🌿 DGL – De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice – a popular, safer form of licorice often used for digestive health:
Full Name: De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice
Derived From: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root)
Purpose: To remove glycyrrhizin, a compound in licorice that can cause side effects like high blood pressure and water retention when consumed in large quantities.
🔍 Why DGL?
Glycyrrhizin is a natural sweet compound found in whole licorice root. While it has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, it can also:
- Raise blood pressure (hypertension)
- Lower potassium levels
- Cause fluid retention
DGL is made by removing glycyrrhizin, making it safer for long-term use—especially for digestive conditions.
💊 Health Benefits of DGL
| Health Concern | DGL Action |
|---|---|
| Gastric ulcers | Helps heal and protect the stomach lining |
| Acid reflux (GERD) | Reduces heartburn and soothes esophageal irritation |
| Indigestion | Supports better digestion and mucosal protection |
| Mouth ulcers | Often used in lozenges to soothe oral inflammation |
🔬 How It Works
DGL helps stimulate the production of mucus in the stomach, which:
- Coats and protects the stomach lining
- Supports healing of ulcers
- Reduces irritation caused by excess stomach acid
Unlike antacids, DGL works without neutralizing stomach acid, so it supports digestion rather than blocking it.
✅ How to Take DGL
- Form: Chewable tablets, powders, or lozenges
- Dosage: Commonly 380–400 mg chewed 20 minutes before meals
- Important: Must be chewed—not swallowed whole—for effectiveness in the upper digestive tract
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- DGL is generally safe for long-term use, even for people with high blood pressure
- Avoid if allergic to legumes (licorice belongs to the Fabaceae family)
- Still, consult a healthcare provider if:
- You are pregnant or nursing
- Taking medications for heart or blood pressure
- Managing chronic illness
🧪 DGL vs Regular Licorice
| Feature | DGL | Regular Licorice |
|---|---|---|
| Glycyrrhizin content | Removed | Present |
| Blood pressure effect | No | Can raise |
| Best for | Stomach & esophagus | Inflammation, immunity, respiratory |
| Long-term safety | Yes | Limited |