August 6, 2024

Min Acid

Min Acid

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Min Acid is an excellent formula for helping heal our digestive tract. However I get quite a few questions about this item. In this blog I’ll be reviewing some of the most common questions I get asked! Let’s start with what is probably the most common question I have gotten thus far about this product. “I have high blood pressure is this product safe for me to use?” Licorice extracts normally contain a compound called glycyrrhizin. This is the part of licorice that affects blood pressure. DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice does not contain glycyrrhizin and thus should not affect potassium levels. According to Mount Sinai DGL “does not seem to have the undesired side effects of licorice”. (1) In other words by removing the glycyrrhizin it makes the DGL form different in that it “does not alter blood pressure, kidney function or even hormones”. (2) Therefore YES it is safe to use!

The next question I will be discussing is also very common. If I take Min Acid will it stop me from breaking down my food? Simply put – NO it won’t. That is because of the way it works. For example DGL helps to promote mucous which protects the mucous membranes from harm. In other words rather than inhibit acid DGL works to improve our bodies’ defenses against the acid. (3) Marshmallow root, another nutrient in Min Acid is an anti-inflammatory. (4)

What does Min Acid do for us? DGL has been found to reduce gastric and intestinal discomfort. Studies have found DGL can also help with an inflamed throat. (5) Marshmallow as I said is found to have anti-inflammatory benefits. (4) Studies have also found that marshmallow root can help to heal wounds. It can also help to reduce pain such as when you have a sore throat. Studies have found that in addition to helping with ulcers, acid reflux it may help repair a damaged gut lining! Marshmallow may also help with constipation. (6) Plantain root adds certain benefits as well. One of these benefits is that it is a prebiotic and helps to “feed” the good bacteria that protect our GI tract. (7) Slippery elm has been found to help increase mucous secretion in our digestive tract. This is how it protects us form things such as stomach ulcers, colitis, diverticulitis and any GI tract damage. Slippery elm has also been found to help with either diarrhea or constipation and eve n reduce any inflammation in our gut. (8)

Another question I get asked is how do I take this product? Well it is recommended to chew and swallow after food. Now just as an aside I have had people who find that taking it before meals works better. If you find that Min Acid doesn’t work as well as expected you can try taking it before food or even in the middle of your meal. On a similar note I’ve had a few people ask me if they have to chew it. The answer is yes, it is better if you chew and swallow. If you think about it this makes sense. As you chew and then swallow the nutrients coat the cells of your mouth, throat and digestive tract thus promoting their health. In my clinical experience working with people who have digestive concerns a formula such as Min Acid works better in a chewable form than a pill.

How does all this related to my blog on mucositis? Well as I’ve said the benefits of Min Acid include reducing inflammation, heat gut damage and even help to reduce diarrhea/ constipation. These benefits are important for those who have mucositis. For more information on mucositis please see my blog on this topic!

Overall Min Acid is an excellent formula for our overall gut health. Our next topic will be Opportunist Infections.

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