Alginates for GERD

What are alginates used for in GERD?

Alginates are a compound found in seaweed that can help GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) symptoms. When alginates mix with your stomach acid, they create a gel-like barrier that keeps the acid from coming up your esophagus.

Your stomach acid should stay in your stomach. But if you have GERD, the acid in your stomach flows backward into your esophagus and throat. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn and burping up food. Over time, GERD can damage the lining of your esophagus.

Alginates form a raft-like barrier between your stomach and esophagus. This special layer is light enough to float on top of your stomach acid, but strong enough to keep the acid down — so it doesn’t flow back up into your esophagus.

You shouldn’t dive into the water to get seaweed, though. There’s a process that companies use to clean and purify it before it’s used.

What are the potential benefits and risks of alginates for GERD?

Alginates have been around for a long time to treat GERD, but antacids are more well-known.

The benefits of alginates are:

• They begin working right away, so you can take them with a meal or right after.
• They’re generally safe for women who are lactating and/or pregnant, and children.
• You can buy them over the counter.
• There are minimal side effects.

Possible risks of alginates are:

• They don’t help your symptoms.
• They cause side effects like bloating or constipation.
• They interact with the effectiveness of other medications you take for other conditions.

While alginates can be effective for GERD symptoms, they shouldn’t be used to treat esophageal erosions or ulcers caused by GERD or for Barrett’s esophagus.

If you have kidney disease, talk to your healthcare provider before taking alginates. Some brands include sodium as an ingredient, which may not be safe for you.

Can you buy alginates over the counter?

Yes. They come in several forms like chewables, powders and liquids. You can buy alginates online and at your local drugstore or grocery store.

Some different brand names of alginates you may see are Rennie^® and Gaviscon^®.

How effective are alginates for GERD?

One study found that alginates are more effective than antacids at treating GERD. The same study found them to be slightly less effective than proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs).

What is the difference between an antacid and an alginate?

Antacids work a little differently from alginates. Antacids neutralize the acid in your stomach so it doesn’t burn your esophagus. You can get antacids with alginates in them already or take antacids and alginates together. Both are over-the-counter medications.