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What Is GERD?
GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, occurs when stomach acid or partially digested food repeatedly flows backward into the esophagus. This chronic reflux irritates and inflames the esophageal lining, leading to the burning sensation known as heartburn. While occasional reflux is common, persistent or severe symptoms indicate deeper dysfunction in digestion, motility, or the barrier between the stomach and esophagus. Functional medicine recognizes GERD not simply as an acid problem, but as a signal of impaired digestive coordination and root-cause imbalance.
Common Symptoms of SIBO
Main Symptoms
- Burning pain or pressure in the chest (“heartburn”), often after eating or when lying down
- Regurgitation of sour or bitter fluid into the throat or mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or sensation of food “sticking”
- Coughing, hoarseness, or throat irritation, especially at night
Other Common Symptoms
- Bloating or fullness after small meals
- Nausea, burping, or bad breath
- Sleep disturbance due to nighttime reflux
- Structural changes of the esophagus
Less Common but Related Symptoms
- GERD can contribute to non-digestive symptoms such as asthma, chronic cough, or dental erosion. These occur because refluxate can reach the throat and airways, affecting nearby tissues. In functional medicine, GERD is also linked to gut–brain imbalances, nutrient depletion, and vagus-nerve dysfunction that alter stomach motility and tone.
What Causes GERD?
Contrary to popular belief, GERD cases are not always caused by too much acid but can sometimes be due to low stomach acid, delayed gastric emptying, or weakened lower esophageal sphincter tone. Common root causes include:
- Overeating or eating too close to bedtime
- Imbalanced gut microbiome or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- High or Low stomach acid impairing digestion and motility
- Stress-induced nervous-system dysregulation
- Food sensitivities (especially gluten, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, or processed fats)
- Long-term use of acid-blocking medications that reduce digestive function
Suppressing acid may temporarily relieve symptoms but can worsen digestion and microbiome health over time. True resolution requires identifying why reflux is happening in the first place.
How Clarity Health Approaches GERD
At Clarity Health, we treat GERD as a systemic issue—not just an acid problem. Our approach focuses on restoring optimal digestive function, repairing the gut barrier, and re-educating the body’s natural motility and acid-production rhythms. Through advanced diagnostics and personalized care, we help patients achieve lasting relief without dependency on long-term acid suppressants.
Our Approach Includes
- Precision Gut Testing – Comprehensive analysis of microbiome balance, inflammation, and digestive enzyme function.
- Robust Biomarker Panels – Evaluate nutrient absorption, hormonal balance, and vagal-nerve regulation.
- Expert Clinicians & Dietitians – A collaborative team combining medical insight with nutritional and behavioral strategies.
- Root-Cause AI Agents – Advanced tools connecting your biomarkers, symptoms, and evidence-based interventions.
Clarity Health Treatment Tools for GERD
Personalized Treatment Protocols may include:
- Balancing proper stomach acid and enzyme function
- Rebuilding gut-barrier integrity through targeted nutrients and herbal support
- Vagus-nerve and motility retraining
- Therapeutic diet modifications
- Nutrient repletion and lifestyle optimization
- Pharmaceutical support when clinically appropriate
Next Steps
If you’re tired of relying on acid-blocking medications or managing recurring reflux without real answers, Clarity Health can help. Our precision-medicine approach identifies and heals the true causes of your digestive discomfort—so you can enjoy meals and life without fear of symptoms.
- Join our waitlist to begin your personalized program.
- Not sure? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help.
- And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter below for ongoing education and updates.
