Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
Addressing the Root Cause
If you’re searching for GERD functional medicine treatment in Salt Lake City, you’re not alone. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. This backflow, known as acid reflux, can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, Dr. Tiffani Fries offers a functional medicine approach to address the root causes of GERD and provide lasting relief for patients throughout the Salt Lake City area.
Understanding GERD
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, doesn’t close properly. This allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
Common Symptoms of GERD:
- Heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest)
- Regurgitation (the sensation of acid backing up into the throat or mouth)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
Factors that can Contribute to GERD:
Hiatal hernia:
A condition where part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm.
Obesity:
Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and LES.
Pregnancy:
Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy can contribute to GERD.
Certain foods and drinks:
Trigger foods can vary from person to person but often include fatty foods, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
Smoking:
Smoking weakens the LES.
Certain medications:
Some medications can relax the LES or irritate the esophagus.
Low stomach acid:
Ironically, low stomach acid can also contribute to GERD symptoms.
The Salt Lake Functional Medicine Approach to GERD
Patients throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding Wasatch Front trust our functional medicine approach because it looks beyond symptom suppression to find what’s actually driving the reflux.
Detailed Assessment:
A thorough evaluation of your health history, symptoms, diet, and lifestyle.
Advanced Testing:
In some cases, testing may be recommended to assess stomach acid levels, identify food sensitivities, or rule out other underlying conditions.
Personalized Support Plans:
Based on your individual needs, Dr. Fries, DC will develop a tailored plan that may include:
Dietary Modifications:
Identifying and eliminating trigger foods, reducing meal size, and avoiding eating close to bedtime.
Lifestyle Changes:
Losing weight if needed, quitting smoking, elevating the head of the bed during sleep, and managing stress levels.
Supplementation:
In cases of low stomach acid, targeted supplementation may be used to support optimal digestion. Other supplements may be recommended to soothe the esophageal lining and promote healing.
Addressing Underlying Causes:
If other conditions like hiatal hernia or food sensitivities are contributing to GERD, Dr. Fries, DC will work with you to address these issues.
Finding Long-Term Relief
At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, we aim to provide long-term relief from GERD by addressing the root causes of the condition. By making sustainable lifestyle changes and supporting your body’s natural healing processes, we believe you can experience significant improvement in your digestive health and overall well-being.
Gut Health
What makes functional medicine different for treating GERD?
Unlike conventional treatment that relies on long-term acid suppression, functional medicine investigates the root cause of your reflux, including low stomach acid, food sensitivities, and lifestyle triggers, to create lasting relief instead of temporary symptom control.
Can low stomach acid actually cause GERD symptoms?
Yes. It may seem counterintuitive, but low stomach acid is a common and often overlooked contributor to GERD. Dr. Fries, DC evaluates stomach acid levels as part of a comprehensive GERD workup at our Salt Lake City clinic.
Do I need to stop taking my acid reflux medication before starting functional medicine care?
Not necessarily, and you should never stop a prescribed medication without guidance. Dr. Fries, DC works alongside your current treatment plan and helps you transition toward root-cause solutions at a pace that’s safe for you.
How long does it take to see improvement in GERD symptoms?
Every patient is different, but many people notice meaningful changes within the first few weeks of dietary and lifestyle adjustments, with more significant, lasting improvement over several months as underlying causes are addressed.
Does Salt Lake Functional Medicine treat GERD in person or virtually?
Salt Lake Functional Medicine serves patients throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities. Contact our office to find out which visit format is best for evaluating and treating your GERD.
