Getting To The Root Of And Getting Rid Of Heartburn And Reflux with Dr. Todd LePine

Nov 23, 2020

Dr. Todd LePine, a board-certified internist specializing in integrative functional medicine, joins the discussion on heartburn and reflux. He emphasizes that heartburn often stems from acid deficiencies rather than excess acid. The conversation critiques the long-term use of acid-blocking medications, which can lead to deficiencies and health issues. Dr. LePine advocates for dietary changes and functional medicine approaches to uncover root causes. The podcast highlights the importance of personalized care and lifestyle adjustments for effective, lasting relief.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Heartburn Misconception

Heartburn, a common ailment, is often mistaken as excessive stomach acid.
Functional medicine suggests it's often caused by lack of acid or other factors.

ADVICE

Lifestyle Changes for Reflux

Avoid fried, spicy, tomato-based, and citrus foods, as well as excessive coffee and chocolate.
Stop smoking, avoid late-night eating, and elevate your head while sleeping.

INSIGHT

Risks of Acid Blockers

Long-term use of acid-blocking medications can lead to increased food allergies and nutrient deficiencies.
They are also linked to leaky gut, pneumonia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Getting To The Root Of And Getting Rid Of Heartburn And Reflux | This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley

Most of us have experienced heartburn at one time or another, but for millions of people it is a chronic and painful condition. As a result, acid-blocking medications are among the top-selling drugs in America today. However, taking an acid blocker does nothing to address whatever is causing the heartburn and these drugs can have all sorts of negative side effects. Additionally, while acid blocking drugs block acid that can cause symptoms of heartburn and reflux, your body actually needs stomach acid to stay healthy. So, the key isn’t taking the drug. It’s finding the cause.

In this episode, Dr. Hyman sits down with Dr. Todd LePine to discuss the Functional Medicine approach to treating heartburn and reflux. Together they discuss how to find the real causes of reflux and heartburn, get rid of them, and use the right foods, nutrients, and lifestyle therapies to heal the problem.

Dr. LePine graduated from Dartmouth Medical School and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, specializing in Integrative Functional Medicine. He is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. Prior to joining The UltraWellness Center, he worked as a physician at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA, for 10 years. Dr. LePine’s focus at The UltraWellness Center is to help his patients achieve optimal health and vitality by restoring the natural balance to both the mind and the body. His areas of interest include optimal aging, bio-detoxification, functional gastrointestinal health, systemic inflammation, autoimmune disorders and the neurobiology of mood and cognitive disorders. Dr. LePine teaches around the world, and has given lectures to doctors and patients at American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), Age Management Medicine Group (AMMG), the University of Miami Integrative Medicine Conference, The Kripalu Center in Lenox, MA, and is on the faculty for American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). Dr. LePine is the head of the Scientific Advisory Board for Designs for Health and a consultant for Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. He enjoys skiing, kayaking, hiking, camping and golfing in the beautiful Berkshires, and is a fitness enthusiast.

This episode is sponsored by Athletic Greens and Paleovalley.

Right now Athletic Greens is offering Doctor’s Farmacy listeners a full year supply of their Vitamin D3/K2 Liquid Formula free with your first purchase, plus 5 free travel packs. Just go to athleticgreens.com/hyman to take advantage of this great offer.

Until 12/4/20, Paleovalley is offering Doctor's Farmacy listeners 20% off the entire Paleovalley store. Just go to paleovalley.com and use the code Hyman20 to take advantage of this offer.

In this episode, Dr. Hyman and Dr. LePine discuss:

Common drivers of heartburn

Why heartburn isn’t about having too much acid in the stomach

The addictive quality, side effects, and danger of long-term use of PPI/acid-blocking drugs

Foods that commonly cause heartburn

The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori) which commonly causes not only ulcers but also reflux

Patient cases in which Drs. Hyman and LePine treated heartburn and reflux

Additional Resources:

3 Simple Steps to Eliminate Heartburn and Acid Reflux

https://drhyman.com/blog/2010/07/17/3-simple-steps-to-eliminate-heartburn-and-acid-reflux/

Heartburn and Candida: What is Your Gut Trying to Tell You?

https://drhyman.com/blog/2017/04/06/heartburn-candida-gut-trying-tell/

7 Steps To Reverse Acid Reflux

https://drhyman.com/blog/2013/09/26/7-steps-reverse-acid-reflux/

Is Your Doctor Making You Sick?

https://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/2015/02/12/doctor-making-sick/