Heart Burn

Introduction: Why Heart Burn Needs a New Approach

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a common condition that affects millions of people. It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing discomfort and potential long-term damage. While antacids and medications provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the root causes of heartburn, such as poor diet, stress, and digestive imbalances.

At Patients Medical in New York City, we take an integrative approach to treating heartburn, combining functional medicine with natural therapies to not only relieve symptoms but also heal the digestive system and prevent future episodes.

We treat the whole person—not just the symptoms.

What Is Heart Burn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. This can happen after eating, especially when lying down or bending over. It is often a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition where acid reflux occurs frequently.

Common symptoms of heartburn include:

  • A burning sensation in the chest (often after meals or when lying down)
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid into the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chronic cough or sore throat
  • A sensation of a lump in the throat

While occasional heartburn is normal, frequent episodes can indicate GERD or other underlying digestive issues that require treatment.

What Is Heart Burn?

Common Symptoms of Heart Burn

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Heart Burn?

Functional medicine seeks to uncover the root causes of chronic heartburn rather than just masking the symptoms. Common factors contributing to heartburn include:

  • Poor diet: Eating high-fat, spicy, or acidic foods can trigger acid reflux. Large meals and late-night snacking also contribute.
  • Chronic stress: Stress can increase stomach acid production and affect the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), leading to reflux.
  • Leaky gut or digestive imbalances: An unhealthy gut can lead to imbalances that affect acid production and the digestion process.
  • Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria): Contrary to popular belief, heartburn is sometimes caused by low stomach acid rather than too much.
  • Hiatal hernia: A condition where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity, increasing the risk of acid reflux.
  • Overuse of medications: Long-term use of antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or H2 blockers can worsen acid reflux by inhibiting stomach acid production.
  • Obesity: Extra weight can put pressure on the stomach, pushing acid into the esophagus.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use advanced testing to understand the underlying causes of heartburn and tailor an integrative treatment plan. Some of the tests we offer include:

Esophageal pH monitoring (to measure acid exposure in the esophagus)

Upper GI endoscopy (to assess for damage to the esophagus or stomach lining)

Breath tests (for detecting bacterial overgrowth, which can contribute to digestive issues)

Food sensitivity testing (to identify potential triggers for acid reflux)

Stool analysis (to evaluate gut health and the presence of pathogens or imbalances)

Comprehensive metabolic panels (to assess overall digestive health and function)

Integrative Treatments for Heart Burn

Nutritional Therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory diets (such as the Mediterranean or low-acid diets)
  • Gut-healing foods (like bone broth, fermented foods, and prebiotic fibers)
  • Avoiding trigger foods (such as caffeine, chocolate, tomatoes, and spicy foods)
  • Smaller, more frequent meals (to avoid overloading the stomach)

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • Vitamin C (supports gut health and reduces inflammation)
  • Magnesium (relaxes muscles, including the LES, to prevent acid reflux)
  • Glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that supports liver and digestive detoxification)

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Slippery elm and marshmallow root (natural remedies that protect the esophagus)
  • Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) (supports stomach lining and reduces acid reflux)
  • Probiotics and digestive enzymes (to support gut health and digestion)
  • Ginger (known for its anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties)

Stress Reduction

  • Acupuncture (to balance digestive function and reduce inflammation)
  • Mindfulness and meditation (to reduce cortisol levels and promote digestion)
  • Adaptogenic herbs (such as Ashwagandha to regulate stress hormones)

Lifestyle Changes

  • Elevating the head during sleep (to prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus)
  • Weight management (to reduce pressure on the stomach and prevent reflux)
  • Avoiding late-night meals (to allow digestion to occur before lying down)

Real Case Study: Jack’s Journey to Relief

Jack, 45, had been struggling with chronic heartburn and acid reflux for years. Despite taking antacids, his symptoms persisted, and he was frustrated with the limited results from conventional treatments.

After testing, we discovered Jack had low stomach acid and a significant imbalance in his gut health. We designed a 3-month integrative plan with:

  • Gut-healing diet (rich in fermented foods and anti-inflammatory ingredients)
  • Probiotic supplementation (to restore gut flora and digestion)
  • Stress reduction techniques (including meditation and acupuncture)
  • Herbal support (slippery elm and DGL)

Three months later, Jack’s heartburn was greatly reduced, and he no longer relied on antacids. He felt more energized and less stressed.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. It can be triggered by eating certain foods, stress, or digestive issues.

Yes, with the right dietary changes, stress management, and gut-healing treatments, heartburn can be managed or eliminated without relying on antacids.

Heartburn is often caused by poor diet, low stomach acid, digestive imbalances, and chronic stress. Other factors, such as obesity and a hiatal hernia, can contribute as well.

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic form of acid reflux. Symptoms include frequent heartburn, regurgitation of food or liquid, and difficulty swallowing.

If untreated, chronic heartburn and GERD can lead to complications such as esophageal damage, ulcers, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Yes, stress can exacerbate heartburn by increasing acid production and affecting the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Yes, we offer a variety of tests, including pH monitoring, endoscopy, and digestive health panels to evaluate the severity of heartburn and GERD.

Many patients see improvements within 2-3 months, depending on the severity of their condition and adherence to treatment

In many cases, medications can be reduced or eliminated as symptoms improve. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for reimbursement. Some lab tests may be partially covered by insurance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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