How to Take DGL Supplements for Maximum Effectiveness

DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, is a natural remedy that may help relieve acid reflux, a common digestive disorder that causes heartburn, regurgitation, and other unpleasant symptoms. DGL is a form of licorice root that has been processed to remove a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can cause side effects such as high blood pressure and low potassium levels. DGL may work by increasing the production of mucus in the stomach and esophagus, which can protect the lining from acid damage. DGL may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can help heal the inflamed or infected tissue.

However, to get the most benefits from DGL supplements, you need to know how to take them properly. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to take DGL supplements, including the optimal timing, pairing with food, dosing schedule, and length of treatment. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about DGL and its safety and effectiveness.

When to Take DGL Supplements

The best time to take DGL supplements is before meals, especially if you are prone to acid reflux after eating. Taking DGL before meals can help prevent or reduce the symptoms of acid reflux by creating a protective barrier in your stomach and esophagus. You can also take DGL supplements between meals or before bedtime if you experience acid reflux at other times of the day or night.

How to Take DGL Supplements

The most common form of DGL supplements is chewable tablets, which are available in different flavors and strengths. To take DGL tablets, you need to chew them thoroughly and let them dissolve in your mouth before swallowing. This allows the DGL to mix with your saliva and coat your esophagus as you swallow. You should not swallow the tablets whole or drink water or other liquids right after taking them, as this may reduce their effectiveness.

The recommended dosage of DGL tablets varies depending on the brand and the strength of the product. However, a general guideline is to take one or two tablets (usually 380 mg to 760 mg per tablet) 15 to 20 minutes before each meal and before bedtime, or as directed by your health care provider. You should not exceed the maximum daily dose of DGL, which is usually 6 to 12 tablets per day, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

How Long to Take DGL Supplements

The length of treatment with DGL supplements depends on the severity and frequency of your acid reflux symptoms and your response to the therapy. Some people may notice an improvement in their symptoms within a few days or weeks of taking DGL, while others may need to take it for several months or longer. You should consult with your doctor before starting or stopping DGL supplements, and follow their instructions on how long to take them.

What to Eat or Avoid with DGL Supplements

DGL supplements may work better if you pair them with a healthy diet that avoids or limits the foods and drinks that can trigger or worsen acid reflux. These include:

• Spicy, fatty, fried, or acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onion, chocolate, mint, and peppers
• Caffeinated, carbonated, or alcoholic beverages, such as coffee, tea, soda, and beer
• Large or heavy meals, especially close to bedtime
• Smoking or chewing tobacco

Instead, you should eat more foods that are alkaline, bland, or soothing for your stomach and esophagus, such as:

• Vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumber, and spinach
• Fruits, such as bananas, apples, pears, and melons
• Lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs
• Whole grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa
• Low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese, and milk
• Ginger, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties
• Water, which can help dilute the stomach acid and flush out the toxins

FAQs About DGL Supplements

Here are some of the most common questions and answers about DGL supplements and their use for acid reflux:

Question: Are DGL supplements safe?

Answer: DGL supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated by most people, as they do not contain glycyrrhizin, the compound that can cause side effects in licorice root. However, some people may still experience allergic reactions, stomach upset, or headaches from taking DGL. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking DGL and seek medical attention. You should also consult with your doctor before taking DGL if you have any medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications, such as blood thinners, antacids, or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Question: How effective are DGL supplements for acid reflux?

Answer: DGL supplements may be effective for some people with mild to moderate acid reflux, especially if they combine them with lifestyle changes and dietary modifications. However, the evidence for the efficacy of DGL for acid reflux is limited and of low quality, and more research is needed to confirm its benefits and mechanisms of action. DGL supplements may not work for everyone, and they may not be enough to treat severe or chronic acid reflux. If you have frequent or severe acid reflux symptoms that interfere with your daily activities or quality of life, you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Question: Can I take DGL supplements with other acid reflux medications?

Answer: DGL supplements may interact with some acid reflux medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, or antacids, and affect their absorption or effectiveness. Therefore, you should not take DGL supplements at the same time as these medications, and you should wait at least two hours between taking them. You should also consult with your doctor before taking DGL supplements with any other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies, as they may have potential interactions or contraindications.

Summary

DGL supplements are a natural remedy that may help relieve acid reflux symptoms by increasing the production of mucus in the stomach and esophagus, and by having anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. To take DGL supplements properly, you should chew them thoroughly and let them dissolve in your mouth before swallowing, 15 to 20 minutes before each meal and before bedtime. You should also follow a healthy diet that avoids or limits the foods and drinks that can trigger or worsen acid reflux, and eat more foods that are alkaline, bland, or soothing for your digestive system. DGL supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated, but they may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, or headaches in some people, and they may interact with some medications. You should consult with your doctor before taking DGL supplements, especially if you have any medical conditions, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications. DGL supplements may not work for everyone, and they may not be enough to treat severe or chronic acid reflux. If you have frequent or severe acid reflux symptoms that interfere with your daily activities or quality of life, you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. You should always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication.