3 Root Causes of Burning Stomach

1. Pressure
2. Poor digestion and resulting fermentation
3. Irritated stomach lining

In this episode, Dr Vikki Petersen explains 3 reasons why an acidic stomach develops and what you can do to dramatically improve your symptoms.

Most “acid stomach” symptoms are driven by pressure pushing contents upward, not acid being overproduced. 

Key drivers:
Increased intra-abdominal pressure
Hiatal hernia
Constipation
Central weight gain
Tight diaphragm / poor breathing mechanics

When pressure rises, acid moves where it shouldn’t.
If pressure inside the abdomen rises, acid gets pushed upward. That’s when it burns.
What actually lowers pressure:
Stop overeating (smaller meals)
Eat slower
Fix constipation
Reduce bloating triggers
Practice diaphragmatic breathing
Don’t lie down within 2–3 hours of eating

This alone has the potential to resolve symptoms for many people.

Improve Digestion so Food doesn’t Sit and Ferment
If food sits too long:
It ferments
Gas forms
Pressure rises
Reflux follows

What can fix this:
Chew thoroughly
Avoid constant snacking
Space meals 4–5 hours apart
Support motility (walking after meals)
Identify food triggers

Acid suppression does not fix fermentation.

Calm the Irritated Lining
Sometimes the acid is normal — the lining is just sensitive.
Common irritants:
NSAIDs
Alcohol
Ultra-processed foods
High sugar diet
Chronic stress
H. pylori infection (bacteria in stomach)

What helps:
Remove irritants
Short-term targeted support (not lifelong suppression)  - e.g. antacid
Improve sleep
Lower stress
Restore gut barrier function

If you feel like your stomach has too much acid, here’s the truth — most of the time it’s not too much acid.
It’s pressure.
It’s poor digestion creating gas.
Or it’s an irritated lining that’s become sensitive.
Lower the pressure.
Improve digestion.
Calm the inflammation.
That fixes the cause — not just the symptom.

References:
1. Pandolfino et al., 2006 "High-resolution manometry of the EGJ: evidence of a pressure gradient driving reflux" Gastroenterology
2. Kahrilas et al., 2012 "The acid pocket and its role in GERD", American Journal of Gastroenterology
3. Penagini et al., 1998 "Mechanisms of postprandial gastroesophageal reflux in humans", Gastroenterology
4. Wu et al., 2004 "Overeating and GERD symptoms" American Journal of Gastroenterology
5. Parkman et al., 2004 "Delayed gastric emptying in GERD" American Journal of Gastroenterology
6. Piche et al., 2003 "Colonic fermentation influences LES relaxation" Gastroenterology
7. Freedberg et al., 2015 "The impact of PPIs on the gut microbiome", Gastroenterology
8. Imhann et al., 2016 "Proton pump inhibitors affect gut microbiome", Gut
9. Vanuytsel et al., 2014 "Psychological stress and intestinal barrier function" Gut
10. Fass et al., 2001 "Functional heartburn: acid is not always the cause" Gastroenterology

#acidreflux #hiatalhernia #rootcausemedicine 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical condition, or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video.
The views expressed are based on my clinical experience and current scientific understanding as of the date of publication. Individual results may vary.

Many viewers ask what to do next if symptoms persist. 
Our licensed medical team