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CL Answer

Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?

Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse.

Supplements Making Acid Reflux Worse -- Man with acid reflux pain

CL Answer

Is it true that low-carb or Mediterranean diets help for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Find out if a low-carb diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, or lifestyle changes help with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Low-carb & Mediterranean Diets for GERD? -- Table with Mediterranean foods such as fish, olive oil, walnuts, vegetables

Product Review

Alginate Supplements Review (For Reflux)

See Our Top Pick Alginate Supplements For Reducing Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

Alginate supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Melatonin Supplements Review

Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.

Melatonin Review 2024

CL Answer

I take omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, to reduce stomach acid. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Supplement interactions with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs like omeprazole (Prilosec) and Nexium.

CL Answer

Is drinking coffee good or bad for heart health?

Learn more about coffee and caffeine, its safety, if it's good for you, how much coffee is too much and its impact on your heart.

CL Answer

I read that famotidine (Pepcid) may help treat COVID-19. Is this true? Might a proton pump inhibitor, like Prilosec, help?

Pepcid (famotidine) was reported to improve outcomes in people with COVID-19 in China. But is there evidence that Pepcid really helps to treat COVID-19?

Can Pepcic (famotidine) Treat COVID-19? -- Box of Pepcid and Handout About COVID-19

CL Answer

Can melatonin help with stomach pain?

Find out if melatonin supplements can help with stomach pain, ulcers, reflux and dyspepsia, or if it can cause stomach upset.

Melatonin and Stomach Pain -- women with stomach pain

CL Answer

Is there evidence that d-limonene can help fight cancer?

Find out if d-limonene can help fight cancer or help for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder), including evidence from clinical studies.

Lemon with Peel Coming Off

CL Answer

Which supplements can help with indigestion and/or heartburn?

Information on supplements for heartburn that can help relieve gastrointestinal symptoms - heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.

Supplements for Indigestion and Heartburn -- man with heartburn pain

CL Answer

Do any supplements or diets help prevent or treat osteoporosis?

If you have osteoporosis, you may be interested in supplements or diets for bone health. Find out which can increase bone strength and density.

Doctor discussing osteoporosis with older female patient

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of manuka honey, and is it safe?

Manuka honey health benefits, how it differs from common, store-bought honey, safety, evidence for using manuka honey for wounds, sore throat and cough, constipation and more.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey -- jar of manuka honey

CL Answer

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

B12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, depression, numbness and tingling in the legs, loss of balance, changes in skin and hair, and others. Find out who is a greater risk for B12 deficiency, and how B12 supplements can help. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency -- paper with question "Are you getting enough vitamin B12" and boxes to check yes or no

Clinical Update

1/24/2023

Reflux Supplement Interactions

Alginate supplements can help reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD – a common cause of heartburn), but they may also reduce the absorption of medications, as well as vitamins, and minerals. Learn how to avoid this in the Concerns and Cautions section our Alginate Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among alginate supplements.

Clinical Update

10/03/2023

Melatonin for Reflux?

Is it helpful to take melatonin when taking a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) to improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? See what the latest study found in the Other uses section of our Melatonin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for melatonin.

Also see: Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?

Clinical Update

10/17/2023

Honey for Acid Reflux?

Can eating manuka honey help improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our article about manuka honey.

Also see: Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?

CL Answer

Are gummy vitamins better or worse than pills?

Learn more about gummy supplements, including those for multivitamins, vitamins C and D, calcium, and B vitamins.

Problems With Gummy Vitamins -- bottle of gummy vitamins

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of zinc carnosine, also called polaprezinc, and is it safe?

Find out if zinc carnosine is beneficial for any GI conditions, including stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, taste disturbances, aspirin-induced small-bowel injury and oral mucositis, and learn if it is safe.

Zinc carnosine supplements in wooden spoon in front of oysters

CL Answer

Is there a danger of getting too much calcium from Tums? I take them frequently for heartburn.

How many Tums should you be taking? Learn more about exceeding the recommended daily intake of calcium with Tums.

Too Much Calcium from Tums? -- bottle of antacid tablets

CL Answer

I have IBS and don't want to take medication if I can help it. I've heard that peppermint works for IBS, but is there good research to support this?

Information about using peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including clinical evidence, dosage, safety and more.

Peppermint Oil for IBS? -- Bottle of peppermint oil and capsules and peppermint leaf

Product Review

Quercetin & Rutin Supplements Review

Quality's a Concern With Quercetin and Rutin Supplements -- Only 17% of Claimed Amount In One

Product Review

Aloe Juices, Gels, and Supplements Review

How Much Aloe is Really in Aloe Products? Find Out and See Our Top Picks.

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of amla and is it safe?

Learn about amla (Indian gooseberry), including its potential health benefits and possible safety concerns.

Amla supplement capsules being poured onto a wooden table with amla fruit in the background

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of black cumin seed (black seed) oil?

Find out if black seed oil has health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure or cholesterol, asthma, weight loss, and others. Dosage, forms, including black seed oil and black seed powder, safety information, using black seed oil in foods and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Black seed oil benefits -- bowl of black cumin seeds and bottle of oil

CL Answer

7 Tips to Avoid Getting a Pill Stuck in Your Throat

Some pills can be difficult to swallow and can even become lodged in the throat or cause damage to the esophagus. Learn seven practical tips to help avoid getting pills stuck in the throat.

Pill Getting Stuck in Throat

Recalls & Warnings

March 30, 2021

Real Water Alkaline Water Recalled for Possible Link to Liver Illness

On March 24, 2021, Real Water, Inc. recalled all sizes of Real Water bottled alkaline water because it may be linked to multiple cases of non-viral hepatitis that occurred in Las Vegas, NV in November of 2020.

Recalls & Warnings

March 01, 2023

Seller of Dr. Miller’s Herbal “Detox” Teas Warned by FDA for Drug Claims

On February 3, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Jackson Health & Wellness Clinic after inspection of the company’s website found statements about the company’s Dr. Miller’s Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Super Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Ultimate Tea, Dr.

News Release

February 22, 2022

Considering an Algae-based Supplement for Reflux? See What ConsumerLab Found

White Plains, New York, February 22, 2022 — Alginate supplements have been shown to be more effective than antacids in treating heartburn, indigestion, and other symptoms of GERD (gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease).

CL Answer

8 Supplements That May Help Treat Peptic Ulcers – And Some to Avoid

Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection are typically treated with antibiotics, but certain supplements may also help. Find out which 8 supplements might be beneficial - and which should be avoided.

Supplements for peptic ulcer disease - young man with stomachache

CL Answer

What is TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid)? Does it have any proven health benefits, and is it safe?

TUDCA information, including its potential health benefits, safety, possible interactions, and cost.

What is Tudca - white capsules poured out of container

Recalls & Warnings

March 18, 2021

Don't Drink Real Water Alkaline Water, FDA Warns After Reports of Liver Illness

On March 16, 2021, the FDA warned consumers not to drink or use Real Water bottled alkaline water while it investigates reports of hepatitis associated with the product.

CL Answer

Do hair loss supplements, such as Viviscal, Hair La Vie, and Nutrafol, or topical essential oils work?

Vitamins and supplements that may help with hair loss and thinning, including saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, protein, iron, and vitamin D.

Supplements for Hair Loss -- woman looking at hairbrush

CL Answer

Which ingredients should toothpastes and other dental products contain, and which should be avoided?

Learn about ingredients you want in your toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental products and which ingredients you may want to avoid.

Toothpaste in the shape of question mark coming out from toothpaste tube

Recalls & Warnings

February 10, 2018

Warning to D-Limonene, Vitamin C Seller

On January 31, 2018 the FDA issued a warning letter to Long Life Unlimited, LLC following a review of the company's website which found promotional statements and testimonials made about products including Balance 600, D-Limonene, Rapha Remedy, Rapha Remedy w/ p73 Wild Oregano, Vitamin C, ...