NATURAL GERD & HEARTBURN TREATMENT
Lasting Relief Without Medication Dependence
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and heartburn are among the most common digestive complaints in America, affecting millions of people daily. While occasional heartburn is normal, frequent symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life and may indicate underlying digestive dysfunction that needs attention.
At Paracelsus Natural Family Health Center in Pasadena and Redlands, Dr. Simon Barker and Dr. Daniel Brousseau have been successfully treating GERD and heartburn using natural approaches for years, helping patients find lasting relief without becoming dependent on acid-blocking medications.
GERD occurs when stomach acid regularly flows back up into your esophagus, causing the burning sensation known as heartburn. However, contrary to popular belief, GERD is often not caused by too much stomach acid, but rather by poor digestive function, food sensitivities, stress, or problems with the valve between your stomach and esophagus.
What Makes Our GERD Treatment Different
Comprehensive Root Cause Assessment – We conduct detailed evaluations including symptom analysis, dietary assessment, stress evaluation, and testing when appropriate to understand what’s driving your reflux. We can assess whether low stomach acid is contributing to your symptoms through specialized testing.
Evidence-Based Natural Protocols – Our treatment recommendations use herbal medicine to soothe inflamed tissues and improve stomach function, nutritional support including digestive enzymes and probiotics, dietary modifications to reduce inflammation and eliminate trigger foods, and stress management techniques that support healing.
Safe Medication Transitions – We work carefully with patients who are currently taking acid-blocking medications to ensure safe transitions when appropriate. Many patients are able to reduce or eliminate their need for these medications with our natural approach.
Whole-Person Support – Our approach addresses not just your reflux but overall digestive health, leading to improved digestion beyond just symptom relief and better nutrient absorption.
How Our GERD Treatment Works
Initial Comprehensive Assessment – We conduct detailed evaluations including symptom analysis, dietary assessment, stress evaluation, and testing when appropriate to understand what’s driving your reflux. We help identify your personal trigger foods through elimination diets or testing and can assess whether low stomach acid is contributing to your symptoms.
Active Treatment Phase – We use natural supplements and herbs to heal inflammation in your esophagus and stomach while restoring proper digestive function. We provide guidance on eating habits, stress management, and other lifestyle factors that affect reflux. Treatment may include herbal medicine, nutritional support with digestive enzymes and probiotics, dietary modifications, and stress management techniques.
Long-Term Digestive Health – We help you maintain improved digestive function and prevent reflux from returning. Many patients find they can eventually enjoy a wider variety of foods once their reflux is under control. Our goal is to heal your system so you have more food freedom, not less.
Understanding the Root Causes of GERD
Many people think GERD is simply caused by “too much acid,” but research shows the reality is much more complex. Common underlying causes include:
Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria) – When stomach acid is too low, food doesn’t digest properly and can ferment, creating pressure that forces stomach contents back up into the esophagus. This is especially common as we age or due to certain medications.
Hiatal Hernia – When part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, it can prevent the lower esophageal sphincter from closing properly, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter Dysfunction – Problems such as excessive tightness or looseness of the sphincter can lead to GERD.
Food Sensitivities and Trigger Foods – Certain foods can trigger inflammation and relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, including spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods.
H. pylori Infection – This bacterial infection can disrupt normal stomach acid production and contribute to digestive dysfunction.
Gallbladder Dysfunction – Problems with the gallbladder can cause or contribute to reflux.
Stress and Poor Eating Habits – Eating too quickly, eating large meals, or chronic stress can all interfere with proper digestion and contribute to reflux symptoms.
Medications – Many common medications, including NSAIDs, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics, can contribute to GERD symptoms.
Symptoms of GERD can vary widely and may include classic symptoms like burning chest pain (heartburn) especially after eating, sour or bitter taste in your mouth, regurgitation of food or acid, and difficulty swallowing. Less common symptoms include chronic cough especially at night, hoarse voice or sore throat particularly in the morning, dental problems from acid erosion, and excessive throat clearing.
Benefits of Natural GERD Treatment
Patients who choose our natural approach often experience:
Lasting Relief
Rather than just masking symptoms, we address root causes for more permanent solutions.
Reduced Medication Dependence
Many patients are able to reduce or eliminate their need for acid-blocking medications.
Better Nutrient Absorption
Proper stomach acid levels are essential for absorbing nutrients like B12, iron, and calcium. Long-term use of acid-blocking medications can lead to nutrient deficiencies and increased infection risk.
Improved Overall Digestion
Our treatments often improve other digestive symptoms beyond just reflux.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Freedom from the constant worry about food choices and reflux symptoms.
Prevention of Complications
Natural healing can help prevent serious complications like Barrett’s esophagus.
Many patients notice some improvement within 2-4 weeks of beginning treatment. Complete healing of the esophageal lining and full resolution of symptoms typically takes 2-6 months, depending on the severity and duration of your condition.
Ready to Find Lasting Relief from GERD?
Dr. Barker and Dr. Brousseau’s comprehensive approach to GERD treatment provides patients with evidence-based natural support that addresses root causes while improving overall digestive health.
Questions about natural GERD treatment?
Call either office to discuss how our proven natural approach can help you find lasting relief and reduce your dependence on acid-blocking medications.
Call either office to discuss how our proven natural approach can help you find lasting relief and reduce your dependence on acid-blocking medications.