Reflux & Indigestion

Reflux, heartburn and indigestion can affect your energy, sleep, appetite and quality of life — but they often have deeper drivers than many people realise.

What’s Actually Happening

Reflux usually involves:

• irritation of the oesophagus

• stomach contents moving upwards

• impaired upper digestive flow

• pressure from bloating or slow motility

Contrary to common belief, it is often caused by too little stomach acid, not too much.

Why Reflux Occurs

Key contributors include:

• SIBO / dysbiosis

• low stomach acid

• slowed gastric emptying

• eating while stressed

• diaphragm tension

• hormone shifts

• food sensitivities

• long-term PPI use

• post-infection changes

Reflux is rarely one issue — it’s usually a disruption across multiple digestive layers.

The Stress & Diaphragm Link

Stress increases pressure in the oesophageal area and reduces digestive efficiency.
Many people with reflux have a chronic “tightness” pattern in the diaphragm, which can worsen symptoms.

Gentle somatic awareness can make a surprising difference here.

When Medication Helps (and when it hides root causes)

PPIs and antacids can reduce irritation in the short term, but may also:

• worsen dysbiosis

• lower stomach acid further

• reduce nutrient absorption

• mask underlying issues

Exploring the deeper causes leads to more sustainable relief.

Restoring Upper Digestive Function

Long-term improvement comes from supporting:

• stomach acid levels

• digestive enzymes

• motility and flow

• microbial balance

• anti-inflammatory nutrition

• nervous system regulation

• stress and tension patterns

This page helps you understand the physiology behind reflux, and why symptoms keep returning even when your diet seems “perfect.”