Do you have gallbladder disease or had your gallbladder removed and cant seem to get ride of the heartburn and acid reflux?
Before jumping into the difference between the two, lets discuss what causes heartburn, also known as acid reflux because there is quite a bit of confusion on this topic. Heartburn is often associated with having too much acid, but this is actually not the case. Heartburn is caused by the lack of digestive enzymes and stomach acid production.
Low stomach acid production is indicated by signs such as:
- heartburn
- weak, brittle nails
- bloating
- constipation, diarrhea
- food sensitives
- adult acne
- indigestion and feeling full
- bad breath
So now that we know the early signs of low stomach acid, what causes it?Â
- Food allergies
- heartburn
- IBS
- Candida
- Gut infections
- H.pylori
- Eczema
- Bacteria overgrowth
- Leaky gut
- Stress
- Age
- Eating too quickly
- Excess weight
- Some prescription medications
- Excessive alcohol, carbonated drinks and coffee
Now that we have covered the topic on what really causes heartburn/ acid reflux, what is the difference between acid reflux and bile reflux?
Acid reflux/ heartburn is often the first sign of digestive malfunction. It occurs when the esophageal sphincter becomes relaxed and acid refluxes upwards into the esophagus. Bile reflux on the other hand is when bile moves from the upper part of the small intestine through the pyloric sphincter into your stomach.
The symptoms between bile reflux and acid reflux are very similar but bile reflux may result in symptoms of vomiting greenish-yellow bile, nausea, abdominal pain. Bile reflux is also often caused by gallbladder removal and gastric surgery.
If we are battling acid or bile reflux where do we start?
- First and foremost always consult with your doctor. Acid and bile reflux can be related to a variety of conditions.
- Avoid all fatty, fried and spicy foods.
- Avoid potential trigger foods: dairy, gluten, tomatoes, citrus, carbonated beverages, coffee, alcohol.
- Eat smaller meals and chew, chew, chew!
- Eat in a relaxed state.
- Eating healing foods rich in vitamin B1, and zinc. Both are key nutrients to manufacture stomach acid production.
- Try herbal remedies: slippery elm bark, triphala, barberry, chicory root, chamomile, golden seal, licorice root.
- My go to herbal remedies are Mountain Rose Herbs: https://mountainroseherbs.com/slippery-elm-extract
- (Consult with physician if you are pregnant, breast feeding or taking medication prior to introducing herbs.)
Gallbladder and Gut Healing Consultations:
I recommend that you always consult with your doctor first. I am here to support you through dietary and lifestyle recommendations. You may connect me at support@honoryourcore.com or https://honoryourcore.com/contact/
Honor Your Core is not a medical organization. Nor does Honor Your Core claim, treat, diagnose disease and this should not serve as medical advice.