A Functional Medicine Approach to Acid Reflux
Acid reflux - sometimes very painful, and at other times, it shows no symptoms at all. The on again off again nature of the symptoms are always a sign of a problem that should be resolved. In 2019, over the counter 24 hr antacid pills were the 7th most commonly filled prescription medication in the US. It is also available over the counter, thus many more of us are taking it than we have record of. Americans have a big problem with acid reflux. There is also a larger problem with the drugs used to treat it. You may have heard of the popular over the counter brands like: Prilosec OTC, OmePPi, and Zegerid. These are all forms of Omeprazole.
Omeprazole, among many other drugs, is from a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors, or PPI’s. As the name implies, these drugs inhibit a process which significantly suppress stomach acid production. To sufferers, this sounds great in theory, but in reality we see that this acid suppression causes significant problems including osteoporosis, Vitamin B12 deficiency, kidney disease, possible increased risk of dementia and circulatory issues.
Stopping a PPI takes time and a slow weaning process to avoid a rebound effect of acid production (ouch!). A functional medicine provider or health coach can help you with this.
Acid reflux is actually, as the name implies, acid refluxing from the stomach into the esophagus. The stomach lining is specially designed to stand up to the acidity of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid), the esophagus is not. Thus it causes pain or if in small amounts, creates inflammation or increased mucus production which causes a dry cough or constant clearing of your throat.
The most common cause of acid reflux is actually low stomach acid secretion.
Some of the main causes of low stomach acid are:
magnesium deficiency- this is the most common cause. Most of us do not get enough magnesium in our diet.
high cortisol from stress- there is an 80-90% reduction in stomach acid when a person is in a “fight or flight” state
poor eating hygiene - most people eat too fast or under rushed, stressful conditions
H Pylori infection- this is an overgrowth of a bacteria found in the gut
hypothyroid
The importance of having adequate stomach acid can not be understated. Maintaining a healthy acid balance is crucial for our body to break down protein and create amino acids, absorb vitamins and minerals from food and support a healthy environment for our vital gut flora to grow.
One of the most effective ways to reduce or resolve acid reflux issues is to start paying attention to how you eat. Sit down for a meal, take a deep breath and relax for just a minute before you start to eat, enjoy your meal, and chew, chew, chew. This may sound simple but it is SO important and effective. And it will take practice, so start with your next meal!
To truly address the root of the acid reflux once and for all, talk to a functional medicine practitioner. You don’t have to be like Proud Mary. You don’t have to keep burning.