The Truth About Acid Reflux

One of the most common complaints I hear from clients is acid reflux—and while medications like Prilosec, Nexium, or Protonix may offer temporary relief, they often mask the root cause. If you’ve been dealing with reflux or heartburn and haven’t found long-term relief, it may be time to look at things through a functional nutrition lens.

Why We Actually Need Stomach Acid

Contrary to popular belief, most reflux isn’t caused by too much stomach acid—but by too little. When your stomach doesn’t produce enough acid:

• You can’t properly digest protein

• You miss out on key nutrients like B12, magnesium, iron, and calcium

• Undigested food ferments, producing gas and bloating

• The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakens and allows stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus

Stomach acid is also your first line of defense against harmful bacteria and viruses. Without it, you’re more prone to gut infections and overgrowth of unwanted microbes.

Signs You May Have Low Stomach Acid

Many symptoms we associate with “too much acid” are actually signs of low acid production:

• Frequent heartburn, reflux, or indigestion

• Gas, bloating, or belching after meals

• A “heavy” feeling or excessive fullness after eating

• Nausea in the evenings

• Fatigue after meals or in the afternoon

• Undigested food in your stool

• Loss of taste for meat or protein foods

• Constipation or difficult bowel movements

• Anemia that doesn’t respond to iron supplements

• Food sensitivities or allergies

• Bad breath

• Chronic skin issues or rashes

• Sleep disturbances or mood shifts

• Sneezing or allergy-like symptoms after meals

Why Antacids and PPIs Can Make Things Worse

Acid-suppressing medications like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) may help in the short term, but long-term use can lead to serious side effects:

• Chronic kidney disease

• Osteoporosis and fractures

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

• Heart disease and heart attacks

• Reduced liver function

• Increased risk of infections

• Cognitive decline and dementia

Many patients stay on these medications for years—even though guidelines recommend using them for no more than 6 weeks without further investigation.

5 Root Causes of Reflux

1. Low Stomach Acid Weakens the LES

When acid is low, the valve between your stomach and esophagus (the LES) doesn’t close properly, allowing food and acid to travel upward. This is often misinterpreted as “too much acid” when it’s actually a lack of acid.

2. Gut Microbiome Imbalance

Low stomach acid can allow harmful bacteria or yeast to grow unchecked. This imbalance may lead to more gas, bloating, and fermentation—worsening reflux. Probiotics and digestive enzymes can help restore balance.

3. H. pylori Infection

This common bacterial infection can suppress stomach acid and trigger reflux, bloating, and discomfort. Functional stool or breath testing can confirm it, and there are effective natural protocols to support eradication.

4. Food Sensitivities

Certain foods irritate the gut lining or weaken the LES. Common triggers include:

• Gluten, dairy, and eggs

• Citrus fruits and tomatoes

• Coffee, tea, chocolate

• Fried or fatty foods

• Alcohol and spicy dishes

We offer food sensitivity testing to help you identify your personal triggers.

5. Structural or Stress-Related LES Dysfunction

Stress, poor posture, or hiatal hernias can cause mechanical dysfunction in the LES. In these cases, chiropractic care or manual therapy can be helpful.

Functional Solutions for Acid Reflux Relief

If you’re ready to support your body from the inside out, here’s what we recommend:

Digestive Enzymes, Betaine HCl or digestive bitters before meals (under supervision)

Diluted apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in water 10–15 minutes before eating

Soothing supplements like aloe vera juice or DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)

High-quality probiotics to restore gut flora

Food sensitivity testing to uncover your personal triggers

Hydration: Start your day with 8 oz of water and aim for half your body weight in ounces daily

Mindful eating habits: Chew thoroughly, eat slowly, and avoid overeating

You Deserve Real Relief

You don’t have to live with chronic reflux—or stay stuck on medications that only manage symptoms and can make matters worse over time. Whether it’s identifying an H. pylori infection, uncovering food sensitivities, or supporting digestion with targeted foods and supplements, we’re here to help you uncover the root cause and heal naturally.

Ready to take the next step? Book a 15-minute discovery call or schedule a full consultation to explore personalized testing and gut healing support.

Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Acid Reflux