What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic digestive condition where there is a back-flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This back-flow can irritate the sensitive lining of the esophagus, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms as well as long term complications if unmanaged.

Common symptoms include:

• A burning sensation in the chest or throat, often worse after eating or while lying down

• Regurgitation of sour or bitter tasting fluid in the throat

• Chest pain that may feel dull, heavy, or burning

• Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of needing to clear the throat often

• Chronic cough, often worse at night due to irritation of the throat

• Hoarseness of the voice and/or a sore throat

• A heavy feeling in the stomach

• Frequent belching

Possible Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of acid reflux / GERD:

• Weakened Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): This is a muscular ring that divides the esophagus from the stomach. When it is weak or relaxes inappropriately, this allows for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Adequate stomach acid and enzymes are required to keep the LES closed, and certain foods can trigger the relaxing of the LES as well.

• Dietary Triggers: Common food triggers include caffeine, chocolate, citrus, tomatoes, spicy or fried foods. However, it is important to note that every body is different and there are many factors that can contribute to these symptoms that need to be addressed alongside. Learn more about the Elimination Diet here.

• Abdominal Pressure: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen can worsen reflux by adding pressure to the stomach and LES. This is also true during pregnancy as the increasing size of the baby adds pressure to surrounding organs including the stomach.

• Inadequate Stomach Acid or Digestive Capacity: Surprised by this one? While we associate acid reflux with too much stomach acid, it’s also possible that our digestive capacity and acid is weakened. This can occur with long term PPI use (a medication used to treat acid reflux), chronic stress, and poor nutrition and lifestyle habits. We need healthy amounts of stomach acid and digestive enzymes to ensure our LES can close appropriately and that our food can be adequately digested and assimilated.

• Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Chronic infections like H. Pylori in the stomach can cause symptoms of GERD including a burning sensation in the abdomen, acid reflux, frequent belching, nausea or decreased appetite, bloating, and more. It’s important to rule out H. Pylori as a contributing cause with your healthcare provider.

• Chronic Stress: As we all know, stress is a contributor to many disease processes, especially various digestive conditions including IBS, acid reflux, ulcers and more.

How We Can Help

There are many ways to support healthy digestion and acid reflux holistically.

Our Approach:

1. Nutritional Support: Support on how to build an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods, high in fiber, and low in trigger foods is a crucial step in healing.

2. Lifestyle Recommendations: Addressing lifestyle factors like how we eat, how we manage stress, and how we move our body can be highly impactful in treating symptoms of acid reflux.

3. Herbal & Supplemental Support: Herbs and supplements can be great tools to support the digestive tract, improve gut motility, support healthy stomach acid and digestive enzyme levels, soothe an irritated gut lining, treat chronic infections, and more. Each case is different and often requires a unique approach.

4. Integrative Care: Wether you are looking for natural alternatives, are seeking additional support alongside your prescribed medications, or looking to wean off medications under the guidance of your healthcare provider, we are here to help. We always want to make sure you have the best possible health care team supporting you and that means, working as a team to provide you with the options that are most suited to your desires and health goals.