08/13/2026
If you deal with reflux, you've probably been told the problem is too much stomach acid. In a lot of cases, it's actually too little.
Stomach acid does more than break down food. It's what triggers the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between your stomach and esophagus, to close properly. Without enough acid, that valve doesn't get the signal it needs, and the small amount of acid you do have creeps upward instead of staying where it belongs.
This is also why antacids often stop working over time. They're addressing the acid that's there, not the root of the problem.
Low stomach acid doesn't stop at reflux. Left unaddressed, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies, SIBO, and gut dysbiosis, since acid also plays a role in absorbing key nutrients and keeping bacteria in check.
Comment THRIVE to schedule an assessment and find out if this is what's actually going on for you.