Is It Really Acid Reflux…
Or the Complete Opposite?
🎥 Watch my quick video here — I’ll show you the surprising difference between acid reflux and non-acid reflux, and why millions are being treated for the wrong problem.
So many people are told they have acid reflux when they actually have non-acid reflux—a condition caused by too little stomach acid, not too much.
As we age, stomach acid production often declines. This can also happen with H. pylori infection or hypothyroidism. Without enough acid, food isn’t fully broken down, and undigested particles can wash back into the esophagus.
The result? Throat phlegm, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing—symptoms that mimic acid reflux, but require the exact opposite treatment.
Acid Reflux vs. Non-Acid Reflux
True Acid Reflux (GERD)
Cause: Too much stomach acid escaping into the esophagus
Symptoms: Burning in the chest, sour taste in the mouth
Natural Relief: Aloe vera juice, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
Non-Acid Reflux
Cause: Too little stomach acid
Symptoms: Throat irritation, phlegm, hoarseness, bloating, belching, indigestion
Treatment: Support digestion with Digestive Enzyme Pro and Betaine & Pepsin (supplemental hydrochloric acid)
Why Acid Blockers Can Make It Worse
When non-acid reflux is mistaken for acid reflux, acid-blocking medications further reduce stomach acid, making digestion harder and symptoms worse.
Quick At-Home Test
Take 1 capsule of Betaine & Pepsin after a meal.
If your symptoms improve, it may be a sign of low stomach acid and non-acid reflux. If you experience burning, this is a sign you're already making enough acid, and you do not need to supplement with Betaine & Pepsin.
In my practice, Betaine & Pepsin is often a game changer, eliminating throat symptoms within days, resolving bloating, and restoring comfortable digestion.
For a more in-depth video on how to overcome acid reflux, please watch my video on GERD:
These are some of the evidence-based supplements
I use most often in my practice.
Digestive Enzyme Pro
Broad-spectrum enzymes to improve digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
DGL
Licorice root, slippery elm, and aloe vera gel to soothe irritation from gastritis or acid reflux.
View
🌺 Ginger Pineapple Cod
If you’re looking for a healthy protein source, try this Hawaiian-inspired fish dish that’s as easy to make as it is flavorful. Sweet pineapple, zesty ginger, and a splash of lime come together with tender wild-caught cod to awaken your taste buds and transport you straight to the islands — no plane ticket required.
Ingredients:
5 frozen wild-caught cod fillets, thawed
1 (14 oz) can pineapple in pineapple juice (do not drain)
½ cup tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos (gluten-free and soy-free)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Juice of 1 lime
2 zucchini, julienned
1 red bell pepper, julienned
12 oz bag of bean sprouts
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and minced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Preheat Oven – Set oven to 400°F
Prepare the Fish & Vegetables – Arrange the thawed cod fillets in a large glass baking dish. Top evenly with minced garlic, ginger, zucchini, red bell pepper, bean sprouts, and the can of pineapple (with juice).
Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, toasted sesame oil, and lime juice. Drizzle this Hawaiian-inspired sauce over the fish and vegetables.
Bake – Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes
Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with basmati rice, or enjoy without rice for a lower-carb meal.
If you enjoyed this recipe or learned something new in today’s newsletter, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with a friend or family member who could benefit. Every share helps spread the word about healthier, more natural approaches to healing — and you never know who might be inspired to make a positive change. Together, we can create a ripple effect of better health and vibrant living. 🧡
Wishing you great health,
Rajsree Nambudripad, MD
