Acid Reflux
Living with acid reflux can affect every part of your day. You may avoid certain foods, struggle to sleep comfortably, rely on antacids or acid-suppressing medication, and still find the burning, discomfort or persistent cough keeps returning.
If you've been told you have acid reflux but your symptoms aren't improving, or you've been diagnosed with bile acid reflux, it may be time to look beyond symptom management and understand why it's happening in the first place.
Acid Reflux Isn't Always About Too Much Acid
Despite its name, acid reflux isn't always caused by producing excess stomach acid.
For healthy digestion, stomach acid is essential. It helps break down protein, absorb important nutrients such as iron, calcium and vitamin B12, and acts as one of your body's first lines of defence against harmful bacteria.
Reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach move back into the oesophagus, where they can cause irritation and inflammation. This may happen because of changes in pressure within the abdomen, delayed stomach emptying, digestive dysfunction, food sensitivities, stress, weight changes or alterations in gut health. During the menopause transition, hormonal changes can also affect digestion and contribute to reflux symptoms.
Simply reducing stomach acid doesn't always address these underlying factors.
What is Bile Acid Reflux?
Bile acid reflux is less well known but can produce symptoms very similar to acid reflux.
Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine to help digest fats. Sometimes bile can travel backwards into the stomach and even into the oesophagus, causing irritation, inflammation and discomfort.
Unlike acid reflux, bile reflux often responds poorly to standard acid-suppressing medication because acid isn't the main cause of the problem.
Many people are never told there may be another explanation for their ongoing symptoms.
I am an accredited practitioner in Acid Reflux recovery having completed the Digestion with Confidence accreditation in 2026.
Looking Beyond the Symptoms
As a Nutritional Therapist specialising in gut health, I take the time to understand the bigger picture.
Rather than focusing solely on the reflux itself, we explore the factors that may be contributing to it, including:
- Digestive function and stomach health
- Gut microbiome balance
- Eating habits and meal timing
- Food triggers and intolerances
- Stress and the gut-brain connection
- Hormonal changes during menopause
- Gallbladder and bile function
- Inflammation within the digestive tract
This allows us to develop a personalised plan that supports your digestive system rather than simply masking symptoms.
Imagine Eating Without Fear
When reflux symptoms improve, many people experience benefits that extend far beyond their digestion.
You may be able to:
- Enjoy meals without worrying about discomfort afterwards.
- Sleep more comfortably without being woken by burning or coughing.
- Reduce dependence on quick-fix remedies.
- Feel more confident eating out or travelling.
- Experience less bloating and digestive discomfort.
- Improve nutrient absorption to support your energy, bones and overall health.
- Feel more in control of your digestive health instead of constantly managing symptoms.
A Personalised Approach
No two people experience reflux for exactly the same reason.
That's why I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Together, we'll investigate what's driving your symptoms and create a realistic, evidence-informed nutrition and lifestyle plan that's tailored to you.
The aim isn't simply to reduce symptoms today—it's to support healthier digestion for the long term, helping you feel comfortable, confident and able to enjoy food again.
If acid reflux or bile acid reflux is affecting your quality of life, I'd be delighted to help you understand what's happening and explore a personalised path towards lasting relief.
Start with a FREE 20-minute Discovery Call
This is an opportunity to:
- Talk through what you’ve been experiencing
- Begin to identify possible underlying drivers
- Understand what the right next step looks like for you
There is no pressure to continue — just a clear, supportive starting point.
“Sarah is an excellent nutritionist who balances a great bedside manner with an authoritativeness that never feels intimidating or judgmental. Having realised a while ago that real health allows for no shortcuts, I simply ignored the matter altogether. Sarah put us on a plan that works while recognising that ‘life happens’ and that rather than rigidity, long-term success requires flexibility, discipline and a desire to improve.
Could not recommend Sarah more strongly!”
Jamie & Tom L.
