results have shown that DGL is equally, if not more effective than prescription drugs and antacid tablets.* In one such study, 100 people with gastric discomfort received either 760 mg DGL three times daily, or cimetidine.8 The two groups were equally improved at 6 and 12 weeks, yet scientists monitoring this study reported that DGL provided relief without the side effects associated with prescription drugs.* The largest of these trials involved a group of 874 individuals with long histories of severe stomach discomfort.9 Once again, DGL was compared to cimetidine, as well as common antacids. Results showed that 91% of all subjects experienced total relief within 12 weeks.* Return of symptoms in the DGL group was less than that reported in the cimetidine and antacid groups; 8.2%, 12.9% and 16.4%, respectively.* Taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause significant stomach discomfort. Alcohol, smoking, and caffeine are also known contributors to stomach discomfort. DGL has been shown to reduce gastric discomfort caused by aspirin.* 10 It is therefore strongly recommended for bringing relief to individuals requiring long-term treatment with aspirin, NSAIDs and/or corticosteroids.* |
