RefluxRaft (Alginate Therapy)

What Is RefluxRaft?

RefluxRaft is a non-prescription alginate therapy that patients use to help manage reflux symptoms, including heartburn from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and the throat symptoms of LPR (laryngopharyngeal or "silent" reflux). It was developed by ear, nose, and throat physicians, the same specialty that evaluates reflux-related voice and throat problems here at Sleep and Sinus Centers.

The active ingredient is sodium alginate, a soluble fiber that comes from kelp. RefluxRaft is a gel-like liquid that you take by the teaspoon. It comes in full-size tubes and in boxes of single-serve pouches for travel.

Key Benefits

• Works where reflux starts. It forms a physical barrier on top of the stomach contents instead of changing how much acid your stomach makes
• Stays in the digestive tract. According to the manufacturer, the alginate is not absorbed into the bloodstream
• Developed by ENT physicians, with throat and voice symptoms in mind
• No added sugar or artificial sweeteners
• Lower in sodium, at 28 mg per serving
• Allergen friendly. It is vegan and made without gluten, dairy, soy, corn, nuts, or aluminum
• A bedtime option with a small amount of melatonin, for patients whose reflux is worst at night
• No prescription needed. The manufacturer also lists it as HSA and FSA eligible

How the Raft Forms

When the gel reaches your stomach and meets stomach acid, it thickens into a light, floating layer called a raft. The raft sits on top of whatever is in your stomach, right where reflux begins. When stomach contents push upward, the raft is in the way, so less acid and fewer digestive enzymes such as pepsin reach your esophagus and throat.

That matters most for LPR. The lining of the throat and voice box is more sensitive than the esophagus, so even a small amount of reflux can leave you hoarse, coughing, or clearing your throat all day. The manufacturer reports that the raft can last up to four hours. Alginate can be used on its own or together with reflux medication your provider has prescribed.

How to Take RefluxRaft

• Take 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 mL) after meals and/or at bedtime, or as directed by your provider
• You can take it up to four times a day
• It works best after you eat. On an empty stomach there is less for the raft to float on
• Let it be the last thing you swallow. Avoid food and drinks, including water, for at least 30 minutes afterward so the raft stays in place
• Take your other medications and supplements first. The manufacturer suggests leaving 30 to 60 minutes between those and RefluxRaft
• If you use the nighttime formula, take it about 30 minutes before bed

Choosing a Formula

• Lemon Ginger: adds deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) and ginger root
• Berry Burst: flavored with blueberry and açaí
• Midnight Berry PM: the bedtime formula, with blueberry and açaí plus 1 mg of melatonin

Good to Know

• RefluxRaft is sold as a dietary supplement, not a drug. It has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
• Check with your provider before starting it if you have kidney disease, follow a restricted diet, are pregnant or nursing, or take daily medications
• Ask us before giving it to a child
• Midnight Berry PM contains melatonin, which can make you drowsy. Take it only at night, do not drive after taking it, and count it toward any other melatonin you use
• It contains glycerin, a plant-based preservative
• It is sold online at refluxraft.com and on Amazon

When to Call Us

• Alginate helps with symptoms. It does not replace reflux medication your provider has prescribed, so do not stop a prescription without talking with us first
• Keep following your reflux diet and lifestyle plan (see our GERD Diet Handout)
• Call our office if your symptoms continue or get worse, or if you have trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools. These need prompt evaluation