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If you are suffering from frequent and unrelenting heartburn, you probably would do just about anything for some relief. There are prescription medications that might help, but some people want to find a more natural way to help with the problem. There are some who believe that a variety of lifestyle changes can be made, and that you can take licorice for acid reflux and feel some relief. Licorice root has been used for a long time for many different things with great success. There are some things you should know about it before you begin.

Acid reflux is the result of stomach acid moving up into the esophagus. It can go as high as the mouth, and throat, and can cause problems with sinuses and the respiratory system. The acid can do a lot of damage to these tissues, and you might even experience tooth decay. It is often associated with a burning sensation that can be very hard to manage at times. For some people, the pain is unbearable, and medications are a must in order to stop the pain.

If you have reflux, you can try a few lifestyle modifications. If you are overweight, you may find relief in losing the extra pounds. This extra bulk can be part of the reason that the valve at the top of your stomach meant to contain the acid within is failing.

Smoking will make acid reflux worse, so if you smoke, now is the time to quit. Also, alcohol and drugs like Advil (NSAIDs) and aspirin might also be avoided. A person with reflux should also learn to avoid those foods that seem to make things worse for them, and also its a good idea to stop eating three hours before bedtime. A sleeping position with the head and upper body elevated is best.

You might also want to try licorice root to see if it does anything to help you. This is something that is otherwise referred to as DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice). There have been some studies that suggest this is just as effective as some medications, and in some cases it worked better. You should discuss this with your doctor before you begin however, because there can be problems.

Even though you might think of licorice roots as a natural remedy, it can still harm you if you are in poor health. Licorice has been known to raise blood pressure if you take the wrong kind. Always have medical help when you try something like this.

There are many people who have said they have found great relief in using licorice for acid reflux. Usual dosages are once a day or if you have a bad case of reflux, you might have to take it twice a day. You may find that using this natural remedy along with a well thought-out meal plan, changes in lifestyle, and a new way of sleeping will help keep your symptoms to a minimum.

By Kathryn Whittaker. Sign up for a free newsletter that has proven methods for tackling Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD head-on and discover more about acid reflux. In the newsletter you'll also find more about the different kinds of acid reflux help and what to do if you have severe heartburn.