Almost everyone experiences occasional heartburn after a heavy meal or spicy food. But for some of the patients I see in my St. Louis office, heartburn is a frequent, painful issue that disrupts daily life. The burning sensation in the chest, sour taste in the throat, and discomfort after eating are not just inconvenient—they can also signal deeper digestive imbalances.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we help patients uncover why they are having bad heartburn and develop a plan to both relieve symptoms and address the root cause.

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, irritating its lining. This is known as acid reflux. If it happens regularly, it may be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

While many people assume heartburn means they have too much stomach acid, in functional medicine we often find the opposite—too little stomach acid can contribute to reflux by preventing proper digestion and allowing food to sit in the stomach longer than it should.

Common Causes of Bad Heartburn

• Poor diet choices: Spicy foods, citrus, fried foods, and carbonated drinks can all trigger symptoms.
• Overeating or eating late at night: Large meals and lying down too soon afterward promote reflux.
• Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria): Can impair digestion and worsen reflux.
• Hiatal hernia: A structural issue where part of the stomach pushes upward, allowing acid to escape.
• Obesity or pregnancy: Increased pressure on the stomach raises the risk of reflux.
• Medications: NSAIDs, certain blood pressure medications, and even some asthma drugs can worsen heartburn.
• Stress: Heightened stress can slow digestion and increase sensitivity to acid reflux.

What You Can Do to Relieve Heartburn

1. Adjust Eating Habits

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
• Avoid lying down within 2–3 hours of eating.
• Chew food thoroughly to support digestion.

2. Identify Food Triggers

Keeping a food journal helps identify which foods worsen symptoms. Common culprits include:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Tomatoes and citrus
• Spicy or fatty foods

Eliminating or reducing these foods can make a significant difference.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess abdominal fat increases pressure on the stomach, making reflux more likely. Patients who lose even a modest amount of weight often notice heartburn improves dramatically.

4. Elevate the Head of the Bed

Sleeping with the head slightly raised reduces nighttime reflux. Using an extra pillow isn’t always effective, but elevating the mattress or using a wedge pillow can help.

5. Support Stomach Acid and Digestion

Contrary to popular belief, some patients benefit from supporting—not suppressing—stomach acid. Options include:

• Digestive bitters or apple cider vinegar before meals
• Betaine HCl supplementation (under medical guidance)
• Adequate protein intake to stimulate digestive enzymes

6. Correct Nutrient Deficiencies

Long-term reflux or acid suppression medications can deplete nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. Replenishing these through diet or supplements supports healing of the digestive lining.

7. Reduce Stress

Stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise can reduce reflux episodes by supporting proper digestion and lowering cortisol.

Functional Medicine Approach to Heartburn

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we don’t just mask symptoms with medications. Instead, we ask:

• Is low stomach acid contributing?
• Are food sensitivities driving inflammation?
• Is gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) affecting digestion?
• Are lifestyle or hormonal factors playing a role?

We use advanced testing to evaluate digestive function, nutrient status, and gut health. By correcting root causes, many patients not only reduce reflux but also improve their overall digestive and metabolic health.

When to Seek Medical Evaluation

Occasional heartburn is common, but persistent symptoms need medical attention. You should seek care if you experience:

• Heartburn more than twice a week
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting blood or black stools
• Chest pain that mimics heart symptoms

These may signal GERD or more serious conditions that require prompt evaluation.

Advanced Therapies and Support

In addition to lifestyle and nutrition, we may recommend:

• Targeted supplements such as probiotics, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), or aloe vera to soothe the digestive tract.
• Red light therapy with PEMF, which supports inflammation reduction and tissue healing at the cellular level.
• Hormone optimization if thyroid or cortisol imbalances are affecting digestion.

Final Thoughts

Bad heartburn is more than an inconvenience—it’s a sign that your digestive system needs attention. By identifying the root causes, adjusting lifestyle, and supporting digestion naturally, most patients experience dramatic relief.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we blend functional medicine with advanced therapies to not only calm reflux but also restore long-term digestive health.

👉 If you’ve been struggling with persistent heartburn, call our office today to schedule your consultation and get to the root of the problem.

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