Is acid reflux caused by too much stomach acid?

Not necessarily. Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents move backward into the esophagus. The problem is often related to the protective barrier between the stomach and esophagus, abdominal pressure, or other digestive factors rather than excessive acid production.

Can low stomach acid contribute to acid reflux?

Low stomach acid and reflux can occur together. Reduced acidity may affect protein digestion and nutrient availability, although reflux symptoms alone cannot establish that insufficient stomach acid is the cause.

Can poor digestion affect the lower esophageal sphincter?

Digestive factors such as stomach distension, abdominal pressure, and gastrointestinal motility can contribute to reflux. Evaluating these factors may help explain why reflux occurs rather than focusing exclusively on the LES.

Does stomach acid affect gallbladder function?

Yes. Stomach acid contributes to intestinal signaling through secretin, while fats and protein digestion products stimulate CCK, which signals the gallbladder to release bile. These are important parts of coordinated digestive function.

Can a hiatal hernia cause acid reflux?

Yes. A hiatal hernia can interfere with the normal relationship between the stomach, diaphragm, and lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of reflux. Structural contributors may need to be evaluated alongside digestive function.

Can long-term PPI use contribute to osteoporosis?

Research has associated prolonged PPI use with increased fracture risk, especially among older adults. Possible effects on mineral absorption have been investigated, although the studies do not establish that PPIs directly cause osteoporosis in every patient. Bone health is an important consideration when reviewing long-term medication use.

Can acid blockers contribute to cognitive decline or dementia?

Some studies have reported an association between prolonged PPI use and dementia, while others have found no increased risk. A direct causal relationship has not been established. The findings support periodically reviewing whether long-term acid suppression remains necessary.

Is it safe to take PPIs for years?

Long-term PPI treatment can be appropriate for certain conditions. However, continued use should be periodically reviewed to determine whether the medication remains necessary and whether the lowest effective dose is being used.

Can functional medicine help with chronic acid reflux?

Functional medicine examines nutrition, stomach function, eating patterns, digestive motility, medications, gallbladder-related symptoms, and other possible contributors to reflux. This broader approach can help identify opportunities to improve digestive health while ensuring appropriate care for conditions requiring medical treatment.

Functional Medicine Blog - Total Health Center VB

Nov 10

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Medical illustration of the stomach, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, and digestive system in relation to acid reflux.

Acid Reflux: Why Reducing Stomach Acid May Not Fix the Problem

By Mark Scott Digestion and Digestive Disorders

Acid Reflux: Why Reducing Stomach Acid May Not Fix the Problem What if your acid reflux isn't caused by too much stomach acid, but by a digestive system that isn't functioning properly? If you experience heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD, you've probably been told that stomach acid is the problem. The usual solution is a medication that reduces acid production,…

Oct 27

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Woman enjoying morning sunlight overlooking a peaceful landscape, illustrating the benefits of natural light for circadian rhythms, energy, and sleep.

Your Body Runs on Sunlight: How Morning Light Can Support Your Energy, Hormones, and Metabolism

By Mark Scott Uncategorized

Prefer watching instead of reading? Watch Dr. Scott's video explanation at the end of this article. Your Body Runs on Sunlight: How Morning Light Can Support Your Energy, Hormones, and Metabolism What if one of the simplest ways to support your energy, sleep, and overall health was waiting right outside your front door every morning? Most of us know that…

Oct 23

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Woman enjoying a peaceful afternoon nap, illustrating the benefits of napping for brain health, memory, and recovery.

The Power of Napping: How Daytime Sleep Can Protect Your Brain and Improve Your Health

By Mark Scott Total Health

Could a short afternoon nap help protect your brain? Research suggests daytime sleep can improve memory, learning, creativity, and alertness. Discover what the science reveals about napping, brain aging, and the ideal nap duration.

Aug 23

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Hand sprinkling natural sea salt over a nutrient-dense whole-food meal.

Salt Is Not the Enemy: The Problem With Automatic Salt Restriction

By Mark Scott Clinical Pearls, Food for Thought

“Salt causes high blood pressure.” That statement has been repeated so often that most people accept it as a universal truth. It is not. Salt can raise blood pressure in people who are salt-sensitive. But people do not all respond to sodium in the same way. Some experience a meaningful change, many experience only a small change, and others experience…

Aug 10

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Woman overlooking a sunrise with artistic cellular imagery representing the body's metabolic adaptation and healing during prolonged fasting.

What Happens When You Stop Eating? The Remarkable Healing Intelligence of Fasting

By Mark Scott Functional Medicine

What Happens When You Stop Eating? The Remarkable Healing Intelligence of Fasting For most of human history, people did not eat three meals a day with snacks in between. Food availability changed with the seasons, the success of a hunt, the quality of a harvest, and simple circumstance. Sometimes there was abundance. Sometimes there wasn't. The remarkable part is that…

Jul 12

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Collagen-rich foods including bone broth, slow-cooked beef, chicken, eggs, citrus fruit, and collagen peptides arranged on a wooden table.

Why Your Body Stops Making Enough Collagen—And What You Can Do About It

By Mark Scott Dr. Scott's Favorite Supplements, Total Health

Collagen keeps your skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues strong, but production naturally slows with age. Discover the surprising glycine bottleneck, how collagen peptides work, and five practical ways to help your body build collagen naturally.

Jun 26

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Woman looking fatigued while reviewing normal lab results, representing persistent symptoms despite normal blood work.

“My Blood Work Is Normal”… So Why Do I Feel So Terrible?

By Mark Scott Functional Medicine

Many people are told their blood work is "normal" but still struggle with fatigue, brain fog, digestive problems, weight gain, or simply don't feel like themselves anymore. In this article, Dr. Mark Scott explains why symptoms often develop long before disease appears on routine laboratory tests, how the body adapts to stress and imbalance, and why asking better questions can…

Jun 25

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Cast iron skillet with melting butter, ghee, and coconut oil representing stable fats commonly used for cooking at higher temperatures.

The Best Cooking Oils: Why Heat Stability Matters More Than You’ve Been Told

By Mark Scott Digestion and Digestive Disorders, Food for Thought

For decades we were told to avoid saturated fats and use vegetable oils instead. Learn why heat stability, oxidation, and processing may be more important than cholesterol when choosing cooking oils.

Jun 25

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Fresh ginger, cumin, coriander, fennel, cardamom, and herbal tea arranged on a rustic wooden table to represent traditional digestive herbs.

5 Digestive Herbs That Have Supported Gut Health for Centuries

By Mark Scott Digestion and Digestive Disorders, Food for Thought

For thousands of years, traditional cultures have used ginger, cumin, coriander, fennel, and cardamom to support digestion. Discover how these herbs may help improve digestive comfort, bile flow, and overall gut health.

Jun 25

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Fresh garlic, turmeric, oregano, and cayenne pepper displayed on a wooden table as natural foods associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Four Powerful Ingredients That May Help Support the Body’s Natural Defense Against Cancer

By Mark Scott Food for Thought

Garlic, turmeric, oregano, and cayenne pepper are more than flavorful seasonings. Discover the research behind these powerful foods and how they may support healthy cells, balanced inflammation, and long-term wellness.

Acid Reflux: Why Reducing Stomach Acid May Not Fix the Problem

Your Body Runs on Sunlight: How Morning Light Can Support Your Energy, Hormones, and Metabolism

The Power of Napping: How Daytime Sleep Can Protect Your Brain and Improve Your Health

Salt Is Not the Enemy: The Problem With Automatic Salt Restriction

What Happens When You Stop Eating? The Remarkable Healing Intelligence of Fasting

Why Your Body Stops Making Enough Collagen—And What You Can Do About It

“My Blood Work Is Normal”… So Why Do I Feel So Terrible?

The Best Cooking Oils: Why Heat Stability Matters More Than You’ve Been Told

5 Digestive Herbs That Have Supported Gut Health for Centuries

Four Powerful Ingredients That May Help Support the Body’s Natural Defense Against Cancer

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