Acid reflux / heartburn
The Holistic Perspective
on Acid reflux / heartburn
Acid reflux is more than just “too much stomach acid.” It reflects deeper terrain imbalances in pace/energy, moisture, and tone. While it may show up as burning in the chest, regurgitation, or sour taste, the root causes differ depending on whether the body is overactive, underfunctioning, or structurally weakened. Beyond the surface, reflux often has deeper affinities with the digestive system (stomach acid production, sphincter tone, motility), the endocrine system (stress and adrenal regulation), and the nervous system (gut-brain signaling). Everyday triggers, from spicy foods to late-night eating, can worsen symptoms, but they act on top of these deeper terrain patterns.
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Chronic stress → weakens digestion, reduces stomach acid or dysregulates timing.
Poor dietary patterns (overeating, late-night eating, processed foods).
Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, B vitamins, magnesium) → impaired acid production and tissue repair.
Obesity or pregnancy → pressure on stomach increases reflux risk.
Structural predispositions → hiatal hernia, weak sphincter tone.
Sedentary lifestyle → poor motility and circulation.
Food intolerances (gluten, dairy, FODMAPs) → gut irritation.
Environmental exposures → smoking, alcohol, chemical irritants.
Herbal/drug causes:
Excess bitter or spicy herbs in sensitive terrain.
Medications that relax the sphincter (calcium channel blockers, nitrates).
NSAIDs, aspirin → mucosal irritation.
Antibiotics → microbiome imbalance leading to gut irritation.
Low stomach acid → poor breakdown → fermentation → pressure
Hiatal hernia or tension around the diaphragm
Tight clothing, overeating, or laying down after meals
Emotional tension (especially suppressed anger, anxiety, or “swallowing words”)
Pharmaceutical causes: NSAIDs and steroids: increase inflammation in the gut lining, PPIs/Antacids: lower acid further → worsen digestion long term
Supplement-induced causes: Iron or vitamin C taken without food, Overuse of collagen or gelatin in those with weak digestive fire
Phytoiatrogenic causes: Overuse of spicy, warming, or stimulating herbs in already hot constitutions, Improper use of bitters or enzymes without mucosal support
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👉 Downstream mechanisms that make reflux symptoms appear.
Overproduction of gastric acid → irritation of esophagus.
Underproduction of stomach acid → fermentation, gas pressure pushing acid upward.
Delayed gastric emptying → food sits too long in the stomach.
Weakened sphincter tone → stomach contents reflux upward.
Inflammation of esophageal lining → heightened pain and burning.
Fermentation gases → increase intra-abdominal pressure.
Weak lower esophageal sphincter tone (due to vagus nerve suppression, overeating, etc.)
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Overeating, especially heavy or greasy meals.
Lying down soon after eating.
Late-night eating.
Spicy, fried, or acidic foods.
Coffee, chocolate, citrus, tomato products.
Carbonated beverages.
Alcohol (especially wine, beer, spirits).
Smoking.
Stress, anxiety, or emotional tension.
Medications: NSAIDs, aspirin, antibiotics, corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers.
Herbal mismatches: strong bitters or hot spices in already excitative terrain.
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Digestive System: Stomach acid production, sphincter tone, motility.
Endocrine System: Stress hormones (cortisol) influencing digestion.
Nervous System: Gut-brain signaling, vagal tone.
Circulatory System: Local congestion in abdominal circulation.
Types of Acid Reflex/Heartburn
Acid reflux is not just “heartburn.” It shows up in different terrain-driven expressions, each with its own character. Recognizing the subtype helps you see which root causes are most active. Reflux isn’t a one-size category. Each subtype ties back to a different terrain sub-pattern, whether it’s overproduction of acid, poor sphincter tone, sluggish motility, or inflammatory irritation. This also means the underlying solutions differ: what helps “over-acidic reflux” (stabilizing and soothing agents) won’t be enough for “hypofunctional reflux” (where stimulation of digestion is needed).
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This form of reflux shows up as burning and agitation, often worsening after spicy, acidic, or irritating foods. It reflects a terrain pattern where acid activity and irritative heat are too strong, overwhelming the esophageal lining.
(Pace/Energy – excitation, congestive heat).Note: These patterns often overlap. For example, low stomach acid (hypofunction) can lead to fermentation and gas buildup, which increases pressure and irritates tissues, mimicking the symptoms of Excitative reflux.
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This type presents as regurgitation, heaviness, or food sitting too long in the stomach due to weak digestive function or low stomach acid. Instead of too much acid, the problem is poor breakdown and stagnation that pushes contents upward. (Pace/Energy – hypofunction, hypometabolic)
Note: These patterns often overlap. For example, low stomach acid (hypofunction) can lead to fermentation and gas buildup, which increases pressure and irritates tissues, mimicking the symptoms of Excitative reflux.
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This form occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened, allowing stomach contents to flow back more easily. It often worsens when lying down, bending over, or during pregnancy when abdominal pressure is increased.
(Tone – prolapse, dysregulated).Note: These patterns often overlap. For example, low stomach acid (hypofunction) can lead to fermentation and gas buildup, which increases pressure and irritates tissues, mimicking the symptoms of Excitative reflux.
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This subtype shows up as persistent pain and burning from irritation of the stomach or esophageal lining. It may be tied to gastritis, infection, or ongoing inflammatory terrain that heightens tissue sensitivity. (Moisture – toxic congestion, irritative).
Note: These patterns often overlap. For example, low stomach acid (hypofunction) can lead to fermentation and gas buildup, which increases pressure and irritates tissues, mimicking the symptoms of Excitative reflux.
Acid reflux is a reflection of your inner terrain, not just a random flare of acid. While root causes create the environment for it to develop, triggers like diet, stress, or certain medications often make it worse.
It’s important to know when professional medical care is needed: if reflux is frequent, painful, causes difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools, seek medical attention right away. These may signal a more serious condition.
For ongoing, non-emergency concerns, like persistent heartburn, regurgitation, or reflux that doesn’t respond well to common approaches, that’s where I come in. I’ll help you uncover the terrain-level root causes and guide you toward foods, herbs, and practices that restore balance from within. If you want terrain-specific solutions tailored to your body, book a consultation with me today.
