Episode 74: The Real Root Causes of Acid Reflux in Midlife with Allison Jordan

If you’re experiencing chronic acid reflux, heartburn or GERD, you may have been told that your body is simply producing too much stomach acid. But what if the real issue isn’t how much acid you have—but why it’s escaping the stomach in the first place?   In this episode of Inspired Wellness Podcast, Michelle and Tabitha sit down with Allison Jordan, a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, founder of Better Belly Therapies and host of the top 1% globally ranked Better Belly Podcast.   Allison explains why acid reflux may sometimes be connected to low stomach acid and explores the underlying factors that can make digestive symptoms more common in midlife. The conversation covers possible contributors such as mineral imbalances, H. pylori, slowed gut motility, stress, fascial adhesions, mold exposure and the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause.   They also discuss proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs: how they reduce stomach-acid production, why they may offer necessary symptom relief and why long-term digestive healing requires looking beyond symptom suppression to understand what is driving the reflux.   In this episode, you’ll learn: What is actually happening in the body during acid reflux The differences among acid reflux, heartburn and GERD Why reflux symptoms can occur even when stomach acid is low Why digestive issues may become more noticeable during perimenopause and menopause How zinc, copper and stomach acid production may be connected The potential roles of H. pylori, stress, mold exposure and slow motility What PPIs do and why you should not discontinue them without appropriate medical guidance How low stomach acid can affect nutrient digestion and absorption How the at-home baking-soda test is sometimes used to gather non-diagnostic information about stomach-acid levels Why testing, proper sequencing and a personalized root-cause approach matter   Most importantly, this conversation offers hope: chronic reflux does not necessarily have to become something you simply accept as a permanent part of getting older.   Resources Mentioned Learn more about Allison’s Gut Healer System: betterbellytherapies.com/blueprint Access Allison’s guide with instructions for the at-home baking-soda test: betterbellytherapies.com/constipation Explore Allison’s free mold-education resources: betterbellytherapies.com/mold   Connect with Allison Jordan  Listen to the Better Belly Podcast: Search for Better Belly Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.  Follow Better Belly Therapies on Instagram: @BetterBellyTherapies  Learn more about working with Allison: betterbellytherapies.com   Connect with Michelle  Questions or topic requests? Email Michelle to be part of the conversation! Email: [email protected]  Schedule a free discovery call: theinspiredwellnesscoach.com  Follow Michelle on Instagram & Facebook: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach  Shop Michelle’s online supplement dispensary and save 10% on professional-quality supplement brands: Fullscript 10% Off Link Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do not discontinue or change a prescription medication, including a proton pump inhibitor, without consulting your prescribing healthcare professional.