Most people with reflux or heartburn imagine that it would be a good idea to reduce stomach acid with PPI medication. But many patients with LPR symptoms don’t experience relief with this therapy [ 13]. Identify and limit or eliminate trigger foods. These typically include chocolate, spicy foods, citrus, fried foods, and tomato-based foods. If you have a hiatal hernia, some naturopaths and chiropractors can adjust it manually by maneuvering the part of the stomach that’s poking through the diaphragm down, which can sometimes provide some temporary reflux relief.

Asthma-Like Symptoms – Asthma is a common initial misdiagnosis, this is because stomach contents aspirate into the airways, prompting an immune response that mimics asthma Low stomach acid; There are some authors that blame reflux on low stomach acid and suggest taking additional acid as a treatment. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this theory. Both are incredibly soothing and anti-inflammatory which will help ease your throat and your whole digestive tract. So, while they will ease your symptoms, they should also lessen your acid reflux symptoms and effects too!Kandil TS, Mousa AA, El-Gendy AA, Abbas AM. The potential therapeutic effect of melatonin in Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. BMC Gastroenterol. 2010 Jan 18;10:7. doi: 10.1186/1471-230X-10-7. PMID: 20082715; PMCID: PMC2821302. A doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history. They will also carry out a physical examination and possibly some laboratory tests. An endoscopic exam, an office procedure that involves viewing the throat and vocal cords with a flexible or rigid viewing instrument

https://www.bridgerent.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Laryngopharyngeal-Reflux-Disease-and-Dietary-recomendations.pdf For instance, I’m sure you know that exercise positively affects metabolism, but did you know It also directly effects digestive health and efficiency? This is achieved through a process called peristalsis, which moves food along the digestive tract through a series of involuntary yet coordinated muscle movements. Many adults manage to control symptoms by adjusting their eating habits and making lifestyle changes. In one study, hiatal hernia was found in 53% of reflux patients [ 4], which suggests that hiatal hernia may be one underlying cause of reflux. The first three anti-reflux / digestive mechanisms are the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), diaphragmatic sphincter and pyloric sphincter. Sphincters are a common design pattern in the body and exist as a ring shaped muscle that controls the passage of solids, liquids, and gases. Some are under voluntary control such as the anal sphincter (allows you to poop), the upper esophageal sphincter (allows you to swallow / burp), and the urethral sphincter (allows you to pee). In contrast, the LES, diaphragmatic and pyloric sphincters (pictured below) are signaled to open / close through your vagus nerve as a response to acidity.

Summary

Not everyone needs stomach acid, but we’ve seen it make a big difference for some reflux patients at our center for functional medicine. Supplemental stomach acid should lead to noticeable change, if it’s right for you. If it doesn’t, supplementation should be discontinued. Hoarseness / Pain When Speaking – A hoarse voice is often one of the first symptoms that LPR sufferers experience. This, as the larynx (voice box) is very close to the esophagus and consequently has higher exposure to potential reflux. Ready for some relief? Just enter your details in below, and get the guide straight to your inbox for FREE! Low Stomach Acid