Kelly.oconnor: Created

2025-05-08T02:07:36Z

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== What Does It Mean? ==
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to irritation, discomfort, and long-term complications if untreated. Functional Medicine seeks to identify the root causes of GERD, including digestive dysfunction, food sensitivities, and microbiome imbalances, to address symptoms effectively and promote gut health.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria) – Insufficient stomach acid impairs digestion, leading to reflux.
* Gut Dysbiosis & SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) – Imbalanced gut flora can contribute to bloating and reflux.
* Hiatal Hernia & Structural Issues – Anatomical abnormalities can impair proper stomach function.
* Food Sensitivities & Poor Diet – Gluten, dairy, processed foods, and high-fat meals can exacerbate symptoms.
* Obesity & Increased Abdominal Pressure – Excess weight can worsen reflux symptoms.
* Chronic Stress & Nervous System Imbalance – Stress weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to rise.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Heartburn and acid reflux
* Chronic cough or sore throat
* Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
* Bloating and belching
* Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
* Chest discomfort that worsens after eating

== How Do We Treat It? ==
A Functional Medicine approach focuses on restoring gut integrity, optimizing stomach acid levels, reducing inflammation, and identifying food triggers to address the underlying causes of GERD.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|''' Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Advanced Vita-Biotic R
|Supports gut microbiome and immune function
|1 capsule with food, daily
|-
|Endura
|Hydration and electrolyte balance
|1 packet with or without food, three times daily
|-
|D-Mannose Powder
|Supports urinary tract health
|1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily
|-
|Vita-Candid
|Antifungal support and microbiome balance
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily
|-
|Vita Defense
|Immune system support
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Vita DIM
|Supports estrogen metabolism
|2 capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|CoQ-10 300 mg
|Mitochondrial energy and cardiovascular support
|2 capsules with food, daily
|-
|Vita-Digestyzyme
|Aids digestion and nutrient absorption
|2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice, daily
|-
|V-Inflamma
|Anti-inflammatory and immune regulation
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Vita B Methyl
|Methylation and energy metabolism
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|V-Pax
|Neurological and stress response support
|2 capsules with food, twice daily
|-
|Pyloricil
|Supports gastric and gut health
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Vita-Glutathione
|Detoxification and antioxidant support
|1 capsule with or without food, daily
|-
|Magnesium
|Muscle relaxation and nervous system support
|2 capsule with or without food, daily
|-
|Gluta Protect
|Gut lining protection and immune balance
|1 scoop of powder without food, daily
|-
|V-Collagen
|Connective tissue and gut healing support
|1 scoop of powder without food, daily
|-
|SBI Powder
|Supports gut immune function
|1 scoop of powder in cold liquids, daily
|-
|Vita Microbe
|Probiotic support for gut health
|3 capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|Vita Buffered C Powder
|Antioxidant and immune system support
|¼ scoop of powder with food, twice daily
|-
|Vita-Biotic
|Supports immune and gut microbiome
|4 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Vita-Flux
|Cardiovascular and nitric oxide support
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, three times daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Dietary Modifications: Avoid trigger foods such as spicy foods, citrus, caffeine, and alcohol.
* Meal Timing & Portion Control: Eat smaller meals and avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime.
* Optimize Stomach Acid: Consider apple cider vinegar or digestive enzymes before meals.
* Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reduce excess abdominal pressure through weight management.
* Improve Posture & Sleep Positioning: Elevate the head of the bed to reduce nighttime reflux.
* Manage Stress & Support Nervous System Balance: Incorporate mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Revision history

Kelly.oconnor: Created