Ask the doctor.

Is there a supplement I can take to help acid reflux instead of regular medication? Also, can you recommend a women's multivitamin?

--Wendy D.

In my practice, about one-third of patients over 40 are on some type of medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD develops because the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus is no longer functional, causing hydrochloric acid--essential for food digestion--to irritate the esophageal lining.

I suggest you try the following to help repair your irritated esophagus. In Japan, there is a pharmaceutical made from L-carnosine and zinc that helps repair the lining of the stomach and esophagus. It is available in this country as a supplement called Nature's Lining. Chew one tablet twice a day. It works quite well, and it is the first new natural product for GERD in a long time.

Licorice also has a healing effect on the esophageal tissues, as does marshmallow root and slippery, elm. Both marshmallow root and slippery elm act as demulcents, which coat the lining of the esophagus and protect it from irritation. If you use licorice, make sure it is the deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form. Chew two tablets before each meal. Also, bladder wrack contains alginic acid, which can help GERD.

Eat meals with a low fat content, and avoid coffee, chocolate, milk, alcohol, nicotine and tomatoes. Phosphatidylcholine (a component of lecithin; follow the dosage recommendations on the label), pantothenic acid (1 gram twice per day) and manganese (50 milligrams (mg) per day) can also support proper ...