Acid reflux and heartburn

Do you often experience acid reflux or heartburn? Do you take antacids like gaviscon or omeprazole? It gets better for a short while and then it gets worse again. 

• The main cause of acid reflux or heartburn is stress and eating on the run. You’re eating but your body is not prepared to digest the food properly. Engaging in mindful eating is the first step to take for healing. No screens, take your time, chew your food and breath! 

• We often assume that if we get acid reflux or heartburn, it is due to too much stomach acid and so we take medications to suppress it BUT in more than 90% of cases, it is due to low stomach acid. Yes you heard me right! In medical terms, it is called hypochlorhydria. It is actually very rare for someone to have too much stomach acid (hyperchlorhydria). 

  Stomach acid is so important for your digestion and if you don’t have enough it can lead to irritated and inflamed mucosa. Hydrochloric acid for instance is key to helping your body break down, digest and absorb nutrients. 

• If you have persistent acid reflux/heartburn, it is always good to rule out H-pylori infection (Helicobacter pylori). It is very common and you don’t always get sick with it but for some people the bacteria becomes opportunistic and leads to further complications such as ulcers.  To rule it out, you can do a stool test with your doctor or privately with a registered nutritionist (me!). 

• Food sensitivities and being overweight could also be the cause of your symptoms. 

• And of course I didn’t mention pregnancy which is another cause and sometimes there is a structural component to it (hiatal hernia).