Why You Have Acid Reflux: GERD, Low Stomach Acid & Hypochlorhydria Explained | St. Louis Doctor

Many people experience gastric reflux, also called acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), but few understand why it actually happens. Reflux occurs when stomach contents move backward into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, burning in the throat, chronic cough, or a sour taste in the mouth.

One of the key structures involved is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This small ring of muscle sits between the esophagus and stomach and acts like a valve. Its job is to open to allow food into the stomach and then close to prevent stomach contents from moving back upward. When this valve becomes weak, relaxed, or dysfunctional, stomach acid and partially digested food can reflux into the esophagus.

A common contributor to reflux is increased abdominal pressure, often from excess visceral fat or abdominal weight gain. When pressure builds inside the abdomen, it can push stomach contents upward, making reflux more likely. This is why people who carry more weight around their midsection often experience more frequent reflux symptoms.

Diet and lifestyle also play a role. Large meals, eating late at night, alcohol, caffeine, highly processed foods, and fatty or spicy meals can contribute to reflux symptoms. These factors can either increase stomach pressure or relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Another often overlooked cause is hypochlorhydria, which means low stomach acid. While reflux is commonly thought to be caused by too much acid, low stomach acid can actually impair digestion and cause food to sit longer in the stomach. This increases pressure inside the stomach and may allow stomach contents to move back into the esophagus.

Gut health and digestion are also important. Inflammation, microbiome imbalance, slow gastric emptying, and chronic stress can all interfere with normal digestive function and contribute to reflux symptoms.

At Sheen Vein Aesthetics & Functional Medicine, we focus on identifying the root causes of chronic symptoms rather than simply masking them. Our functional and integrative medicine approach looks at factors such as metabolism, inflammation, gut health, hormone balance, and lifestyle patterns that may contribute to digestive problems like reflux.

If you struggle with heartburn, bloating, digestive discomfort, or chronic reflux, it may be helpful to evaluate the underlying drivers of your digestive health.

Learn more about our Functional & Integrative Medicine services in St. Louis, Missouri by visiting:
https://www.sheenveinandcosmetics.com/misc/functional-integrative-medicine

Our clinic serves patients throughout St. Louis and surrounding communities including Clayton, Chesterfield, Town & Country, and Ladue, with telemedicine options available for those seeking a root-cause approach to health and wellness.

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