AOR Gastro Relief - 60 V-Caps

No Smoke without Fire

Heartburn is a very common condition that is characterized by a burning sensation that starts in the upper abdomen and moves into the chest and that is worse when lying down or bending forward. Heartburn sufferers can often associate the problem with specific foods, with fatty foods, acidic foods, alcohol and chocolate being known offenders. Heartburn is not mere acid indigestion but usually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux - a condition where the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus because the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus is not functioning properly. Since the cells of the esophagus are not meant to handle this level of acidity, heartburn is extremely painful and can have serious long term consequences such as unhealthy esophageal cell growth, narrowing of the esophagus from scaring and Barrett's esophagus. It is not only the acid which causes problems. The stomach also contains pepsin and bile acids which are equally dangerous for the cells of the esophagus. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme which degrades proteins and the presence of bile acids in the esophagus has been shown to increase the likeliness of more serious injuries.

Fire Put Out by Fire

Treating heartburn in isolation with heartburn medication targeting the acidity of the stomach is narrow minded and only provides temporary relief. Indeed, the problem with reflux is not that the stomach is too acidic; often the reverse is actually true. The valve that releases the contents of the stomach into the intestinal tract is triggered by acidity, if the stomach contents are not acidic enough, this valve does not open and the stomach contents back up into the esophagus causing pain and irritation. This is why Gastro Relief contains Vitamin C which is acidic, instead of the typical acidity buffers.

Only as Dangerous as You Let it Be

The premise behind Gastro Relief is to provide quick and effective relief from the symptoms of heartburn while addressing any fundamental pathology which would cause the problem. Gastro Relief contains Mastic Gum which has been shown to wipe out bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori, the cause behind the majority of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Clinical studies have clearly shown the effectiveness of this resin with 80% of patients receiving mastic gum for two weeks reporting significant improvements in their symptoms. Further test tube studies confirmed that Mastic Gum kills H. pylori in concentrations easily attainable through supplementation.

Zinc Carnosine has received much attention lately thanks to its ability to up-regulate key antioxidant enzymes thereby preventing free radicals from damaging cells. Studies have confirmed that Zinc Carnosine has anti-ulcer properties and prevents gastric mucosal injury. Animal studies also show that Zinc Carnosine is indicated in H. pylori infections as the molecule prevents the development of H. pylori related gastritis.

Potassium Nitrate is a precursor to Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide is a potent vasodilator and increases blood flow to the gastric mucosa enhancing repair and the inflow of nutrients and oxygen. Higher nitric oxide levels in the stomach were also shown to increase effective peristalsis movements. Studies also clearly demonstrate that Nitric oxide precursors are effective anti-inflammatory agents with protective effects against gastritis.

When it comes to relieving heartburn, the key ingredient in Gastro Relief is alginic acid. Alginic acid is a viscous substance found in algae which absorbs water extremely quickly to form a "raft" on top of the gastric contents. This "raft" has two effects; it prevents the gastric contents from being pushed back up the esophagus and also coats the esophagus if the gastric contents were to reach the esophagus. Since it acts as a barrier and not simply by neutralizing the acidity or by preventing acid from being generated in the stomach, the alginic acid also protects the esophagus from the pepsin and bile salts found in the stomach and also known to damage the upper digestive tract. Clinical studies clearly demonstrate this protective role, protecting the esophagus from the damaging potential of the refluxate, not merely the acid. This has led some experts in the field to lean towards natural products such as alginate rafts to address the problem instead of using more conventional approaches. An added bonus is that alginic acid works extremely quickly providing relief within a few minutes. Researchers have also confirmed that Alginic acid is more effective than ranitidine and omeprazole, two drugs used in reflux, during the first hour after dosing. It is not surprising that this method of treatment for heartburn has been around for more than 30 years.

The Safety of Nitric Oxide

Nitrates and their reduced products have been consumed for thousands of years. For the last fifty years nitrates have been the subject of serious propaganda and regulatory restrictions.Various researchers suggest that nitrates are probably responsible for the health benefits associated with various fruits and vegetables and the so called "Mediterranean Diet". In addition various vegetables are rich sources of nitrates and an intake of a plate of salad or a glass of beetroot juice offers many times the nitrate level that the regulatory bodies have set as an upper limit.

In light of this discovery AOR offers the world's first series of supplements that incorporate the NOx 3,2,1 technology.

To Take Fire from Fire

When it comes to the treatment of heartburn, it is essential to address the underlying problem associated with the symptom. Heartburn is usually merely a symptom of a more serious problem such as an infection or an incompetent sphincter. Gastro Relief was formulated specifically to alleviate heartburn while addressing the root cause of the problem.

Cautions:
Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Hypersensitivity (ie. allergy) has been known to occur, in which case discontinue use. Methemoglobinemia has been reported on rare occasions following an accidental overdose of Potassium nitrate; intravenous methylene blue is the specific therapy for this condition. This product contains corn derived ingredients, do not use if you have an allergy.

Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are taking erectile dysfunction-type products, or if you have an allergy to plants of the Anacardiaceae family such as pistachio, terebinth, Chinese pistache, and Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian pepper). Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have hypochlorhydria/achlorhydria, stomach lesions, diabetes mellitus, Crohn’s disease, or if you are taking hypoglycemic agents or hypolipidemic agents.