What is DGL? A Complete Guide to Understanding This Popular Supplement

DGL is a popular supplement that many people use for various health purposes, such as acid reflux, ulcers, and skin conditions. But what is DGL exactly, and how does it work? In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about DGL supplements, including their benefits, side effects, and dosage.

What is DGL?

DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which is a form of licorice root extract that has been processed to remove most of the glycyrrhizin compound. Glycyrrhizin is the main active ingredient in licorice root, but it can also cause serious side effects, such as high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and hormonal imbalances. By removing glycyrrhizin, DGL becomes safer and more suitable for long-term use.

Licorice root is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It has a sweet flavor and a variety of health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

DGL supplements are usually available in chewable tablets, capsules, or powder forms. They are often used to treat digestive issues, such as acid reflux, ulcers, and gastritis, as well as skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. DGL supplements may also have some benefits for hormonal balance, liver health, and immune system function.

How Does DGL Work?

DGL works by increasing the production and secretion of mucus in the stomach and esophagus. Mucus is a protective layer that coats the lining of the digestive tract and prevents damage from stomach acid, bacteria, and other irritants. By enhancing the mucus barrier, DGL can help heal and prevent ulcers, inflammation, and erosion in the stomach and esophagus.

DGL may also work by inhibiting the growth and activity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and gastritis. DGL has been shown to inhibit the adhesion of H. pylori to the stomach cells, as well as to reduce the production of urease, an enzyme that helps H. pylori survive in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Additionally, DGL may work by modulating the immune system and the inflammatory response. DGL has been shown to stimulate the production of cytokines, which are molecules that regulate the immune system and inflammation. DGL may also inhibit the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a protein that controls the expression of genes involved in inflammation and cell survival.

What Are the Benefits of DGL?

DGL supplements have been studied for their potential benefits for various health conditions, such as:

• Acid reflux. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation. DGL supplements may help reduce the symptoms and frequency of acid reflux by increasing the mucus production and protecting the esophageal lining from acid damage. Several studies have found that DGL supplements can improve the quality of life and reduce the need for medication in people with acid reflux.
• Ulcers. Ulcers are open sores that can develop in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Ulcers can cause pain, bleeding, and perforation. DGL supplements may help prevent and treat ulcers by enhancing the mucus barrier and inhibiting the growth of H. pylori, the main cause of ulcers. Several studies have found that DGL supplements can accelerate the healing of ulcers and prevent their recurrence.
• Gastritis. Gastritis is a condition where the stomach lining becomes inflamed and irritated. Gastritis can cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite. DGL supplements may help reduce the inflammation and irritation in the stomach by increasing the mucus production and inhibiting the activity of H. pylori. A study in 100 people with chronic gastritis found that DGL supplements improved the symptoms and the histological appearance of the stomach mucosa.
• Skin conditions. Skin conditions, such as acne and eczema, are characterized by inflammation, redness, and itching of the skin. DGL supplements may help improve the skin health by modulating the immune system and the inflammatory response. DGL supplements may also have antibacterial and antiviral effects that can prevent or treat skin infections. A study in 60 people with atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, found that DGL supplements improved the skin hydration, elasticity, and roughness, as well as reduced the itching and inflammation.

What Are the Side Effects of DGL?

DGL supplements are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, especially compared to licorice root extract that contains glycyrrhizin. However, some people may experience some mild side effects, such as:

• Nausea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Allergic reactions

DGL supplements may also interact with some medications, such as:

• Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, which can increase the risk of bleeding
• Antihypertensives, such as lisinopril, which can lower the blood pressure too much
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, which can increase the potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia
• Diuretics, such as furosemide, which can also increase the potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia
• Estrogens, such as birth control pills, which can increase the estrogen levels and the risk of hormonal imbalances

Therefore, you should consult your doctor before taking DGL supplements if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications.

What Is the Recommended Dosage of DGL?

There is no official recommended dosage of DGL supplements, as the optimal dose may vary depending on the individual, the health condition, and the product formulation. However, based on the available studies, a common dosage range is 250–500 mg of DGL, taken two to four times per day, before or between meals.

You should follow the instructions on the label of the product you are using, and start with the lowest dose possible. You should also monitor your symptoms and adjust the dose accordingly. You should not exceed the maximum dose suggested by the manufacturer or your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What is the difference between DGL and licorice root extract?

Answer: DGL is a form of licorice root extract that has been processed to remove most of the glycyrrhizin compound. Glycyrrhizin is the main active ingredient in licorice root, but it can also cause serious side effects, such as high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and hormonal imbalances. By removing glycyrrhizin, DGL becomes safer and more suitable for long-term use.

Question: What are the benefits of DGL?

Answer: DGL supplements have been studied for their potential benefits for various health conditions, such as acid reflux, ulcers, gastritis, and skin conditions. DGL supplements may work by increasing the production and secretion of mucus in the stomach and esophagus, inhibiting the growth and activity of H. pylori, modulating the immune system and the inflammatory response, and having antibacterial and antiviral effects.

Question: What are the side effects of DGL?

Answer: DGL supplements are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, especially compared to licorice root extract that contains glycyrrhizin. However, some people may experience some mild side effects, such as nausea, bloating, gas, diarrhea, headache, and allergic reactions. DGL supplements may also interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants, antihypertensives, corticosteroids, diuretics, and estrogens. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before taking DGL supplements if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications.

Question: What is the recommended dosage of DGL?

Answer: There is no official recommended dosage of DGL supplements, as the optimal dose may vary depending on the individual, the health condition, and the product formulation. However, based on the available studies, a common dosage range is 250–500 mg of DGL, taken two to four times per day, before or between meals. You should follow the instructions on the label of the product you are using, and start with the lowest dose possible. You should also monitor your symptoms and adjust the dose accordingly. You should not exceed the maximum dose suggested by the manufacturer or your doctor.

Summary

DGL is a popular supplement that many people use for various health purposes, such as acid reflux, ulcers, and skin conditions. DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which is a form of licorice root extract that has been processed to remove most of the glycyrrhizin compound. Glycyrrhizin is the main active ingredient in licorice root, but it can also cause serious side effects, such as high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and hormonal imbalances. By removing glycyrrhizin, DGL becomes safer and more suitable for long-term use.