Licorice root contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
It may be used as a supplement.
Licorice contains a substance calledglycyrrhizin, which may cause side effects.
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This is why it might be tried to manage various digestive conditions, includingacid reflux.
A substance in licorice called glycyrrhizin is thought to be what causes side effects.
The second processingcalled deglycyrrhizinationremoves the glycyrrhizin (which is a pop in of acid) from licorice.
Glycyrrhetic acid gives licorice its sweetness.
However, it may also cause side effects, which is why its removed from licorice supplements.
DG licorice is thought to be helpful in digestive health because it causes the lining to produce more mucus.
DG licorice may increase the amount of mucus and help it be more effective.
The mucus may be of higher quality and better able to protect the digestive tract lining.
Some studies show that this increase in helpful mucus could be useful in treatingstomach ulcers.
A 2017 study was done on people with various digestive conditions to see if DG licorice was helpful.
The study was small (38 people in it had reflux) and not a rigorous clinical trial.
Another study showed that a preparation containing licorice was helpful in treatingmouth ulcers.
The study involved people receiving treatment forhead and neck cancerwho developed mouth ulcers as a result.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of evidence about DG licorice and acid reflux.
Side Effects and Interactions
When its used in food, licorice is thought to be generally safe.
However, taking it in high amounts or for an extended time period could have health effects.
Potassiumis important in many body systems, and levels that are too low can contribute to high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is associated with health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
Theres not much evidence on taking licorice root while breastfeeding or chestfeeding, so the safety profile isnt known.
How to Dose DG Licorice Supplements
There is no recommended dosage of DG licorice.
Glycyrrhizin is the ingredient in licorice that might be responsible for the side effects.
Labels on most over-the-counter (OTC) supplements will have a suggested dosage.
It is important to read carefully and understand how much licorice or DG licorice is being consumed.
Additionally, working with a healthcare provider to understand licorice and how it should be taken is important.
Alternatives for Symptom Relief
Theres not enough evidence to say that DG licorice would helptreat acid reflux.
There are other options, however.
You might try diet and lifestyle changes.
Many options are available, and they may be effective for the occasional bout of reflux.
Some of the medications available include:
No head-to-head trials have compared DG licorice with other treatments.
For this reason, its not known which treatment might work better.
Its important to see a healthcare provider to get the symptoms of acid reflux under control.
Some medications are also available by prescription.
Over-the-counter remedies may not be as effective at relieving symptoms when reflux is chronic.
Summary
DG licorice may increase the amount of mucus the digestive system makes.
This mucus may be of higher quality and may help with a variety of complaints.
People with certain health conditions should avoid DG licorice because it may have serious adverse effects.
Acid reflux is often treated with over-the-counter remedies or prescription medications.
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