Indigestion and Acid Reflux: Think Your Reflux is From Too Much Acid? Think Again

If you’re constantly reaching for Rennie’s, sipping Gaviscon, or steering clear of anything remotely spicy, you’re not alone. Indigestion and acid reflux are incredibly common, but what if the root cause isn’t what you’ve been told?

We’ve been led to believe that reflux means too much stomach acid. But in clinic, what I see more often is the exact opposite: not enough stomach acid. Yep, really.

Common Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid or Reflux

• Bloating after meals

• Belching or gas

• Heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest

• Nausea

• A heavy, sluggish feeling after eating

• Bad breath

• A sour taste in the mouth

These are symptoms many people live with daily. They’ve become ‘normal’ but they’re not.

Why Less Acid Can Cause More Problems

When your stomach acid is low, your digestion slows right down. Food hangs around in the stomach longer than it should, fermenting and creating pressure. This pressure can push open the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, allowing even a small amount of acid to escape upwards. That’s what causes the burning sensation.

It’s not about how much acid you have, it’s about where it’s going.

Causes of Indigestion and Acid Reflux

There are a few culprits I often see:

• Eating on the run or under stress

• Relying on caffeine or processed foods

• A history of antacid or PPI use

• Magnesium or zinc deficiency

• H. pylori infections

• Getting older (acid production naturally declines with age)

And let’s not forget stress, probably the biggest disruptor of all. If you’re eating while distracted or anxious, your body simply isn’t prioritising digestion.

The Standard GP Approach

If you’ve spoken to your GP, you may have been given proton pump inhibitors (like Omeprazole) or over-the-counter antacids. While these can offer temporary relief, they don’t deal with the underlying issue. In fact, they can reduce your stomach acid even further, making the problem worse over time.

What I’d Look at With You

As a nutritional therapist, my job is to join the dots. Here’s what I’d explore:

• Your meal patterns and pace – are you eating too quickly or skipping meals?• Your nutrient levels – are you low in key digestion-supporting minerals?

• Stress and nervous system health – is your body in ‘rest and digest’ mode?

• Gut function – we might look at stool testing to assess overall gut health, microbiome balance and infections like H. pylori

• Your use of medication and long-term symptoms

5 Ways to Start Supporting Digestion Today

1. Slow down when you eat – chew thoroughly, sit down, take 3 deep breaths before your first bite

2. Start meals with a bitter food – rocket, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in water can gently stimulate stomach acid

3. Ditch the antacids (if safe to do so) and work on root cause support instead

4. Eat earlier in the evening to allow time for digestion before bed

5. Don’t drink too much water with meals – this can dilute stomach acid further

   
   

My Client Approach

When I work with clients experiencing reflux, we often use functional testing to get clarity on what’s actually going on. Stool tests can highlight gut infections, inflammation, poor fat digestion or microbial imbalances that aren’t visible through standard GP testing.

Together we work on restoring digestion from the top down, looking at stomach acid production, digestive enzymes, gut bacteria, and how to support your system with food, stress relief and simple habits that fit your lifestyle.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re tired of just managing symptoms and want to get to the bottom of what’s going on, book a free 20-minute call with me here

Or find out more about my consultations and packages here

You don’t have to put up with this. Let’s look at what your body is really trying to tell you.

Lisa x

About Lisa

Lisa Dack - Nutritional Therapist

I’m Lisa Dack, a qualified, registered Nutritional Therapist with a special interest in gut health, hormonal imbalances, energy, skin issues and sustainable weight loss. I work one-to-one with individuals to uncover the root causes of their symptoms and create personalised nutrition, lifestyle and wellness plans that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles. Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or hormonal imbalances, I’m here to guide you toward lasting health transformations. Let’s work together to help you feel your best.