If you’re one of the many individuals struggling with acid reflux, you know that the discomfort caused by acid reflux can not be ignored. It can rob us of the joys of eating
In this article and video Yousef Mohammadi, MD, MPH, ABOIM and Dana Bosselmann, MA, RDN, IFNCP offer personalized strategies to mitigate and resolve acid reflux, from understanding its causes to implementing effective lifestyle changes and natural remedies.
Discover how to reclaim comfort and control in your daily life with our comprehensive approach to managing acid reflux.
In this exclusive video, Dr. Mohammadi, our concierge physician, and Dana, our functional dietitian, offer their insights into this condition, its symptoms, and effective management strategies. Hear from them on what items to temporarily avoid in your diet and what to add in. Complete the form to watch the full video now!
Acid reflux, often referred to as heartburn, affects one in four people. It occurs when acid from the stomach splashes up into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This can cause discomfort, and in some cases, the reflux may include both food and stomach acid.
A primary cause of reflux is a loose sphincter in the lower part of the esophagus, which allows stomach contents to move back up. Other causes include certain foods, supplements, medications, structural issues such as hernias, and inadequate propulsion of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
Dr. Mohammadi explains, "Sometimes there's foods or supplements or medicines that can cause that. Other times it could be a structural issue right above the stomach that can cause a little hernia."
Reflux symptoms vary widely, making it challenging to diagnose. Common symptoms include burping, nausea, a feeling of fullness, and a burning sensation in the chest. In severe cases, reflux can lead to symptoms affecting the lungs, such as shortness of breath, or even vomiting.
Dr. Mohammadi notes, "Some of the examples of symptoms that I typically see are burping, nausea, feeling full, burning the chest, and again depending on how severe some of these symptoms get, they could also experience issues affecting the lungs and breathing."
Dana adds, "Sometimes patients tell me they have disrupted sleep. That may seem like a strange symptom, but because of that discomfort in the esophagus from acid coming up while they're lying down, they're constantly waking up and not getting restorative sleep."
Additionally, some patients may not experience the traditional burning sensation often associated with acid reflux, but rather experience a feeling of their food getting stuck in their throats or feeling like they’re having difficulty swallowing their food.
At Lifescape, we emphasize natural approaches before resorting to medication, and focus on simple lifestyle changes.
One common cause of acid reflux is eating quickly in a distracted state, which prevents proper chewing and saliva mixing. This can hinder digestion before the food even reaches the stomach.
Dana points out, "A lot of times we find ourselves eating very quickly in a distracted state, and that means we're not chewing our food thoroughly and allowing the saliva to mix into the food properly to allow it to start breaking down before it hits the stomach."
Another problem is eating too soon before bedtime. Many people have dinner around 6 PM but snack around 9 PM and then lie down shortly after. This causes food to press against the stomach and diaphragm, opening the lower esophageal sphincter and allowing acid to splash up. "So now we have food pressing the stomach and the diaphragm against each other as they're lying flat in bed, and then that opens that lower esophageal sphincter and allows acid to splash up into the esophagus," explains Dana.
Stress significantly impacts digestion and can exacerbate acid reflux. Mindful eating, which involves being present and focused while eating, is crucial to promoting better digestion.
Stress can also reduce stomach acid production, counterintuitive to the belief that reflux is caused by too much acid. As people age, they produce less stomach acid, so younger patients experiencing reflux may be more affected by stress than excess acid.
"Stress is huge. We have stress in our life all the time, and it's been shown to reduce acid, and can definitely mess with our digestion," says Dr. Mohammadi, “be sure to give your digestive tract the time it needs to digest its food to avoid side effects like acid reflux.”
While lifestyle changes are crucial, there is a place for medications in managing reflux. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium and H2 blockers like Pepsid are effective short-term treatments, typically used for 2-8 weeks. However, long-term use can lead to deficiencies in vitamins B12, D, calcium, and magnesium, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and infections.
Dr. Mohammadi cautions, "Particular categories of acid-reflective medicines can cause issues long-term, so short-term use is recommended. With easy access to these medications, everybody can get on them, and they don't know the long term effects, and may stay on them for decades."
Several natural remedies can help manage reflux. Ginger turmeric post-biotics are recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supports gut mucosa and heals acid irritation. It is essential to choose the glycosidized version if you have blood pressure issues, as regular licorice can raise blood pressure.
Replenishing stomach acid with betaine HCL with pepsin is another option, as long as there are no contraindications like NSAID use. This supplement aids in the digestion of proteins and absorption of minerals.
It is important to consult with your physician before starting on any supplemental protocol.
Several natural remedies can help manage acid reflux. For example:
Ginger Turmeric Post-Biotics
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Betaine HCL with Pepsin
"I really like to replenish stomach acid once we determine that low stomach acid is potentially the cause of reflux," says Dana.
Acid reflux is a common but manageable condition with the right approach. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and making appropriate lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce discomfort. Incorporating natural remedies and supplements can also provide relief.
Treating Acid Reflux at Lifescape
At Lifescape, we are dedicated to helping you find the best treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Always consult with healthcare professionals to ensure the most effective management of acid reflux.
Schedule a complimentary Nutrition Information session with Dana or a Meet & Greet with Dr. Mohammadi to begin your healing and health journey today.