Medical Research Support
Discover the scientific evidence behind OBEX's effectiveness in managing reflux symptoms.
OBEX vs Traditional Treatments
Compare alginate therapy with traditional heartburn treatments to understand the unique benefits of OBEX.
| Treatment | Speed of Relief | Safety in Pregnancy | Mechanism | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBEX (Alginate) | ✓ Fast (5-10 min) | ✓ Safe | Physical barrier | ✓ Minimal |
| PPIs (Omeprazole) | ~ Slow (1-4 days) | ⚠ Caution needed | Acid reduction | ~ Moderate |
| Antacids (Tums) | ✓ Fast (5-15 min) | ✓ Generally safe | Acid neutralization | ~ Rebound effect |
| H2 Blockers | ~ Moderate (30-60 min) | ✓ Generally safe | Acid reduction | ✓ Low |
Why Choose Alginate Therapy?
- Works without suppressing natural stomach acid
- Can be used alongside other treatments
- Natural seaweed-derived ingredient
Perfect for Special Situations
- Pregnancy when PPIs may not be recommended
- Singers who need to protect vocal cords
- Food lovers who want immediate relief
How Sodium Alginate Works
1. Ingestion
Sodium alginate is consumed and reaches the stomach
2. Reaction
Reacts with stomach acid to form a protective gel-like raft
3. Protection
Creates a barrier preventing acid reflux into the esophagus
Why This Mechanism is Effective:
- Provides rapid, physical barrier protection
- Works independently of acid production
- Natural, well-tolerated mechanism
- Can complement other treatments
Our commitment to evidence-based solutions drives continuous research and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
OBEX uses medical-grade sodium alginate derived from seaweed. When you take it after a meal, it reacts with your stomach acid to form a protective gel-like "raft" that floats on top of your stomach contents. This physical barrier prevents acid from rising into your esophagus, providing relief in as little as 5-10 minutes.
Yes, OBEX is considered safe during pregnancy. Unlike PPIs and many other heartburn medications, alginate therapy works as a physical barrier without being absorbed into your bloodstream. Many pregnant women find it to be an effective and reassuring option. As always, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
While antacids neutralize stomach acid (which can sometimes cause rebound acid production), OBEX creates a physical barrier that blocks acid reflux without interfering with your natural digestion. This means you get relief without the potential for "acid rebound" that can occur with traditional antacids.
For optimal results, take OBEX within 30 minutes after your meal. The alginate needs stomach acid to form its protective barrier, so taking it on a full stomach ensures the best effectiveness. Many people also take a dose before bed if they experience nighttime reflux.
OBEX is available in three chef-crafted flavors: Lemon Meringue, Smooth Mint, and Orange Cream. Unlike other alginate products with challenging tastes, our formulations were developed by professional chefs to make your heartburn relief something you actually look forward to taking.
Great question! Real mint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, and citric acid increases stomach acidity—both of which can worsen reflux. However, OBEX uses natural flavor oils, not actual mint leaves or citrus fruit. These flavor oils provide the pleasant taste without the compounds that trigger reflux symptoms. There's no citric acid in our formulations, so you get the enjoyable flavors without the reflux risk.
We ship across Canada with free shipping on orders of 6+ bottles. Most orders arrive within 3-7 business days depending on your location. All products are made fresh in Hamilton, Ontario and shipped directly to your door with tracking provided.
Yes, research shows that alginate therapy can be used as an add-on to existing treatments like PPIs. In fact, studies found that 72% of patients reported improved satisfaction when adding alginate to their PPI regimen. However, we recommend spacing out your doses and consulting with your healthcare provider.
Yes! We're proud to partner with McKnight's Pharmacy as our first retail location. You can find OBEX at both of their Hamilton stores: 685 Main St E (at Proctor) and 460 Main St E (at Ontario). Just stop by during pharmacy hours to grab your bottles—no shipping wait required!