Reflux Isn’t Normal!
If you’re reaching for antacids every time you get heartburn, it’s time to rethink your approach. Reflux isn’t normal. It’s a sign that something is off in your gut—and suppressing symptoms with acid blockers won’t fix the root cause.
One of the biggest culprits? Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
H. Pylori: The Hidden Driver of Reflux
Did you know that about 50% of the population carries H. pylori? While many people are asymptomatic, this bacteria can wreak havoc on digestion, contributing to reflux, ulcers, and even stomach cancer. While research shows that low levels of H. pylori may offer protective benefits, an overgrowth is a major problem that needs to be addressed.
H. pylori is sneaky. It burrows into the stomach lining and actually shuts down acid production. That might sound like a good thing if you struggle with acid reflux, but here’s the problem: You need stomach acid to trigger the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to stay tightly closed. When acid levels drop too low, the LES relaxes, allowing gastric juices to rise up into the esophagus. And while those juices may not be as acidic as they should be, they’re still too harsh for the delicate esophageal lining. This chronic irritation can lead to conditions like Barrett’s esophagus and even cancer if left unchecked.
The Critical Role of Healthy Stomach Acid
Stomach acid isn’t just important for preventing reflux—it plays a vital role in digestion and immune defense.
Predigestion of Food: Stomach acid helps break down food, especially proteins, into smaller, absorbable components. Without enough acid, nutrient absorption is compromised, leading to deficiencies.
Pathogen Defense: Proper acidity kills harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi before they can enter the intestines and cause infections.
Nutrient Absorption: Adequate stomach acid is essential for absorbing key nutrients like B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Enzyme Activation: It triggers the release of digestive enzymes and bile, ensuring proper breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Gut Microbiome Balance: By preventing overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and small intestine, it supports a healthy microbiome.
When stomach acid is too low, digestion is incomplete, nutrient deficiencies arise, and infections become more likely—all of which can contribute to chronic health issues beyond just reflux.
Antacids: A Short-Term Fix With Long-Term Risks
Suppressing stomach acid with antacids or PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) only makes the problem worse. These medications may provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the real issue—and they can actually promote H. pylori overgrowth, making reflux worse in the long run. Plus, long-term acid suppression can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals like B12, magnesium, and iron.
To learn more, check out this review on the long-term risks of PPIs, which include Clostridium difficile infection and pneumonia, dementia, and chronic kidney disease.
The Better Approach: Test, Don’t Guess!
If you struggle with reflux, I strongly recommend getting a GI Map stool test to assess for H. pylori. Many doctors rely on an endoscopy biopsy to detect H. pylori, but this method is flawed—it only samples a tiny portion of stomach tissue, making false negatives common. The GI Map uses PCR DNA technology for far more accurate detection. Plus, it checks for antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors, giving a much clearer picture of whether H. pylori is truly a problem.
Beyond H. pylori, the GI Map provides a comprehensive look at your microbiome, gut immune function, and digestive health—so we can tailor an effective, individualized plan to restore balance and stop reflux at the source.
Natural Support for Reflux Relief
Addressing H. pylori and optimizing digestion is key, but in the meantime, there are natural alternatives to antacids that support proper stomach acid levels and overall gut health. You can find my top recommendations in my Fullscript dispensary!
Reflux is not something you have to live with. Instead of masking symptoms, let’s get to the root cause and restore your gut health naturally! Schedule a Discovery Call or sign up for a program to get started today!
