Root Cause Solutions for Heartburn

“That burning in your throat is a result of too little stomach acid.”

Have you seen the look of doubt when you say that to your patients? And had to steel yourself (again) as you explain the underlying physiology of the vast majority of reflux cases?

Reflux is a common condition affecting 20% of adults. And your patients are accustomed to being prescribed proton pump inhibitors and acid blockers as the solution. 

Functional and integrative practitioners understand this therapeutic approach doesn’t treat the root cause. However, the true underlying cause of reflux and the remedy are counterintuitive. 

Patients understandably wonder how it can be that they have too little acid in their stomach when they feel acid creeping up to their throat and mouth. And how will increasing stomach acid bring relief?

In this video, naturopathic doctors Emily Hernandez and Jocelyn Strand discuss the real causes of acid reflux and heartburn and the more serious issues they can lead to if untreated.

Dr. Hernandez is a Clinical Consultant on our team, and Dr. Strand is our Senior Director of Clinical Education and Research. Together they have decades of clinical experience. Listen in to their insightful conversation for ideas on how to talk to your patients about this common issue.

Hypochlorhydria Symptom Checklist

Use this comprehensive list to assess stomach acid or share the attached PDF version with your patients to educate them about symptoms that might indicate low stomach acid.

• Damage to tooth enamel due to gastric juices entering oral cavity  
• Mouth burning or soreness
• Chronic cough unrelated to any other issues (not due to allergies or illness)
• Regurgitation of food or gastric contents
• Increased burping 
• Heartburn – acidic, burning-like pain under sternum or in esophagus
• Pressure or pain in your chest (make sure and rule out cardiovascular issues)
• Nausea
• Indigestion or feeling like food sits in stomach
• Feeling bloated after or between meals
• Increased flatulence
• Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements
• Undigested food in stool
• Diarrhea, especially after a fatty meal
• Susceptibility to dysbiosis (ex. H pylori, Candida, SIBO)