Uncover the real causes of reflux and the truth behind heartburn and antacids. Discover the best ways to naturally manage this common digestive issue.
What Causes Reflux: The Truth Behind Heartburn
Key Takeaways
- Heartburn is a symptom, not the cause – Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves back into the oesophagus, often due to poor digestive function, rather than excess acid.
- Men experience reflux more often than women – Hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, and diet play a role in making GORD more common in men.
- Long-term use of acid-suppressing medications has risks – PPIs and antacids may cause nutrient deficiencies, gut microbiome imbalances, and an increased risk of infections and diseases including cancer.
- Reflux is linked to gut health imbalances – SIBO, carbohydrate malabsorption, H. pylori infection, and low stomach acid all contribute to ongoing reflux symptoms.
- Stress and digestion are closely connected – Chronic stress inhibits the vagus nerve, slowing digestion and increasing the risk of reflux.
- Functional medicine offers solutions – Bitter herbs, digestive enzymes, and probiotics can help support digestion and reduce reflux naturally
Introduction
Many men suffer from frequent heartburn, for which the medical term is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD. While conventional medicine has options like antacids and proton pump inhibitors for reflux, these pharmaceutical options only relieve the severity of symptoms and do not address the real cause of your heartburn.
Understanding Reflux and Heartburn in Men's Health
That burning sensation in your chest is a symptom of acid reflux. This happens when stomach acid moves back up into the oesophagus. Men are more likely than women to experience heartburn, which makes it a very common problem with my patients in clinic.
Unfortunately, reflux is so common that it is normalised, especially by older men in Australia. Many people have this digestive issue, which can increase the risk of other concerns such as oesophageal cancer.
Why is Reflux More Common in Men?
Lifestyle choices, like diet, drinking alcohol, and smoking, can affect how the lower oesophageal sphincter works. This may lead to more frequent heartburn. Obesity and a decrease in male hormones, such as testosterone, is also associated with increased incidence of GORD.
Men with GORD might show different symptoms, including chest pain that feels like it could be a heart problem. Speaking to a qualified health practitioner about reflux is important to rule out any other possible issues.
The Role of Conventional Medicine in Treating Reflux
Conventional medicine often treats acid reflux by focusing on managing symptoms. This usually means using medications that suppress acid, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine H2 blockers or antagonists. These medications aim to lower the amount of acid made in the stomach.
While these medications can help relieve symptoms for a short time, they do not address the causes of GORD. You will need to take them permanently. Not only that, using these drugs for a long period can result in side effects and a lack of important nutrients due to impaired digestion due to lower stomach acid.
The Overuse of Acid-Suppressing OTC Drugs
Australia has seen a big rise in prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat heartburn symptoms in recent years. These drugs provide quick relief but there can be long-term complications.
As mentioned earlier, one major concern is how PPI’s may affect nutrient absorption. They block the body from taking in important nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, and calcium and this can cause deficiencies over time. These shortages may lead to health problems like muscle weakness and increased risk of osteoporosis.
Are PPIs Safe Long Term?
While medications can help relieve heartburn, it’s important to be aware of the risks from using them for a long time. Studies show PPI’s can change the gut microflora, which increases the risk of other diseases, including digestive cancers. Gastric cancer incidence is 2.4 times more likely in people who have used PPI’s for more than 3 years.
Also, reducing stomach acid for too long can make us more likely to get infections. Stomach acid is anti-microbial. Some studies have found a possible connection between long-term use of PPIs and a greater risk of certain infections, like COVID-19, Clostridioides difficile and pneumonia.
So, if you have occasional heartburn, think about changing your lifestyle and diet first. Talking to a functional medicine practitioner can help you figure out what causes your heartburn, so you can reduce reflux naturally.
What Causes Reflux? Root Causes of Heartburn
Finding out what causes reflux means looking at different factors. One of these factors is SIBO, which stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. SIBO can change the balance of bacteria in the gut. These bacteria produce gases which increase the pressure on the oesophagus and make acid reflux more likely. Another factor is issues with digesting carbohydrates. This can cause bloating and gas, which can make reflux worse. We run stool tests to determine if you are digesting each of the macronutrients effectively.
When we understand the underlying causes, we can create specific treatment plans to help reduce reflux, improve overall digestive health and reduce the health conditions associated with long-term GORD.
What Causes Indigestion? Hyperacidity and Its Misdiagnosis
Contrary to what many people think, having too much acid, known as hyperacidity, is not the main cause of acid reflux. In reality, some people suffer from reflux because they have low stomach acid! This slows down digestion and lead to conditions that cause reflux.
When there’s not enough stomach acid, food does not break down correctly. This causes fermentation and increased pressure in the stomach. This pressure can push stomach contents back up into the oesophagus, which causes reflux symptoms.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and Carbohydrate Malabsorption
We discussed SIBO earlier. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth impair digestion and cause reflux by creating gas which puts upward pressure on the oesophageal sphincter. Another issue is carbohydrate malabsorption. This is when the body struggles to break down certain carbohydrates. These carbohydrates then ferment, and this also leads to too much gas being produced. This gas can then lead to symptoms like bloating, flatuluence and discomfort.
Thorough testing to diagnose any gut health issues is important when trying to alleviate reflux due to the interconnected nature of the entire gastrointestinal system.
Impact of Stress on Digestion and the Vagus Nerve
Stress affects more than just our emotions; it can also harm our digestion. There is a strong link between our gut and brain.
Stress inhibits the vagus nerve, which helps control digestion. When you’re stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, and this reduces the activity of the vagus nerve, which impairs your digestive system. Vagal nerve inhibition leads to less production of digestive enzymes and slower emptying of your stomach, therefore increasing the chance of reflux.
Not only that, stress also affects how the muscles contract in the valve between your stomach and oesophagus. When the valve fails to close, it allows acid to rise up and this causes heartburn or reflux. If stress continues, this cycle weakens digestion and it can promotes ongoing issues with reflux.
Age-Related Decline in Digestive Enzymes and Oesophageal Sphincter Function
As men get older, their bodies change. One big change is the decrease in digestive enzymes. These are important proteins that help break down food so that our bodies can use the nutrients.
When our body makes fewer digestive enzymes, it can be hard to digest food properly. This may cause problems like incomplete digestion of particles, and delayed gastric emptying. This causes extra pressure in the digestive tract. Sometimes, this pressure pushes stomach acid into the oesophagus, which can lead to reflux symptoms.
Stomach acid is required for the break down of food- and poor digestion can increases a risk factor of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Also, the muscles of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) might get weaker. The LOS is a valve that stops stomach acid from going back up into the oesophagus.
The Connection Between GORD, IBS, and H. pylori
Research shows that there is an interesting connection between GORD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and the H. pylori bacteria in the digestive system. These conditions often occur together. You can read more about IBS in my article here.
We need more studies to understand exactly how they are related. Experts think that factors like an unhealthy gut, inflammation, and changes in gut movement may greatly affect how these conditions develop.
Understanding GORD and Its Relation to IBS
GORD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are two common digestion problems which often co-occur. Even though they show up in different ways, both disrupt the digestive system.
GORD involves acid reflux and heartburn and mainly targets the oesophagus. On the other hand, IBS includes lower gut symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. The exact links between GORD and IBS aren’t totally clear. Research suggests that changes in how the gut moves and digests, and inflammation in the digestive system play a part in both.
Also, new studies point out that the gut microbiome might impact both conditions. When gut bacteria are not balanced, it has been linked to problems with both GORD and IBS.
The Role of H. pylori in GORD Development
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that can affect the stomach lining. This infection can lead to ulcers and other digestive problems. There is ongoing debate about its role in causing GORD. Studies show H. pylori infection might be linked to a higher chance of gastro-oesophageal reflux.
One theory is that H. pylori infection causes long-term inflammation in the stomach. This inflammation impairs gastric enzyme secretion and how fast the stomach empties. This can raise pressure in the stomach and lead to more reflux.
However, more studies are needed to prove if H. pylori infection really causes GORD. It is important to talk to a healthcare professional. They can check for H. pylori infection and suggest the right treatment options. In many cases, there can be side effects to removing H.pylori so that also must be considered.
How To Stop Heartburn Fast? Downside of Conventional Treatments
While pharmaceutical treatments for acid reflux try to relieve symptoms fast, we must consider their side effects. Using antacids and proton pump inhibitors long-term can cause problems.
Natural Remedies For Reflux
So what stops heartburn? Addressing acid reflux naturally means making lifestyle changes, adjusting your diet, and using herbal supplements. The principle behind functional medicines approach to heartburn is to support your natural digestive processes to reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
I find natural remedies like bitter herbs, probiotics, digestive enzymes are effective in helping men manage reflux. It’s important to speak with a qualified professional to assist you in finding the natural methods that work best for you- you should never self prescribe herbs and nutrients.
Bitter Herb Supplements For Reflux
Bitter herbs can support digestion and ease heartburn. They have compounds that boost digestive enzymes, help absorb nutrients, and keep your gut moving smoothly.
Gentian lutea is a well-known bitter herb. Studies show Gentian helps increase stomach acid and bile production and improves digestion. It can also reduce heartburn and indigestion. Taraxacum officinale radix or dandelion root is another strong bitter herb. Dandelion root supports bile flow, which is important for fat digestion and gastric emptying and can lower the chances of reflux.
It’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before using these herbs- particularly if you have health issues or take medications.
Key Nutrients in Managing Reflux Naturally
A balanced diet that is full of important nutrients is key for keeping your digestive health good and stopping acid reflux. Removing trigger foods (such as caffeine) and eating foods that increase digestion and supporting the strength of the connective tissue of your lower oesophageal sphincter can all really help cut down on GORD.
One important nutrient is fibre. It helps regulate bowel movements, makes you feel full, and stops overeating, which is a common cause of reflux. Some types of fibre also feed the healthy bacteria in your gut, which promotes digestion and reduces the chance of SIBO and heartburn. Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help boost your fibre intake.
Probiotics are also important for digestive health. They can help lessen reflux symptoms. Eating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi brings these good bacteria into your digestive system, helping to keep your gut moving well and healthy.
Apple cider vinegar is another common home remedy. I don’t recommend it due the damage it can do to the enamel of your teeth.
Conclusion
If you are a guy who has been experiencing regular heartburn, it might be time to stop normalising it, and to reach out to a functional medicine practitioner. We have a range of natural solutions that can help you with more than just symptom relief. And while medications may be an easy go-to, they come with assorted side effects, which include other long-term health issues.
Natural solutions like bitter herbs, digestive enzymes, and probiotics can all support normal stomach acid production and digestive function- an approach which addresses reflux at its root cause. Working with a functional medicine practitioner can help you identify triggers for your GORD and create a personalised plan for lasting relief from reflux.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Common Misconceptions About Reflux?
A common belief about GORD is that antacids should be used long-term. Antacids reduce acid for a short time, but they do not address the root causes of the disease, which often requires stress and dietary adjustments.
