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Published Nov 23, 2020

Getting To The Root Of And Getting Rid Of Heartburn And Reflux

Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Todd LePine delve into the Functional Medicine approach to treating heartburn and reflux, highlighting the root causes, lifestyle impacts, and the risks associated with long-term use of acid-blocking medications.
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  • Functional Medicine

    Functional Medicine offers a unique approach to treating heartburn and reflux by focusing on the root causes rather than just symptoms. Dr. Mark Hyman emphasizes that many cases can be treated without harmful drugs, using guidelines available through resources like his blogs and the UltraWellness Center 1. explains that the stomach is naturally acidic, and pain occurs when acid moves to the wrong place 2. This holistic approach aims to end needless suffering by addressing both mental and physical health issues.

    When everything's working, you literally don't know you have a body. It's just like, it's just there. It just works.

    ---

    Functional Medicine seeks to restore this natural balance, making the body function seamlessly.

       

    Reflux Treatment

    Diagnosing and treating reflux from a Functional Medicine perspective involves a thorough understanding of the patient's condition. describes various diagnostic methods, such as testing for stomach acid levels and checking for autoimmunity against acid-producing cells 3. He also mentions that supporting stomach acid production can be counterintuitive but effective in certain cases.

    You're giving stomach acid support to people who are traditionally thought to have too much stomach acid.

    --- Mark Hyman

    This approach highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans in Functional Medicine.

       

    Success Stories

    Functional Medicine has successfully treated numerous cases of heartburn and reflux by addressing underlying issues. shares a case where a patient developed B12 deficiency and neuropathy due to prolonged use of acid-blocking drugs 4. By adjusting medications and incorporating nutritional support, the patient's symptoms significantly improved.

    It's like solving a murder mystery. It's like, okay, who done it? Who did it?

    ---

    Dr. Mark Hyman adds that simple dietary changes and supplements can have a profound impact on health, demonstrating the effectiveness of Functional Medicine 5.

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