Millions of people suffer from the digestive disorder gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly referred to as acid reflux. If this condition is not properly treated, heartburn and discomfort can arise, eventually leading to other impactful ailments. Stomach acid is often blamed for the cause of acid reflux, but H. pylori is likely unheard of or overlooked as a reason for the disease. The bacterial infection of H. pylori in the gut greatly disrupts the process of digestion and frequently leads to chronic symptoms of refractory reflux, the persistence of GERD.
At Austin Transformational Health, we focus on treating the whole self, intending to bring balance back to the body in every regard. We take time to figure out the root cause of your symptoms by using functional medicine and acupuncture as a lens while considering your individual experience; no guessing involved. This blog will explore how an infection of the H. Pylori bacteria in the gut is connected to acid reflux and potential treatment options.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows backward through the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), bloating, regurgitation, and sometimes difficulty swallowing or throat pain. It is a common belief that acid reflux is caused by excess stomach acid, but in most cases, the issue is due to insufficient acid production or imbalanced bacteria in the gut – both of which can be linked to H. pylori.
What is H. Pylori, and How Does It Affect Digestion?
H. pylori is a bacteria that can overgrow in the stomach lining, which disrupts the balance of your natural digestive acids and can lead to chronic inflammation. If left untreated, it can also lead to:
- Lower stomach acid production – Without an adequate amount of stomach acid, food can’t be broken down properly. This can lead to fermentation, gas, and pressure that forces acid out of the stomach and into the esophagus.
- Increased inflammation – H. pylori will weaken the stomach lining over time, making it more susceptible to further irritation and damage.
- Weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – The LES is the valve that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When the LES is weakened, acid is able to escape the stomach more easily into the esophagus, thus triggering reflux.
Symptoms That May Indicate H. Pylori Infection
While acid reflux is a common symptom, an H. pylori infection can also cause:
- Chronic heartburn or indigestion
- Bloating and belching after meals
- Nausea or stomach pain, especially on an empty stomach
- Unexplained weight loss or changes in appetite
- Fatigue and brain fog due to poor nutrient absorption
If you experience acid reflux alongside these symptoms, H. pylori could be the root cause.
Testing for H. Pylori: The GI-MAP Test
At Austin Transformational Health, we use the GI-MAP Test by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. This cutting-edge stool test provides a comprehensive examination of your gut health. This test not only checks for H. pylori but also identifies other gut imbalances such as:
- Bacterial overgrowth (dysbiosis)
- Parasites
- Yeast overgrowth
- Markers of inflammation and leaky gut
- Digestive enzyme function
- Overall microbiome health
With these insights, we can create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your acid reflux and other symptoms in order to support long-term healing.
Functional Medicine Approach: Healing Acid Reflux from the Inside Out
At Austin Transformational Health, we go beyond temporary symptom relief — our focus is on addressing the root cause of digestive issues. Here’s how we approach acid reflux related to H. pylori:
1. Personalized Testing & Diagnosis
Using the GI-MAP Test, we identify the presence of H. pylori, assess stomach acid levels, and evaluate overall gut health. This gives us a clear starting point to understand the path of your healing journey.
2. Restoring Digestive Balance with Herbal & Nutritional Therapy
Instead of relying on commonly prescribed acid-suppressing medications, which can worsen the problem over time, we use:
- Comprehensive gut-restoring protocol
- Herbal antimicrobials to gently eliminate H. pylori
- Digestive enzymes & stomach acid support to restore proper digestion
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition plans to heal the gut lining
3. Acupuncture for Gut Health & Acid Reflux Relief
Acupuncture is a powerful tool for regulating digestion, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. Studies show that acupuncture can:
- Aid in strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to prevent acid reflux
- Reduce inflammation and bloating in the digestive tract
- Stimulate natural stomach acid production for better digestion
4. Lifestyle Adjustments & Stress Reduction
Chronic stress is a major trigger for both H. pylori infections and acid reflux. We suggest to incorporate mind-body strategies into daily life, including:
- Breathwork & mindfulness to calm the nervous system
- Gentle movement & posture adjustments to support digestion
- Sleep optimization to allow gut healing overnight
Find Lasting Relief at Austin Transformational Health
If you’ve been struggling with acid reflux and conventional treatments haven’t worked, it’s time to try our holistic, root-cause approach. Addressing H. pylori and digestive imbalance can provide lasting relief without relying on medications that only mask your symptoms.
At Austin Transformational Health, we specialize in personalized functional medicine and acupuncture treatments to help you heal naturally and sustainably.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting digestive health.
