What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is very common. It is a condition which features an uncomfortable burning pain, also known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. Acid reflux may have many causes and many triggers are dietary related. Nutritional therapy and other naturopathic practices can help get to the root of the problem, to restore balance.

Causes of acid reflux

It is caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). If it keeps happening, it's called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Other symptoms of acid reflux may include

A cough or hiccups that keep coming back

A hoarse voice

Bad breath

Bloating and nausea

Chest pain

Difficulty swallowing

Chronic cough

Bad breath

Please note: It is recommended that symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing and chronic cough should also be fully assessed by a medical professional

Symptoms can be worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over.

Factors which may lead to acid reflux include:

Certain food and drink such as:

Coffee

Alcohol

Chocolate

Spicy foods

Tomatoes

Fizzy Drinks

Citrus

Peppermint

The importance of Nutritional Therapy in acid reflux

Nutritional Therapy may be beneficial to highlight and exclude, and where necessary replace certain food groups to alleviate symptoms. In our Nutritional Therapy consultations, we include a full medical history and review to understand the underlying issues which may be causing symptoms. Some of these may include:

Being overweight and being pregnant both increase the pressure on the stomach inside the abdomen

Smoking and alcohol: The muscle ring (sphincter) at the bottom of the gullet (oesophagus) may be too relaxed and open, allowing food and acid to reflux upwards. Alcohol and smoking both relax the sphincter.

Psychological stress: The stomach may be producing too much acid. This can happen if you are feeling stressed.

Medications, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen)

Hiatus Hernia: In people with a hiatus hernia, stomach contents can reflux easily into the oesophagus

Tips to help prevent acid reflux

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Try to drink adequate water, and ensure this is alkaline. Alkaline water de-activates pepsin which may be responsible for acid reflux. Read our guide here.

Chew thoroughly and don’t eat too quickly

Include fennel in your diet. Fennel is high in digestive enzymes which help digest your food and reduce reflux. It is also calming for the digestive system.

Aloe vera may reduce acid production and work as an anti-inflammatory agent. Include this daily.

The herb Centaurium may help to relieve symptoms by toning the oesophageal sphincter.

Raise 1 end of your bed 10 to 20cm by putting something under your bed or mattress – your chest and head should be above the level of your waist, so stomach acid does not travel up towards your throat

Keep weight stable

Try to find ways of releasing stress and anxiety

Avoid large, heavy meals in the evening

Wait a few hours after eating, before going to bed

Cut back on alcohol

There are a number of targeted Acid Reflux supplements which may help to reduce symptoms, such as Cytoplan Gastro AD and Enzymedica Acid Soothe. We recommend a holistic approach and Nutritional Therapy looks at the underlying factors involved with longer term gut health, however in the short term taking these supplements may help.

Acid reflux and 'trigger-food' removal

The trigger-food diet involves eliminating common trigger foods, such as coffee and chocolate, to alleviate symptoms. These methods have little clinical backing and results vary between individuals.

Supplement suggestions for acid reflux

Betaine HCl with Pepsin:

This supplemental approach addresses the lack of stomach acid which is said to cause acid reflux in many cases. One study in 6 people with low levels of stomach acid showed that taking 1500 mg of betaine HCl increased stomach acidity [i].

B Vitamins:

B Vitamins, including folate, riboflavin, and vitamin B6, may help acid reflux. B vitamins may be linked to a lower risk of complications caused by acid reflux. They may also relieve heartburn symptoms when paired with other compounds, but more research is needed [ii].

Also eating foods high in calcium and B vitamins to help reduce reflux symptoms. These foods include almonds, whole grains, beans, spinach and kale.

Probiotics:

Probiotics play a key role in gut health and immune function. Probiotic use can be beneficial for GERD symptoms, such as regurgitation and heartburn [iii]. Try Restorer

Ginger:

Ginger is often used to soothe stomach upset and treat issues like nausea and indigestion[iv]. In studies, ginger was seen to improve several symptoms of indigestion, including stomach pain, burping and feelings of fullness[v].

Testing options for acid reflux

It may be pertinent to test for an infection known as H. Pylori if symptoms persist, as symptoms of reflux can cross over with those of H. Pylori. It is recommended you speak to your GP if this is a concern for you. Testing for H. Pylori is as follows:

A urea breath test

You'll be given a drink containing urea (a chemical that's broken down by H. pylori) and your breath is then checked after.

A stool antigen test

A small stool sample is tested for the bacteria.

A blood test

A sample of your blood is tested for antibodies to the H.Pylori bacteria.
In the clinic we offer specific digestive testing, which we advise on during a one-to-one consultation.

We always advise Nutritional Therapy to work with a gut health expert, to help eliminate symptoms of acid reflux and repair the gut to prevent future flare ups. Please contact the team if you'd like to speak to a therapist.