Beyond Antacids: Why Alginates & Mucilage Are the Future of LPR & GERD Treatment
The Science of “Raft-Forming” Alginates for Silent Reflux (LPR)
If you’ve been diagnosed with Silent Reflux—also known as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)—you’ve likely encountered the most frustrating version of reflux.
A constant lump in your throat (globus)
Unexplained hoarseness
Persistent post-nasal drip that no medication seems to touch
And yet, standard antacids and PPIs often fail to relieve these symptoms. Why?
Because your symptoms aren’t always caused by acid—they’re often driven by pepsin, a digestive enzyme that can rise into the throat as a vapor, causing inflammation and damage to the upper GI tract.
This is where nature’s engineering outperforms basic chemistry—and where modern reflux solutions are evolving.
The “Raft” Mechanism Explained
Alginates, a natural compound derived from brown seaweed, don’t just neutralize acid—they block it from rising.
When alginates react with stomach acid, they form a frothy gel-like “raft” that floats on top of the stomach contents. This raft acts as a physical barrier, preventing both acid and gaseous pepsin from splashing up into the esophagus and throat.
Unlike calcium carbonate (e.g., TUMS), which only neutralizes acid after it rises, alginates intervene before reflux occurs—offering real protection for the throat.
Science-backed relief:
Dettmar et al. (2011) showed that alginate therapy offers rapid symptom relief by reducing reflux episodes.
Johnston et al. (2007) found that pepsin, not acid, is the key irritant in LPR, making barrier-based approaches essential.
Why Herbal Mucilage Matters
In our FLORA protocols, we take alginate therapy a step further—by incorporating mucilaginous herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow root.
These plants are rich in natural mucilage, a soothing, gel-like compound that coats the throat and esophagus like a balm—helping to calm irritation and support healing of delicate tissues.
It’s like aloe for your esophagus.
Sequoia Soothe: Our #1 Tool for Upper GI Relief
When our clients are healing from LPR, Sequoia Soothe is one of the first tools we reach for.
Formulated by Reflux Expert & Registered Dietitian Molly Pelletier, Sequoia Soothe is a professional-grade botanical powder designed to:
Soothe the burn
Rebuild gut and esophageal resilience
Support long-term healing—gently and effectively
Why You’ll Love Sequoia Soothe:
Soothes Upper GI/Throat Discomfort & Acidity
Supports a Healthy, Resilient Gut & Esophageal Lining
Flavorless (intentionally!) for sensitive systems
Gentle powder (not a hard-to-swallow pill)
Formulated by a reflux specialist, backed by clinical experience
Ingredient Breakdown: The Ultimate Upper GI Support Stack
L-Glutamine (2500mg) – The Rebuilder
Supports gut lining cells and mucosal barrier integrity
DGL Licorice (300mg) – The Guardian
Promotes the body’s natural production of protective digestive mucus
Zinc Carnosine (7.5mg) – The Targeted Repair Agent
Adheres to irritated tissue like a bandage to accelerate repair
Slippery Elm (1000mg) – The Soother
Forms a gel-like coating over inflamed esophageal tissue
Build Your LPR Toolkit
Whether you’re tapering off PPIs, managing persistent throat symptoms, or just want a gentler, long-term reflux solution—here’s what we recommend:
A high-quality alginate product (like Reflux Raft)
A mucilaginous herb protocol (such as Sequoia Soothe)
Lifestyle and dietary shifts to reduce reflux at the root
These tools work together to protect, soothe, and rebuild—allowing you to heal while still living your life.
Want to Dive Deeper?
🎥 Watch: Our Free Acid Reflux Webinar
🛒 Shop: Get Sequoia Soothe Here
📦 Try: Our Favorite Alginates & Supplements
Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Author:
Molly Pelletier, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian specializing in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), and integrative gut health nutrition. Through FLORA, she helps clients resolve complex GI symptoms using evidence-based, root-cause protocols.
As you begin exploring gentler, science-backed approaches to LPR and GERD, remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone. With the right tools, your body can heal—and you deserve support that’s both effective and compassionate.
Our FLORA 1:1 nutrition counseling program is designed to give you exactly that. You’ll work closely with a FLORA dietitian trained in my full reflux and gut-healing framework, receiving a personalized plan and ongoing guidance tailored to your unique symptoms and goals. You can learn more or apply HERE.
And for daily support at your fingertips—soothing recipes, nervous-system regulation tools, expert-led classes, and step-by-step guidance—the FLORA app is your trusted home base for sustainable gut healing.
Wherever you are in your healing journey, I’m rooting for you. May these tools help you feel more supported, more empowered, and more at ease in your body—this season and beyond.
