Resolving Chronic Heartburn

Tired of managing heartburn? Let's resolve it at the source.

Root-Cause Digestion Program

That burning sensation in your chest after meals, the sour taste in your throat, or the constant discomfort that makes you reach for antacids — heartburn (also known as acid reflux or GERD) is incredibly common, yet often misunderstood. Many of my virtual patients have been told to simply take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) long-term, without ever exploring why their stomach acid or esophageal barrier isn’t functioning properly to begin with.

Move beyond temporary antacids and endless symptom management. By pairing advanced specialty testing to identify underlying pathogens (such as H. pylori) with clinically proven natural agents like Glutamine and DGL, we target the actual biological origin of your acid reflux, and support the body’s natural healing processes with gentle, evidence-informed tools.

Why Heartburn Happens: Looking Beyond Excess Acid

Contrary to popular belief, heartburn is frequently not caused by too much stomach acid. Common root contributors include:

• Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), which impairs digestion and allows bacterial overgrowth

• Weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

• Hiatal hernia or structural issues

• Delayed gastric emptying

• Hidden pathogens, especially Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

• Nervous system dysregulation and stress (the gut-brain axis again)

• Food sensitivities, inflammation, or poor dietary habits

• In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this often relates to Stomach Heat, Spleen Qi deficiency, or Liver Qi invading the Stomach.

The Importance of Specialty Testing

Before jumping into long-term symptom suppression, I recommend targeted testing to uncover hidden factors:

• Stool antigen testing or comprehensive GI panels (such as GI-MAP) to detect H. pylori and other imbalances

• Urea breath test — a simple, non-invasive way to check for active H. pylori infection

H. pylori is particularly important because it can weaken the stomach’s protective lining, contribute to inflammation, and paradoxically lead to reflux symptoms even when acid production is low. Identifying it allows for a more precise, effective plan.

Natural Strategies That Support Healing

1. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

DGL is one of my favorite tools for heartburn. It promotes mucus production in the stomach and esophagus, creating a protective barrier against acid without suppressing acid production. Many patients chew DGL tablets 15–20 minutes before meals for soothing relief.

2. L-Glutamine

This amino acid serves as fuel for the cells lining the digestive tract. It helps repair the gut barrier, reduce inflammation, and support healing in cases of reflux or H. pylori-related irritation. Typical supportive doses range from 5–10 grams daily (divided), often combined with other gut-repair nutrients.

3. Additional Supportive Tools

• Slippery elm or marshmallow root for their demulcent (soothing) properties

• Zinc carnosine to promote mucosal healing

• Digestive bitters or ginger to support healthy digestion and motility

• Probiotics (specific strains) to help crowd out unwanted bacteria

4. Real-Food & Lifestyle Adjustments

As a full-time RVer with a minimalist kitchen, I emphasize simple, practical changes:

• Avoid lying down right after eating

• Focus on cooked, easy-to-digest real foods (ginger-turmeric broths, steamed veggies, well-cooked proteins)

• Nervous system practices (breathwork, self-acupressure on PC6 and CV12) before meals

5. Self Acupressure Support

Even virtually, we can guide self-care point protocols to provide you with more instant relief