Worsening Your Heartburn with Tums and Antacids?

Annaelle Lamers PA-C
3 days ago
3 min read

If you rely on Tums, Rolaids, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to ease heartburn, you’re part of a multibillion‑dollar pattern—one that may actually fuel the problem. At Harmony Health Clinic in Naples, FL, we adopt a functional medicine lens, addressing how the gut works, rather than merely suppressing symptoms.

The surprising truth backed by research? Most GERD stems from low stomach acid - not too much. Using antacids can suppress symptoms temporarily—but perpetuate the root cause.

Image of stomach, gut, and esophagus with the esophageal sphincter which helps prevent acid reflux and heartburn.

Physiology 101: The LES and Acid Balance

Your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is like a one-way floodgate between the esophagus and stomach. It stays shut to prevent reflux—but only when the stomach is sufficiently acidic (pH ~1.5–3.0). When you reduce acidity, that gate weakens, allowing stomach contents to backflow—

triggering the classic heartburn burn.

So ironically, taking an antacid can lower LES tone, making reflux more likely—not less.

What Causes Low Stomach Acid?

Aging & H. pylori Reduced acid in the elderly was largely due to atrophic gastritis and H. pylori infection, not simply age itself (1)
Hypochlorhydria & Bacterial Overgrowth Low stomach acid compromises the stomach’s sterile barrier, promoting small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) (2) These bacteria ferment food, creating gas and pressure that stresses the LES.
Leaky Gut, Stress & Diet Chronic stress, inflammatory foods, and gut lining damage impair acid production, digestion, and LES function.
Achlorhydria Risk Factors Conditions like autoimmune gastritis, H. pylori, hypothyroidism, and long-term antacid use (especially PPIs) contribute to low or absent acid—and increase risk of anemia, nutrient loss, and infection. (3 )

The Hidden Issues with Antacids/PPIs

While they bring fast relief, they carry significant risks:

Nutrient Deficiencies

Acid is essential for absorbing B12, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Suppressing it over time leads to chronic deficiencies.

Bone Health & Fracture Risk

Reviewing multiple studies, prolonged PPI use is tied to increased osteoporotic fracture risk—including hip, spine, and wrist—with a 26–58% higher likelihood vs non-users (4)

Gut Microbiome Disruption

Raising stomach pH allows harmful bacteria to proliferate and produce toxins—heightening infection and inflammation risks (5 )

Person experiencing heartburn and chest pain due to acid reflux (GERD)

Recognize Signs of Low-Acid Heartburn

If you experience:

Fullness, bloating or gas after meals
Frequent burping with sour taste
Heartburn despite antacid use
Undigested food in stool
Nutrient deficiency symptoms (fatigue, brittle nails, hair loss)

…it’s likely low stomach acid at play, not excess.

A Holistic, Functional Approach to Healing

Instead of suppressing acid, we rebuild your digestion using food, herbs, and supplements that support stomach function, LES strength, and gut ecology.

Foods that cause heart burn, acid reflux, and GERD.

1. Food as Medicine

Start meals with bitter herbs (gentian, dandelion) or diluted apple cider vinegar to stimulate acid and enzyme release.
Eat smaller meals, chew thoroughly, and avoid cold liquids that chill digestion.
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet: whole foods, healthy fats, and avoiding common reflux triggers (caffeine, alcohol, processed sugar).

2. Targeted Supplement Protocols

Betaine HCl: helps gently raise stomach acid levels and improve digestion.
Digestive enzymes: support breakdown of protein, starch, and fats.
Soothing herbs: marshmallow root, aloe vera soothe gut lining; certain botanicals support healthy H. pylori balance.
Probiotics/fermented foods: rebalance gut flora and reduce SIBO.

3. Repair and Address Root Causes

Test and treat for H. pylori if indicated.
Support leaky gut repair with collagen, glutamine-rich foods, and an anti-inflammatory protocol.
Manage stress, correct posture, optimal sleep, and weight.
Evaluate structural factors like hiatal hernia that impact LES function.

Break the Cycle

Suppressing acid might seem like relief—it’s not healing. Through our approach, you address the root cause and strengthen digestion for lasting relief.

At Harmony Health Clinic, we specialize in functional, holistic gut restoration—no guesswork, no symptom masking.

📍 Serving Naples, FL & surrounding Collier County

📞 Call 239‑596‑4801

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before altering medications or beginning supplements.