Did you know that the root cause of acid reflux is often not an excess of stomach acid, but rather a deficiency? If you’re feeling a bit puzzled, let me give you a brief lesson in anatomy and physiology.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), commonly known as acid reflux, is often treated with acid-blocking medications and antacids. These pharmaceutical drugs were initially developed and marketed as a short-term solution for severe cases of peptic ulcers, with a suggested usage period of no longer than six weeks. Unfortunately, many patients who have reported reflux symptoms to their doctor have been placed on one of these medications as a long-term solution and have been taking them for years.

However, the danger of taking these drugs long term is that stomach acid is needed to properly digest food and absorb nutrients. Long-term use of acid-blocking medication can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including magnesium, calcium, and B12, as well as an increased risk of osteoporosis, insomnia, depression, anemia, fatigue, nerve damage, and dementia. Overgrowth of bacteria in the stomach and small intestine, leading to peptic ulcer disease and irritable bowel syndrome, can also result from long-term use of acid blockers.

While acid-blocking drugs can provide temporary relief for heartburn, long-term use can have serious health consequences. The real underlying issue with acid reflux is insufficient tone in the lower esophageal sphincter, which can be caused by stress, improper mealtime habits, and a poor diet leading to decreased stomach acid levels. Addressing the root cause of this issue is critical for long-term health and wellness.