Do You Need Both the Reflux Inhibitor and Acid Relief?
Soothing symptoms while fixing the root cause of your reflux.
If you’re dealing with acid reflux, chances are you’ve tried everything from antacids to PPIs, and avoiding your favorite foods. Yet you’re still not really getting to the root cause of the issue. That’s where the Heartburn Relief Kit comes in. But one of the most common questions we get is: “Why do I need to take two different supplements?”
Here’s the simple answer:
- The Reflux Inhibitor tackles the cause of your acid reflux (low stomach acid).
- The Acid Relief manages the symptoms while your body heals.
Let’s break that down a bit more…
Low Stomach Acid Causes Acid Reflux (Not High)
It’s a common myth that acid reflux is caused by too much stomach acid. Whereas most people struggling with reflux actually have too little acid. When acidity is too low, the valve at the top of your stomach - which is called the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) - doesn’t close properly. That’s what allows acid to splash up into the esophagus giving you heartburn.
PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) reduce stomach acid even further. So, sure, they might block the burn short-term, but they don’t stop the reflux from happening. They just somewhat manage the symptoms. The main problem here is that long-term they can make the root issue even worse.
The Reflux Inhibitor = The Fixer
The Reflux Inhibitor boosts your stomach acid rather than suppressing it. It works by increasing your acid levels just enough to trigger the LES to close properly. When that valve shuts, acid stays where it belongs. In your stomach.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t an instant quick fix. Your body is adjusting, healing, and rebuilding normal acid levels. It takes trial and error to find your ideal dose and that process can take a few weeks. Some people feel improvement within 2–3 weeks, but most see the biggest changes around the 6-week mark.
The Acid Relief = The Soother
While the Reflux Inhibitor is working behind the scenes to stop the reflux, Acid Relief steps in to soothe the symptoms. It helps repair any damage to the stomach and esophagus lining and gives relief from the burning sensation. In addition, it thickens the mucus lining to help protect from further acid damage. Think of it like a healing balm that helps you feel better while the deeper work is going on underneath.
You can take extra Acid Relief when needed, especially if you’re still having flare-ups during the adjustment period. Many of our clients do this and taking up to 10 a day is absolutely fine. It won’t stop the reflux entirely (that’s the Reflux Inhibitor’s job), but it gives your gut the support and comfort it needs to keep healing. If you find yourself needing up to 10 AR a day for more than 2-3 weeks though, it’s worth increasing our RI dosage to ensure you’re getting the right dosage to make it work for you.
When Not to Take the Reflux Inhibitor (Yet)
There are certain conditions where boosting stomach acid can make symptoms worse, at least initially. If you have any of the following, do not start the Reflux Inhibitor yet:
- Gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Esophageal ulcers
In these cases, the focus needs to be on healing and calming the inflammation or erosion first. That’s where Acid Relief plays a crucial role. It can be taken alongside your PPI (if you’re on one) to help repair damage and reduce inflammation naturally.
Once your symptoms are more stable and any active irritation has had time to heal, we can discuss introducing the Reflux Inhibitor gradually and safely. We’ve had many clients with these conditions who have overcome them using these supplements, so don’t feel disheartened if you fall into this category. It’s a step-by-step process and we’re here to help you through it.
It’s Normal for This to Take Time
Coming off PPIs and switching to a natural fix can feel scary, especially if you’ve relied on meds for years. Some people experience a temporary increase in reflux at first when coming off a PPI, but this usually just means the Reflux Inhibitor dosage needs tweaking.
You’re not going backwards; you’re adjusting. It’s a sign your body is responding. Stick with it, be patient, and message us if you’re unsure about your dose. Most people find their sweet spot pretty quickly and we’re always here to help along the way.
TL;DR - Why You Need Both:
- Reflux Inhibitor restores stomach acid to stop the cause of reflux (weak LES).
- Acid Relief soothes symptoms and supports healing while the Reflux Inhibitor kicks in.
- It takes time to get the dose right. This is normal and part of the healing process.
- Stay the course, adjust as needed, and know you’re finally treating the root cause.
Got questions? We’re here on Messenger. You’ve got this!