Acid Reflux & Heartburn Support
Root-cause gut support for people dealing with ongoing heartburn, reflux, or that burning feeling that keeps coming back. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, with virtual support available nationwide.
Maybe you've been taking antacids for years, sleeping propped up on pillows, or avoiding foods you love, and the reflux still comes back. Medications can bring real relief, but many people want to understand why the reflux started in the first place. That's where a root-cause approach can help.
Common Signs of Reflux and Heartburn
Reflux support may be worth exploring if you have:
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A burning feeling in your chest or throat, especially after meals
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Sour or bitter taste in your mouth
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Burping, bloating, or feeling full quickly
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Reflux that's worse when you lie down at night
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A chronic cough, hoarse voice, or frequent throat clearing
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Reflux that returns whenever you try to stop your medication
What May Be Behind Ongoing Reflux
Reflux isn't always as simple as too much acid. These are some of the areas we look at together.
Stomach Acid Balance
Stomach acid helps break down food and signals the valve at the top of the stomach to stay closed. For some people, digestion that isn't working well may play a role in reflux symptoms, which is why we look at the whole digestive picture rather than acid alone.
H. pylori
H. pylori is a common stomach bacteria that has been linked to heartburn, stomach pain, and ulcers. Many people have it without knowing.
SIBO and Gut Imbalances
Bacterial overgrowth and fermentation in the gut can create gas and pressure that may push stomach contents upward. Bloating and reflux often show up together.
Meals, Stress, and Daily Habits
Eating fast, large late-night meals, alcohol, smoking, and stress can all make reflux worse. Small changes to timing and routine often make a noticeable difference.
Eating fast, large late-night meals, alcohol, smoking, and stress can all make reflux worse. Small changes to timing and routine often make a noticeable difference.
Acid-blocking medications like PPIs are helpful for many people. Long-term use is something to keep an eye on with your doctor, since stomach acid also helps with digestion and absorbing certain nutrients. Never stop or change a medication on your own. If you'd like to reduce or come off a medication, work with your prescribing provider on a plan.
How Reflux Support Works at Executive Functional Healing
It starts with a free 15-minute discovery call to talk through your symptoms, medications, and health history. If we work together, we look at your meals, routine, stress, and gut health to find patterns that may be driving your reflux. When it adds real value, functional lab testing such as a GI-MAP can give a closer look. From there, you get a personalized plan with ongoing support.
When to See a Doctor Right Away
Some symptoms need medical care, not coaching. Call 911 for chest pain that spreads to your arm, jaw, or back, or comes with shortness of breath, since heartburn and heart problems can feel alike. See your healthcare provider promptly if you have trouble or pain swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, or reflux that started after age 50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can low stomach acid cause reflux?
It's a common question. Some practitioners believe poor digestion may play a role for certain people, but research is still limited. That's why we look at your full picture instead of assuming one cause.
Can you help me get off my reflux medication?
Decisions about medication belong with your prescribing provider. What we can do is work on nutrition, routine, and gut health, and you can share that progress with your doctor as you talk about next steps.
Is reflux connected to bloating?
Often, yes. Gas and pressure in the gut can push upward, so reflux and bloating frequently show up together.
Do I need testing for reflux?
Not always. Testing is recommended only when it will add real value to your plan, and we'll talk about it on your free call.
Do you work with clients outside Texas?
Yes. Sessions are virtual, so you can work with Executive Functional Healing from anywhere in the U.S.
Related Pages
Ready to Get to the Root of Your Reflux?
If heartburn has been running your meals and your nights, let's talk. Schedule your free 15-minute discovery call to see what may be behind your reflux.
Disclaimer
Executive Functional Healing LLC provides health education and wellness coaching. Justin Kempf is a Certified Health Coach, not a licensed physician or medical provider. "Functional medicine practitioner" describes his coaching approach and is not a medical title or license. Services are educational in nature and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and any discussion of supplements is educational. Medical concerns, diagnoses, medications, and treatment decisions should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.