How to Fix Heartburn (Reflux) without Acid Blockers

Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC, DNM • April 14, 2025
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Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC, DNM

@drrusciodc

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Dr. Ruscio Radio is hosted by Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC, DNM, a functional medicine clinician and researcher specializing in gut health, autoimmune disease, thyroid disorders, and chronic illness. This channel breaks down functional medicine research into clear, practical steps to help you heal—without the bias and the noise. Rooted in published clinical research, our work focuses on the gut as the foundation of health and its impact on immunity, hormones, and brain function. Topics include: - Gut health: SIBO, IBS, GERD, candida & parasites - Autoimmune & thyroid conditions (Hashimoto’s, Graves’) - Histamine intolerance, mast cell activation & immune health - Lyme, mold illness & chronic infections - Brain-gut health: brain fog, anxiety, depression & insomnia If you want science-backed functional medicine guidance you can trust, you’re in the right place.

Video Description

In this episode, I’ll cover the root causes of reflux & share the most effective treatments. Tune in! Work with us! https://drruscio.com/virtual-clinic/ Product mentions: Thiamega https://www.objectivenutrients.com/products/thiamega/ Vagustim https://vagustim.io/ Watch next 👇 ➡️Mona’s Reflux & IBS Symptoms Improved: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of40W7V8tf8 ➡️Natural Treatment For Acid Reflux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfj7vSA1mmk ➡️Thiamine for Gut & Mitochondrial Health - Elliot Overton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-we9gMcdRe8 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRuscioDC?sub_confirmation=1 Let me know your questions in the comments! Read next 👇 ➡️ Avoid the Long-Term Effects of Acid Reflux: https://drruscio.com/long-term-effects-of-acid-reflux/ ➡️ Best Diet Plan for Acid Reflux: https://drruscio.com/diet-plan-for-acid-reflux/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:32 Symptoms 02:35 LES function 04:25 Diet & your gut type 09:01 Inflammation 11:23 Microbiome imbalances 12:50 H. pylori 14:29 Nervous system & vagus nerve 17:18 Physical factors 19:12 Low stomach acid 20:53 Corrective protocol Featured Studies 📉Pathophysiology & treatment for GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33015827/ 📉Epidemiology of GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23853213/ 📉Volume, distribution & acidity of gastric secretion on & off PPIs: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26328588/ 📉Coffee on LES pressure: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7002705/ 📉Caffeine on LES pressure: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16722996/ 📉Alcohol & the GI tract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11151864/ 📉Wine, LES & GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9517519/ 📉Chocolate & LES pressure: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/239592/ 📉Menthol Infusion & Ineffective Esophageal Motility: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39397622/ 📉Foods Inducing GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28147346/ 📉Dietary Intake & Risk of Reflux Disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35047433/ 📉FODMAP Meals on Transient Lower Esophageal Relaxations (TLESR) in GERD & IBS: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35565722/ 📉 Carb& Esophageal Acid Exposure Time & Reflux: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35973185/ 📉Nitric oxide in EE & NERD patients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35611254/ 📉Nitric oxide in the LES of reflux patients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12630004/ 📉Inflammation & oxidative stress in GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18437209/ 📉Overlapping GI Disorders & GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33795540/ 📉GERD & Esophageal Complications in Ulcerative Colitis:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39200925/ 📉GERD & related factors in RA: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23525140/ 📉Curcumin & PPIs for dyspepsia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37696679/ 📉SIBO is associated w/ reflux symptom severity & impaired esophageal mucosa: https://drive.google.com/file/d/122T9PMaEDROBoSWxEeX67qc8iNYNDUSs/view 📉Dysbiosis & antireflux surgery: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33475845/ 📉H. pylori infection, GERD & complications: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34437710/ 📉H. pylori & GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32396919/ 📉GERD & stress: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37943748/ 📉Cardiac autonomic dysfunction & GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26078576/ 📉Dysfunction of the ANS in GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39244825/ 📉Vagus nerve stimulation modulates mast cell degranulation following stroke: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38603861/ 📉Vagus nerve stimulation dampens gut inflammation: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6790670/#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20we%20showed%20that,but%20also%20other%20inflammatory%20conditions. 📉P072 Vagal Nerve Stimulation to Treat Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37461988/ 📉Hiatal hernia size, esophageal body hypomotility & GERD? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38023972/ 📉Low FODMAPs diet & GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34051134/ 📉Curcumin & PPIs for dyspepsia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37696679/ 📉Melatonin & GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20082715/ 📉Prevention of GERD using herbals: https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.950298610899394 📉GERD & Probiotics: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31906573/ 📉Breathing exercises & GERD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32233626/ 📉Vagus nerve, esophageal motility & pharyngeal symptoms in reflux: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10954818/ 📉TEA, Breathing & GERD: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1094715921020018 Follow Me FB - https://www.facebook.com/DrRuscio IG - https://www.instagram.com/drruscio/ DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing a treatment. Music featured: "Modern Technology" by Andrew G, https://audiojungle.net/user/andrew_g

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