Is It Really Acid Reflux…
Or the Complete Opposite?
Hi Friends,
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. In my short video above, I’ll show you the surprising difference between acid reflux and non-acid reflux, and why millions are being treated for the wrong problem.
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)
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Cause: Too much stomach acid coming back up the esophagus
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Symptoms: Burning in the chest, sour taste in the mouth
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Natural Relief: Aloe vera juice, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
Non-Acid Reflux
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Cause: Too little stomach acid
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Symptoms: Throat irritation, phlegm, hoarseness, bloating, belching, indigestion
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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: Betaine Challenge
In my short video below, learn how to find out if you have low stomach acid.
Take 1 capsule of Betaine & Pepsin after a meal.
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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 true acid reflux, please watch my video on GERD:
Here are some of our customer favorites:
Cabbage And Kale Soup
This is a warm and comforting chicken soup packed with two superfood veggies: kale and cabbage! These cruciferous vegetables support your body’s natural detoxification pathways and may help reduce inflammation, helping you feel your best.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground organic chicken
2-3 cartons of organic chicken or vegetable broth (32 oz each)
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 medium cabbage, chopped
5 large kale leaves, deveined and chopped
Olive oil
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
In a large soup pot, sauté the onion with a few tablespoons of olive oil on low to medium heat.
After a few minutes, add the carrots.
After a few minutes, add the ground chicken and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp curry powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp chili powder. Drizzle a little more olive oil to moisten the chicken.
When the chicken is well cooked, add 2-3 cartons of organic chicken or vegetable broth. Add the chopped cabbage and kale.
Add an additional 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
Cover and bring to a boil on high heat. Then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Enjoy! This soup is also nice with an optional squeeze of fresh lime juice
Thanks for reading today’s newsletter. I hope it helped you understand reflux in a new light and gave you a few practical steps toward feeling better. 🧡
Wishing you a beautiful week!
Rajsree Nambudripad, MD
