A compound used to manufacture stuffed olives, sodium alginate, not only helps fight heartburn, but is also being used to treat acid reflux, reports the Daily Mail.
Sodium alginate is found in brown algae and commonly used to ‘glue’ the pimento centers into olives.
Already used to treat heartburn, scientists have discovered the compound also appears to prevent something called ‘silent reflux.’
Reflux is caused by a malfunction of the muscles and valves at the top and bottom of the esophagus. Typically, the valves block reflux and prevent it from coming back up the throat and nose.
However, in case of malfunction, reflux irritates and burns the esophageal lining, and is believed to be linked to the development of esophageal cancer.
One in five people experience one episode a week. It’s considered ‘silent reflux’ because the only symptoms are feeling like there’s a lump in the throat, chronic cough, excessive throat clearing, changes in the voice, and swallowing problems.
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