Reflux is remarkably common, and the cause is probably not what you think.
GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) simply put, is a condition that develops when stomach acid ends up in the wrong place.1,2 We know acid burns, so the logical thing is to take an antacid, However, what if we told you, that is just a band-aid, and for most people increasing stomach acid is needed to address the root of the problem.
We know it seems strange that having too little acid could cause that much burning … but
Sufficient acid allows the stomach to digest food promptly, resulting in the food moving on as it should, whereas, insufficient acid causes the digestion to become less efficient, food remains in the stomach to long, causing pressure, fullness and bloating.3 This increased pressure pushes the acid back up into the oesophagus, where it burns.
This is where bitter herbs can be particularly helpful.
However, we need to remember that the cause is not the same for everybody. This is why it is important to speak to any of our wonderful practitioners so that we can help to decide on the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
- Vakil N, van Zanten SV, Kahrilas P, Dent J, Jones R. The Montreal definition and classification of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A global evidence-based consensus. The American Journal of Gastroenterology [Internet]. 2006 Aug [cited 2026 Aug 29];101(8):1900–20. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16928254/)
- Remes-Troche, José M., and Lorena Bolio-Lavalle. “Definition, Epidemiology, and Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.” Clínicas de Gastroenterología de México (English Edition), vol. 1, no. 3, 15 Apr. 2026, 10.24875/cgme.m25000024.
- El Mahroos Rifda. The Role Of Motility And Gastric Acid Secretion in The Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A Literature Review. J Diverse Med Res [Internet]. 2025Sep.30 [cited 2026Sep.10];2(9):454-63. Available from: https://medicosphere.upnjatim.ac.id/index.php/medicosphere/article/view/215
