Acid Reflux / GERD
Gabriel investigates root cause: paradoxically, GERD is often LOW stomach acid—without adequate acid, stomach can't close LES properly, food ferments (creates pressure), proteins don't digest.
12 identified
11 recommended
7 to test
1 modalities
Gabriel's Approach
Gabriel investigates root cause: paradoxically, GERD is often LOW stomach acid—without adequate acid, stomach can't close LES properly, food ferments (creates pressure), proteins don't digest. PPIs make problem WORSE long-term by further suppressing acid. Protocol: 1) Test stomach acid status, 2) Increase stomach acid if low (HCl supplementation, apple cider vinegar, bitters), 3) Address H. pylori if present, 4) Heal esophageal lining, 5) Support LES function, 6) Eliminate food triggers, 7) Address SIBO/dysbiosis, 8) Weight loss if overweight. Many patients can eliminate PPIs completely with proper protocol.
Root Causes
Why Conventional Fails
PPIs (proton pump inhibitors: Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid), H2 blockers (Pepcid, Zantac), antacids (Tums, Maalox), prokinetic agents (metoclopramide), surgery (Nissen fundoplication for severe cases).
PPIs suppress stomach acid (worsens underlying problem of LOW acid), long-term PPI use: increased risk of bone fractures, B12 deficiency, increased infections (C. diff, pneumonia), SIBO, kidney disease, dementia risk, difficult to discontinue (rebound hyperacidity), doesn't address root cause (low acid, hiatal hernia, obesity, food sensitivities, dysbiosis), patients often on PPIs for YEARS or life (unnecessary with proper root cause treatment).
Your Complete Protocol
A comprehensive, tiered approach combining supplements, herbs, and advanced therapies
Your Protocol for Acid Reflux / GERD
Choose the level that's right for your healing journey
Essential Protocol
What's Included
- Betaine HCl with Pepsin (start low, gradually increase with protein meals—CRITICAL for low acid)
- Digestive Enzymes
- DGL 500mg 3x/day
- Zinc Carnosine 75mg 2x/day
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao) — Soothes inflamed stomach lining and reduces acid reflux symptoms
- Ginger (Sheng Jiang) — Calms the stomach and helps food move down instead of backing up
Available through Fullscript
Practitioner-Grade Protocol
Practitioner-Grade — Not Available on Amazon
What's Included
- Zypan — Powerful digestive enzyme formula with stomach acid support
- DiGest Forte — Herbal digestive support for bloating, gas, and discomfort
- Okra Pepsin E3 — Gentle digestive aid with okra and pepsin to support the stomach lining and healthy digestion
- Left Metal Pill (Zuo Jin Wan) — Drains stomach fire and stops acid from backing up into the throat
- Pinellia and Magnolia Bark (Ban Xia Hou Po Tang) — Relieves the sensation of something stuck in the throat and calms stress-related reflux
Whole food supplements by Standard Process
Complete Protocol
What's Included
- All Practitioner-Grade supplements & herbs
- BPC-157 (tissue repair + gut healing)
- Thymosin Alpha-1 (immune modulation)
Standard Process + Matter peptides
Recommended Supplements
Key Lab Markers
Dietary Guidance
Eliminate common triggers: caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, tomatoes, citrus, spicy foods (individual variation), low-carb diet (reduces fermentation), small frequent meals, chew thoroughly, don't drink large amounts with meals, avoid eating 3 hours before bed, identify food sensitivities, increase zinc-rich foods, bone broth, fermented foods (if tolerated), avoid processed foods and sugar.
Lifestyle Factors
Elevate head of bed 6-8 inches, sleep on left side, weight loss if overweight (reduces abdominal pressure dramatically—often curative), stress management, don't eat when stressed, posture (don't slouch), avoid tight clothing, quit smoking, address hiatal hernia if present, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, visceral manipulation therapy.
Recommended Treatments
Mind, Body & Spirit
Evidence-based practices that complement physical treatment protocols
Mind
Mindful Eating
strongSlowing down, chewing thoroughly, and eating in relaxed state to improve digestion.
Stress Management
strongReducing stress that triggers reflux and impairs digestion.
Body
Diaphragmatic Breathing
moderateStrengthening diaphragm and supporting lower esophageal sphincter function.
Posture Awareness
moderateImproving alignment to reduce abdominal pressure and reflux.
Spirit
Emotional Release
emergingProcessing emotions rather than 'swallowing' them (gut-emotion connection).
Curated for Acid Reflux / GERD
Supplements + Chinese herbal medicine
Zypan + TCM
Standard Process + advanced peptide therapy
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