GERD. Say it out loud. Many would say that is sounds as unpleasant as it feels. GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and can be labeled as acid reflux or heartburn. Do you eat Tums like they are candy or do you take a medication on a daily basis to control acid reflux? You are not alone. According to a 2018 review, 30 million people in the United States experience these symptoms. This statistic may be reassuring but I have even better news. You do not have to suffer. There are various strategies that can be implemented to improve your gut health and reverse the symptoms of GERD. The first step is to identify the underlying factor of the acid reflux. Let’s take a quick dive into potential trigger points.

1. Food Sensitivities

2. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

3. Nutritional deficiencies and/or food choices

4. Miscellaneous gut infections

5. Lifestyle

If you’re tired of suffering from chronic heartburn or have been diagnosed with GERD, don’t give up. Integrative and functional nutrition experts like me can help you resolve your symptoms and leave the antacids behind.