What's the Root Cause? by Dr Vikki Petersen
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Dr. Vikki Petersen and her team of clinicians provide cutting-edge solutions in gut health, hiatal hernia syndrome, nutrition, food, hormones, genetics, lifestyle, and more.
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What's the Root Cause? by Dr Vikki Petersen
The No-Acid Food Causing Acid Reflux
What's the "no-acid" food causing your acid reflux?
Sugar.
I think you'll be surprised at all the ways this common ingredient is causing and aggravating not only acid reflux but hiatal hernia as well.
1. It increases intra-abdominal pressure. This pressure within your abdomen puts pressure on your stomach and diaphragm, weakens the LES (Lower esophageal sphincter) and increases your risk of acid reflux and hiatal hernia. Sugar leads to gas and bloat, and frequently is found in individuals with poor digestion or dysbiosis.
2. Feeds gas-producing bacteria. Sugar alters the microbiome, especially in the small intestine, contributing to SIBO. The "bad bugs" ferment sugar into gas causing bloat and gas.
3. Slows gastric (stomach) emptying. Sugar impairs your stomach's motility, especially paired with high fat foods. Food sits in your stomach longer, pressure increases, bad bacteria reproduce and reflux and hiatal hernia occurs.
4. Increases insulin and inflammation. Sugar spikes insulin which leads to systemic inflammation. Inflammation impairs sphincter (valve) function, delays tissue repair in the esophagus and causes hypersensitization of your nerve where you feel more burning or pain, even with mild reflux.
5. Weight gain and visceral fat. Sugar directly contributes to weight gain, especially in the abdomen. Increases belly fat raises pressure on the stomach and diaphragm making it an especially strong risk factor.
6. Triggers reflux-promoting foods. Sugary foods are often eaten with other reflux triggers including chocolate, caffeine, mint, and fatty foods.
In summary, sugar itself isn't acidic but it's a reflux amplifier.
Listen to the full video for my tips on how to reduce your sugar consumption without being miserable.
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