Heartburn/GERD

I generally get good results with heartburn, particularly with pregnant women who don’t normally experience symptoms. Heartburn during pregnancy is usually brought on or worsened as the baby grows and pushes the stomach upward. This leads to situation that causes the opening of the esophagus into to the stomach to stay open when it should close, allowing acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing the burning you feel with heartburn. My first line of treatment involves addressing the function of the diaphragm, as well as the nerves affecting the stomach. I have seen heartburn completely resolve, even during pregnancy.

With more difficult cases (especially when acid reducing drugs have been used for a long time), I may recommend supplements that can help improve digestive function while the stomach heals. Imbalance of intestinal bacteria and H. pylori infections can also play a part and need to be addressed for complete resolution of symptoms. There are many natural approaches to help resolve these underlying issues if present.