Acid reflux and heartburn: identifying and addressing the root causes of digestive discomfort
Constant heartburn and reflux can disrupt daily life and impact digestion. Functional medicine takes a deeper look at gut health, identifying triggers and restoring balance to prevent symptoms at the source.
Natural treatment to reverse acid reflux / heartburn
Acid reflux / heartburn is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in Australia. Natural treatment for heartburn and acid reflux can bring you effective and long-lasting relief. This page covers:
Our personalised, supportive approach can help you to regain healthy digestive function and find natural, long-term relief from acid reflux / heartburn.
What is acid reflux / heartburn?
Understanding your condition
Heartburn and acid reflux are names for the same common condition, where the stomach contents rise up into the oesophagus creating a burning sensation in the delicate oesophageal lining.
The lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) sits above the stomach preventing the stomach contents from rising up into the oesophagus. Relaxation or insufficient closure of the LOS underlies many of the causes and contributing factors of acid reflux which can include some foods, medications, obesity, pregnancy and more.
What is acid reflux / heartburn?
Understanding your condition
Heartburn and acid reflux are names for the same common condition, where the stomach contents rise up into the oesophagus creating a burning sensation in the delicate oesophageal lining.
The lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) sits above the stomach preventing the stomach contents from rising up into the oesophagus. Relaxation or insufficient closure of the LOS underlies many of the causes and contributing factors of acid reflux which can include some foods, medications, obesity, pregnancy and more.
Providing an acid reflux natural treatment
An acid reflux functional medicine practitioner can help identify and effectively treat the cause, with natural treatments for heartburn/acid reflux that can help you feel your best self again.
Symptoms of acid reflux / heartburn
The most common symptom of heartburn/acid reflux is the burning sensation in the chest area that may radiate upwards.
As this is the most common cause of non-cardiac chest pain, given the serious nature of cardiac chest pain, cardiac-related chest pain must always be ruled out first. If unsure, seek urgent medical attention.
Other heartburn symptoms can include:
- Burning pain/discomfort below the sternum, that may radiate to neck, jaw or sides of chest, may be worse for lying down, bending over, exercise or hunger
- Pain/discomfort relieved by eating, antacids, or upright position
- Pain/discomfort or difficulty on swallowing
- Sour taste in the back of the throat
- Feeling of fullness or lump at the back of the throat
- Cough, bronchospasm, wheezing
- Feeling full after eating very little
- Regurgitation
- Laryngitis, hoarse voice
- Indigestion (dyspepsia) describes general discomfort felt in the upper abdomen and may be due to acid reflux, or a number of other digestive conditions such as nausea, gas or feeling too full.
Looking for the best natural treatment for acid reflux?
What is the difference between acid reflux, heartburn and GORD / GERD?
Acid reflux and heartburn are interchangeable names for the same condition. When repeated reflux events cause irritation to the oesophagus, then the term gastroesophageal reflux disease (medical abbreviation GERD)or alternatively, gastro-oesophageal reflux (medical abbreviation GORD) is used.
If left untreated, GERD/GORD can rupture the oesophagus lining, leading to more serious conditions.
What causes acid reflux / heartburn?
There are a variety of causes of acid reflux/heartburn, which include:
- Acid-producing foods, highly processed fast foods
- Fried foods, spicy foods, fatty foods
- Food intolerances/allergies – particularly gluten and dairy. In children, reflux is commonly associated with dairy allergy
- Suboptimal diet – low levels of necessary nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and B vitamins required for healthy digestion. Highly processed, refined carbohydrates and sugar can stimulate high gastric secretions with no fats, fibre or protein to buffer.
- Alcohol – consumption can significantly disrupt the microbiome, altering the pH of the gut, and creates acidity
- Caffeine
- Delayed gastric emptying – structural dysfunction, low peristaltic action, peptic stricture, poor digestion
- Smoking – slows digestion and gastric emptying, relaxes LOS
- Medications – NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, aspirin), antibiotics, progesterone, calcium channel blockers, some iron supplements, asthma medications, and long term PPI use
- Low (LOS) lower oesophageal sphincter function – can be genetic, structural, or associated with low acid production
- Eating directly before bed
- Overeating
- Chronic stress – which affects the nervous system, inhibiting digestive processes, causing alteration in the pH of the gut, and preventing proper digestion of food
- Low magnesium status – magnesium is a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic processes, including stress resilience and muscle control for (LOS) sphincter. Around 80% of people are magnesium-deficient
- Low zinc status – zinc is necessary for hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion in the stomach, and low HCl acid inhibits zinc absorption
- Microbiome dysbiosis, SIBO – disruption to the diversity and make-up of species can alter the pH of the gut, and in SIBO, dysbiosis occurs much higher up in the small intestines disrupting digestion
- Low stomach acid – a healthy level of stomach acid is necessary to digest food, allowing it to continue through the digestive tract. Clinical experience of our functional medicine practitioners is that the majority of reflux patients also have low stomach acid
- High stomach acid – associated with acid-producing foods, and poor gastric emptying, means acid reaching the oesophagus is more easily damaged
- Older age – studies show an increase proportionally with age of oesophageal exposure to acid, reduced gastric motility (movement of food through the digestive tract)
- H. pylori – a species of bacteria associated with gastric ulcers, gastric carcinoma and acid reflux. The subject of Helicobacter pylori and its role in acid reflux is still being debated, and is looking more complex than first thought
- Pregnancy – the LOS relaxes due to hormones relaxin and progesterone, and the physical size of the baby can also push organs and contents up
- Overweight / obesity
- Hiatus hernia presence
Left untreated, the constant irritation of acid reflux can cause oesophagitis, ulceration, bleeding and strictures or the condition Barrett’s oesophagus, an alteration to the cells of the oesophagus with a strong association to oesophageal cancer.
Gastric ulcers are associated with the presence of H.pylori, reflux and long-term use of PPI medications.
Long-term untreated oesophagitis may also lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, anaemia and hematemesis (vomiting blood), coffee-ground emesis (vomiting blood with granular appearance), melena (dark, sticky blood in stool) and haematochezia (bright blood in stool).
Treatment for acid reflux/heartburn – the conventional approach
A combined increase in prevalence and a decrease of intensity of symptoms can often lead to an acid reflux diagnosis after suspected cardiac pain in emergency settings. Ensuring the pain is not cardiac related is imperative to be excluded first.
Once this is established, diagnosis is made via one or a combination of symptom presentation, endoscopy, ambulatory reflux monitoring, or via a positive response to acid reducing medication. Recommendations may be made by your GP to reduce the incidence of reflux symptoms, such as:
- Weight loss
- Not eating meals close to bedtime
- Stopping spicy/trigger food consumption
- Reducing/or quitting coffee or alcohol and smoking
- Waiting for the reflux to pass
- And over the counter antacid medications
They may prescribe medications such as H2 receptor blockers (Zantac) or proton pump inhibitors (Nexium, Somac, Suvacid) which reduce the stomach’s ability to produce acid. Treatment for H.pylori may also be administered. These medications have been prescribed since the early 1990s, and are in the top 10 Australian prescribed drugs, with an increased use of 1300% from 1995 to 2006. Australian GPs are recommended to limit prescriptions for these medications, as long-term use of PPIs is not recommended by the drugs’ manufacturers and is linked to increased risks of:
- Pneumonia
- Disruption of the microbiome and dysbiosis, and gastric hypochlorhydria led to nutritional deficiencies
- Increased risk of COVID-19 infection
- Clostridoides difficile infection
- Osteoporotic fractures
- Interstitial nephritis
- Nutritional deficiencies – B12, magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium
- Gastric cancer
- Fractures
Many people seek more natural treatments for acid reflux to avoid these significant side effects. Our acid reflux functional medicine practitioners at Melbourne Functional Medicine can help bring effective long-term relief with natural remedies for heartburn and a personalised approach.
Case study
See how our approach helps our patients achieve better health and richer lives.
When Peter first came to Melbourne Functional Medicine, he was struggling with chronic digestive issues, persistent reflux, multiple food intolerances, fatigue, and ongoing stress. He had relied on medications like Somac (a proton pump inhibitor) and Mirtazapine for years but grew increasingly concerned about their long-term effects. Emotionally, Peter felt trapped by perfectionism and a rigid self-image, living by the belief that “a man’s word is his bond,” which left little room for flexibility or self-compassion. Life had become a series of obligations rather than a space for joy or presence.
Read Peter’s story by hitting the button below.
Natural remedies for acid reflux/heartburn – the functional medicine approach
Functional medicine uses evidence-based methods, combined with precision testing and detailed case history taking to determine the root cause of your symptoms. As holistic practitioners at Melbourne Functional Medicine who specialise in naturopathic medicine for acid reflux, we will investigate which organs and systems may be involved in causing your symptoms. Our practitioners will take time to gather information about:
- Your symptom picture
- Your family and genetic history
- Your medical history
- Medications and supplements
- Environmental exposures
- Diet and lifestyle
Our practitioners often find that low gastric acid is common in reflux/heartburn in both medicated and non-medicated patients. Functional testing via an at-home testing kit will identify if low gastric acid is present to get a better understanding of the digestive symptom picture.
Equally, if H. pylori is present, functional gut testing such as the GI Map or GI 360 test may be requested. This state-of-the-art testing will isolate via DNA PCR a far more accurate test than culturing to determine H. pylori’s presence.
Other functional testing may be required to identify:
- Food allergy/intolerances
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Gut dysbiosis / IBS / SIBO / coeliac disease
- C. difficile infection
Treatments will vary according to the underlying causes, but may include:
- Dietary recommendations to eliminate food intolerances, trigger foods, and improve nutrient status
- Mindful eating, meal timing
- Supplements to promote healthy digestion – betaine hydrochloride, digestive enzymes, slippery elm powder, fibre supplements, and for mucosal repair – zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, magnesium
- Herbal medicines for mucosal repair / anti-inflammatory herbs such as meadowsweet, calendula, licorice, turmeric, marshmallow, and aloe
- Herbal antacids such as meadowsweet, slippery elm powder, alfalfa
- Digestive stimulants to improve gastric emptying like gentian & ginger
- Anti-pathogenic herbs such as pomegranate husk, garlic, turmeric, and berberine
- Other herbs or natural remedies for heartburn as required e.g. anti-anxiety, detoxification, bile production and tone/repair of LOS, and oesophageal lining
- Precision probiotics to facilitate a diverse and healthy microbiome
- Fibre supplementation (prebiotics) to maintain a healthy microbiome and enhance digestive emptying
- Lifestyle medicine such as stress resilience techniques – meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Strategies to decrease weight, improve sleep, quit smoking and alcohol
Our cutting-edge healthcare program gives you all you need to get well again, with ongoing support and guidance from a practitioner and a health coach. Your practitioner will create a comprehensive, personalised plan for you to follow, and your coach will inspire, educate, empower and support you along the way. This approach has helped so many Australians make the changes they need to feel great again.
Peter’s story
When Peter first came to Melbourne Functional Medicine, he was struggling with chronic digestive issues, persistent reflux, multiple food intolerances, fatigue, and ongoing stress. He had relied on medications like Somac (a proton pump inhibitor) and Mirtazapine for years but grew increasingly concerned about their long-term effects. Emotionally, Peter felt trapped by perfectionism and a rigid self-image, living by the belief that “a man’s word is his bond,” which left little room for flexibility or self-compassion. Life had become a series of obligations rather than a space for joy or presence.
Motivated to improve his gut health, reduce medication dependency, and reclaim mental clarity and emotional freedom, Peter recognised that what he needed was more than a treatment protocol. He needed a supportive environment to change how he related to his health, symptoms, and ultimately, himself.
An in-depth analysis of the problem
Peter presented with a complex history of digestive dysfunction, including reflux, nausea, irregular bowel movements, and food sensitivities. His medical history involved prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors and antidepressants, along with concerns about past mould exposure and immune irregularities.
Functional testing identified small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), food intolerances via P88 testing, and elevated levels of heavy metals – particularly beryllium and copper. Additionally, markers of poor liver function and a lack of dietary diversity were noted, compounding his health challenges.
Pathophysiologically, chronic stress and long-term medication use had suppressed his digestive function, leading to reduced stomach acid, gut dysbiosis, and nutrient malabsorption. Immune dysregulation, evidenced by his food reactions and inflammatory symptoms, coupled with a toxic burden, created a complex picture that demanded a comprehensive and targeted approach.
Recognising that emotional rigidity and stress were key perpetuating factors, Peter was open to exploring these with his health coach. Together with his functional medicine practitioner, he developed a new understanding of his body’s distress signals and how to respond adaptively – shifting from compliance to agency, a critical foundation for lasting change.
Implementing the solution
Peter followed a personalised gut-healing protocol focused on treating SIBO with a biphasic diet and a low-reactive elimination plan based on his P88 results. The dietary approach eliminated fermentable sugars and reactive foods, helping to reduce gut inflammation and bacterial overgrowth. Through meticulous food tracking and experimentation, he learned to interpret his body’s responses and identify supportive habits and foods.
Supplement protocols targeted gut lining repair, liver detoxification, and nervous system support, including IM Repair, aloe vera extract, magnesium glycinate, and targeted probiotics.
Health coaching was pivotal in helping Peter externalise and reframe deeply ingrained beliefs like “I can’t make mistakes” and “I must do things the right way.” Using somatic check-ins, nervous system regulation tools (such as walking, sauna sessions, and 4-7-8 breathing), and real-life comparisons with people he admired, the coach helped Peter cultivate flexibility and self-compassion.
The coach also guided Peter through the complexities of tapering Somac, supporting a gradual reduction to manage rebound reflux while reinforcing trust in his body’s ability to self-regulate. Behavioural strategies were tailored to fit Peter’s real-world lifestyle, making change sustainable beyond just theory or protocols.
Physical activity was reintroduced with consistent walking and resistance band workouts, helping Peter rediscover his physical strength and build resilience. Alongside this, he embraced rest, release of rigidity, and found joy in simple daily routines like food preparation, movement, and breathing practices.
Achieving an incredible result
Peter described being in “the best mental space I’ve been in for 30 years.” His reflux symptoms reduced dramatically, bowel function normalised, and persistent issues like cough and mouth blisters resolved. He lost weight, improved his blood pressure, and began tapering off both Somac and Mirtazapine – significant milestones given his long-term medication dependence.
Beyond physical improvements, Peter experienced a profound emotional transformation. He gained the confidence to speak publicly without fear, recognising that even skilled speakers make mistakes – an empowering shift from his previous paralysis around perfectionism.
He also reported a radical increase in self-awareness: “I can think better because my head is so clear – it makes all the difference.” He learned to check in regularly with his body, notice early signs of stress or symptoms, and make health decisions based on his needs rather than external expectations.
Peter redefined health as “enjoying the moment, enjoying your life, free of symptoms.” Through a combination of targeted functional medicine treatment and compassionate health coaching, he transformed not only his chronic symptoms but also his relationship with himself, health, and life.
He moved from being driven by pressure and perfectionism to living with greater presence, curiosity, and vitality.
Ready for a personalised, natural functional medicine treatment?
Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Find out how, then book a call today
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What is GORD, and is it serious?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – also called GERD when using the American spelling – is the medical term for chronic reflux or heartburn.
It occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to rise. This may be triggered by:
- Obesity or pregnancy
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Food triggers
- Digestive disorders such as SIBO or dysbiosis
- Genetic weakness of the LOS
If left untreated, GORD can be serious, leading to inflammation of the oesophagus, damage to its lining, and in some cases Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition linked to an increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
For a natural, root-cause approach, functional medicine practitioners can investigate your triggers and provide a tailored treatment plan to relieve reflux and protect long-term digestive health.
What is the best sleeping position for acid reflux?
Certain sleeping positions and adjustments can reduce reflux episodes and help relieve symptoms:
- Sleep on your left side: this position supports better closure of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) and reduces acid reflux
- Elevate your upper body: raise the head of your bed by 10–12 cm using blocks under the frame, or place a wedge pillow under the mattress to keep your head above your feet
While these adjustments can provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause. Functional medicine practitioners can investigate your individual triggers and create a personalised acid reflux treatment plan to help you find long-term relief.
How to stop heartburn / reflux?
The most effective way to stop heartburn is to identify and address the underlying cause, rather than just suppress symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners use a personalised approach that may include:
- Herbal remedies: e.g. slippery elm powder to soothe burning pain, and digestive herbs to support gut function and reduce inflammation
- Dietary changes: identifying food intolerances or allergies through functional testing, boosting nutrient intake, and avoiding common triggers
- Lifestyle medicine: stress resilience strategies such as mindfulness, meditation, or forest bathing to reduce flare-ups
- Targeted supplements: prescribed to restore digestive balance and improve gut microbiome diversity
Working with a functional medicine practitioner can help uncover your unique triggers and create a tailored treatment plan for lasting relief.
Can parasites cause acid reflux?
Yes, certain parasites can contribute to acid reflux by disrupting stomach acid balance and digestive function.
- Helicobacter pylori is the most commonly linked organism. It alters gastric secretions to survive and is also associated with gastric ulcers and, in some cases, stomach cancer. While sometimes considered an ancient commensal, overgrowth can create significant problems
- Other parasites that may be linked include Strongyloides stercoralis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Balantidium coli, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, Taenia species (T. solium, T. saginata), and Hymenolepis nana. Many of these are uncommon in Australia but may still occur depending on travel or exposure history
A functional medicine practitioner can organise testing to check for parasites and provide targeted natural treatment to restore healthy digestion and reduce reflux symptoms.
What foods help acid reflux go away?
Foods that soothe acid reflux can vary from person to person, depending on whether the issue is too much or too little stomach acid. Some options that may help include:
- Slippery elm powder: mixed in a glass of water to calm the oesophageal lining (ensure you drink enough water to prevent constipation)
- Soothing teas: such as chamomile or licorice root, which can reduce irritation
- Easily digested foods: like cooked vegetables, rice, or soups, which are gentle on the stomach
Ginger and green tea may help some people, but can worsen reflux in others. Identifying the root cause is key to choosing the right foods and remedies.
A functional medicine-trained naturopath can help uncover what’s driving your reflux and design a personalised treatment plan to stop symptoms naturally.
Is there a functional medicine practitioner experienced in treating heartburn in Melbourne?
Yes – at Melbourne Functional Medicine, our functional medicine practitioners provide natural treatment for heartburn, reflux, and GORD/GERD from our clinic in South Melbourne.
If you’re outside the area, we also offer telehealth consults across Australia, so you can still access personalised care. Our practitioners use functional testing, natural therapies, and lifestyle strategies to uncover the root cause of reflux and help you get lasting relief.
What does burping after eating mean?
Burping after meals can happen if you:
- Eat or drink too quickly and swallow excess air
- Consume carbonated drinks
- Have food intolerances or digestive imbalances
- Experience reflux or, in some cases, intestinal parasites
Frequent or uncomfortable burping may point to an underlying digestive issue and is worth investigating further.
What is a natural treatment for acid reflux, heartburn or GORD/GERD?
A natural approach starts with soothing the oesophagus and reducing inflammation, while addressing the root cause.
For symptom relief:
- Slippery elm powder (3 teaspoons in water, drunk quickly) can coat the oesophagus and calm irritation. Always drink plenty of water to avoid constipation when using fibre supplements
For longer-term healing:
- Turmeric, liquorice, and boswellia may help reduce inflammation and support the gastric mucosal lining
- Lifestyle strategies such as stress management, mindful eating, and dietary adjustments also play a role
Because every case of reflux is different, working with a functional medicine practitioner trained in digestive health can help uncover the underlying cause and tailor a safe, natural treatment plan that addresses more than just the symptoms.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to the team directly – we’ll be happy to assist.
