ACID REFLUX
posted 31st August 2021
Why Acid Reflux and Heartburn Are More Common Than Ever—And What You Can Do About It
In recent years, I have been seeing an alarming increase in cases of acid reflux and heartburn, and even when these aren’t people’s primary health issues, they often seem to be an accompanying problem. Whilst age is a common factor in acid reflux, there are many other contributing causes. These include foods high in acid or fat, low stomach acid, medications, stress, and various digestive disorders.
Low Stomach Acid and Digestion: The Connection
One critical factor often overlooked in acid reflux is low stomach acid. If your stomach acid is too low, you may struggle with properly digesting protein, which can exacerbate symptoms. A simple test to assess your stomach acid levels can be incredibly helpful in diagnosing this issue.
Common Triggers and Symptoms
Symptoms of acid reflux often occur after eating certain foods, including proteins, carbohydrates, starches, or fats. If this sounds familiar, it’s worth investigating potential underlying issues like low stomach acid, insufficient digestive enzymes, pancreatic problems, H. Pylori infection, or gallbladder dysfunction.
Many of my patients have found relief from H. Pylori, a common bacterial infection, through natural and effective treatments. But it is not just H. Pylori. Food sensitivities can also worsen if your stomach doesn’t produce enough hydrochloric acid. In fact, this can interfere with your ability to absorb essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folate.
Apart from the classic heartburn, other common symptoms of acid reflux include:
• A bitter taste in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain
• Frequent burping
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• A persistent dry cough
Identifying the Cause: The Key to Relief
Pinpointing the root cause of your acid reflux is crucial. In my practice, I’ve found that certain foods and lifestyle factors are common culprits, including:
• Grains
• Cow’s dairy
• Soy
• Refined oils
• Alcohol
• Caffeine (from tea/coffee)
• Processed foods
• Spicy foods
• Salami and pepperoni
• Peppermint
• High stress levels
• Candida overgrowth
• Pregnancy
That being said, many individuals also find that foods like tomatoes, onions, and garlic can trigger reflux symptoms. Once the gut microbiome and digestive health are properly addressed, many of these foods may no longer cause issues.
The Antacid Dilemma - It is tempting to reach for antacids when acid reflux strikes, but they don’t address the root cause of the problem. In fact, frequent use of antacids can lead to a depletion of vital nutrients like magnesium and vitamin B12. What’s often needed is not more acid-suppressing medications, but a correction of the underlying gastrointestinal imbalance.
What You Can Do
If you are experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, it’s important to take a holistic approach. Start by identifying your triggers, addressing digestive issues, and focusing on balancing your stomach acid levels. With the right treatment plan, many of these uncomfortable symptoms can be alleviated, and you may even find that you can enjoy a wider variety of foods again.Taking steps to improve your gut health is key—not just for managing acid reflux, but for your overall well-being.
© Ann Shaw Clinic 2025