Why Heartburn Isn’t Caused by Too Much Acid — And What’s Really Going On

If you suffer from heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion, you've likely been told that your stomach is producing too much acid. But what if that explanation is completely backwards?

The truth is, many cases of heartburn are actually caused by too little stomach acid, a condition called hypochlorhydria. While acid-blocking medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids may bring short-term relief, they often make the root problem worse — leading to chronic digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and even increased risk of infection.

In this article, we’ll uncover why low stomach acid is often the hidden cause of reflux, what symptoms to look for, and how to rebalance your digestion naturally.

The Myth: Heartburn = Too Much Acid

It’s easy to assume that a burning sensation in your chest means there’s too much acid in your stomach. But here’s what’s actually happening:

Heartburn occurs when acid escapes the stomach and irritates the esophagus, not necessarily because there’s excess acid, but because:

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weak or relaxed
Food is sitting in the stomach too long and fermenting
There’s pressure buildup from poor digestion or bloating

When stomach acid is too low, digestion slows down. Food doesn't break down efficiently, and this increases gas and pressure, forcing acid upward — not because there's too much acid, but because it's in the wrong place.

What Is Hypochlorhydria?

Hypochlorhydria is a condition where the stomach doesn't produce enough hydrochloric acid (HCl). This acid is essential for:

Breaking down proteins
Absorbing minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc)
Killing harmful microbes
Activating digestive enzymes like pepsin

Without adequate acid, digestion is compromised — and this sets the stage for heartburn, bloating, bacterial overgrowth, and nutrient deficiencies.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid

You may have low stomach acid (even if you're experiencing reflux) if you notice:

Heartburn or acid reflux
Bloating or fullness after meals
Belching or gas shortly after eating
Undigested food in stools
Fatigue, brain fog, or anemia
Weak nails, thinning hair, or dry skin
Chronic gut infections (like H. pylori or SIBO)
Poor absorption of protein and nutrients

Why Low Stomach Acid Leads to Heartburn

Here’s the chain reaction:

Low acid = poor digestion. Food stays in the stomach longer than it should.
Undigested food ferments, creating gas and pressure.
The pressure pushes stomach contents (even small amounts of acid) up into the esophagus.
The esophagus is not equipped to handle acid — even a little causes burning and irritation.
The lower esophageal sphincter may stay open due to low acid signaling, allowing reflux.

So ironically, not having enough stomach acid can cause symptoms identical to having too much.

The Problem with Acid-Blocking Medications

Medications like PPIs (omeprazole, Nexium) or H2 blockers (ranitidine, famotidine) reduce acid even further, which may temporarily relieve symptoms — but at a cost.

Long-term use of acid-blockers may cause:

Increased risk of bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Reduced mineral absorption (magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc)
B12 deficiency
Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures
Weakened immune defense
Poor protein digestion and leaky gut

These drugs treat the symptom, not the cause — and can worsen digestive health over time.

What Causes Low Stomach Acid?

Several factors can reduce stomach acid production, including:

Aging (acid naturally declines after age 40)
Chronic stress
Antacid or PPI use
Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, B6)
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Poor chewing and eating habits
High carbohydrate or low protein diets

How to Naturally Improve Stomach Acid and Reduce Reflux

1. Slow Down and Chew Thoroughly

Digestion starts in the mouth. Chewing well stimulates gastric acid production and prepares the stomach for food.

2. Add Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Before Meals

A small amount of ACV (1 tsp in water) 15 minutes before meals can gently stimulate acid production.

3. Use Digestive Bitters

Herbal formulas with gentian, dandelion, or artichoke support stomach acid and bile flow.

4. Consider Betaine HCl

With guidance from a practitioner, Betaine HCl with pepsin can help restore stomach acid levels and improve protein digestion.

5. Avoid Overeating or Drinking Excess Liquid With Meals

Large meals and too much liquid can dilute stomach acid and overwhelm digestion.

6. Identify and Address H. pylori

This common bacterial infection reduces acid production and must be treated to restore balance.

Functional Medicine Testing for Root Cause Clarity

At Sheen Vein and Cosmetics, we go beyond symptom suppression to address why you’re experiencing reflux or indigestion.

We use:

Comprehensive stool testing to assess gut health and H. pylori
Micronutrient testing to evaluate nutrient absorption
SIBO breath testing to identify bacterial overgrowth
Functional assessments of stomach acid and enzyme levels

With a personalized protocol, we help patients restore digestive function, reduce reflux naturally, and improve overall energy, mood, and gut health.

Final Thoughts

Heartburn is a warning signal — not just of excess acid, but often of incomplete digestion due to too little acid. By correcting the root issue, you can find lasting relief and restore your digestive system to work the way it was designed to.

Call to Action:
Still battling reflux or heartburn? Let’s find out if low stomach acid is the real cause. Contact Sheen Vein and Cosmetics for a functional medicine evaluation and get to the root of your digestive discomfort—naturally.

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