GERD / Acid Reflux
A functional, root-cause approach to reducing reflux, supporting digestion, and improving daily comfort.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly referred to as acid reflux, occurs when stomach contents regularly flow back into the esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, regurgitation, bloating, nausea, chronic cough, throat irritation, or a sour taste in the mouth.
Occasional reflux is common, but when symptoms become frequent or disruptive to daily life, it may be classified as GERD. Over time, unmanaged reflux can impact sleep, appetite, and quality of life.
What Causes GERD?
GERD is rarely caused by just one factor. In many cases, symptoms are influenced by a combination of digestive, lifestyle, and nervous system factors, including:
• Impaired digestion: Low stomach acid, delayed stomach emptying, or poor enzyme production can worsen reflux symptoms.
• Pressure in the abdomen: Overeating, tight clothing, constipation, or bloating can increase pressure and push stomach contents upward.
• Food triggers: Certain foods or eating patterns may aggravate symptoms; triggers vary widely from person to person and may arise from underlying gut health issues.
• Nervous system & stress: Stress can affect digestion, gut movement, and the ring of muscle that helps keep stomach contents from flowing back up.
• Lifestyle factors: Late-night eating, poor sleep, dehydration, and limited movement can all influence reflux.
How Nutrition Counseling Can Help with GERD
Managing GERD isn’t just about avoiding foods or relying solely on medication. Our goal is to investigate WHY your reflux is happening in the first place, rather than trying to avoid all foods that trigger symptoms.
At Family Nutrition Solutions, we can help you:
- Identify personal food and lifestyle triggers without unnecessary restriction
- Support digestion through meal timing, portioning, and food combinations
- Reduce reflux frequency and discomfort with targeted nutrition strategies
- Support gut motility and regularity to reduce abdominal pressure
- Address contributing factors like stress, hydration, and sleep
- Explore functional lab testing when appropriate to assess digestive health more deeply
Our goal is to ease discomfort, restore digestive balance, and help you feel confident with your food choices.
Our Approach at Family Nutrition Solutions
We take a functional, root-cause approach to GERD that looks beyond symptom suppression.
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Core Foundations: Supporting digestion through balanced meals, hydration, stress regulation, and practical lifestyle strategies.
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Deeper Healing: Assess for possible causes of acid reflux, like bacterial overgrowth
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Long-Term Care: Sustainable habits that support digestive function and reduce reflux long-term, without fear-based food rules.
Patients report improved digestion, fewer reflux episodes, better sleep, and greater confidence navigating food choices.
What to Expect When Working With Us
Care at Family Nutrition Solutions is collaborative, supportive, and focused on long-term results.
- First Session: We’ll take a comprehensive look at your symptoms, nutrition habits, lifestyle, and health history to identify patterns and contributing factors. You’ll leave with clear, actionable steps to start improving symptoms right away.
- First Follow-Up: We’ll review progress, discuss any labs you’ve completed (past or recent), and refine your plan with more targeted strategies or supplements if appropriate.
- Ongoing Follow-Ups: Each session builds on the last, adjusting your plan as your needs and symptoms change.
-  Ongoing Support & Accountability: We meet you where you are, focusing on realistic changes that fit your life. You’ll benefit from the collective expertise and collaboration of the entire FNS team, so you feel supported throughout your care.
Ready to Start Your Journey With Family Nutrition Solutions?
Learn More About 1:1 Counseling