The Truth About Acid Reflux
- Mary Kate Fuller, MS, CNS, LDN, CHHP
- Jan 12, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 2
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.

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