Digestive & Gut Health
Acid Reflux & GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. Functional medicine recognizes that GERD is often caused by too little stomach acid, not too much, along with other factors like hiatal hernia, delayed gastric emptying, and food sensitivities.
Common Symptoms
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Acid Reflux & GERD
Heartburn and burning sensation in chest
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic cough
Hoarseness or sore throat
Sensation of lump in throat
Disrupted sleep
Chest pain
Bad breath
Root Causes
Understanding what drives Acid Reflux & GERD
Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)
Hiatal hernia
Lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction
Delayed gastric emptying
H. pylori infection
Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, spicy foods)
Obesity and increased abdominal pressure
Stress
Medications (NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers)
GERD Root Cause Assessment
We identify the underlying factors causing reflux rather than simply suppressing acid.
Heidelberg stomach acid test or Betaine HCl challenge
H. pylori testing (breath, stool, or blood)
Upper endoscopy (if indicated)
Esophageal pH monitoring
Food sensitivity testing
Comprehensive stool analysis
SIBO breath test
Digestive Restoration Protocol
Our approach restores proper stomach acid levels, heals the esophagus, and addresses root causes.
Betaine HCl with pepsin (if low stomach acid confirmed)
Digestive enzymes
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) for esophageal healing
Aloe vera juice
Eliminate trigger foods (caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, spicy foods)
Elevate head of bed
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid eating 3 hours before bed
Weight loss if overweight
Stress management
Treat H. pylori if present
Expected Outcomes
Resolution of heartburn and reflux symptoms
Improved digestion
Better sleep quality
Reduced need for acid-suppressing medications
Healed esophageal tissue
Enhanced nutrient absorption