Heartburn is a common condition that causes a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or when lying down. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. While occasional heartburn is normal, frequent or severe episodes may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that requires medical attention to prevent complications such as Barrett’s esophagus.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine, a family medicine physician, takes an integrative and functional medicine approach to heartburn management. By combining advanced medical care with personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies, she helps patients find lasting relief and improved digestive health.
Causes and Risk Factors
Heartburn can develop for many reasons, often linked to diet, lifestyle, and digestive function. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Dietary Choices: Spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, and fatty meals.
- Overeating: Large meals that increase pressure in the stomach.
- Obesity: Excess weight raises pressure on the abdomen.
- Smoking: Weakens the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and abdominal pressure can increase reflux.
- Hiatal Hernia: A condition that allows stomach acid to escape more easily.
- Gut Health Imbalances: Poor digestion or microbiome disruptions may worsen symptoms.
Identifying and addressing these factors is central to effective long-term management.
Symptoms of Heartburn
Heartburn symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Burning sensation in the chest, especially after meals
- Regurgitation of acid or food into the throat
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Discomfort that worsens when lying down or bending over
When symptoms occur more than twice a week, medical evaluation is recommended.
How Heartburn Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, diagnosis begins with a thorough evaluation of symptoms and lifestyle factors. Diagnostic methods may include:
- Medical History and Exam: Identifying triggers and patterns of discomfort.
- Endoscopy: Examining the esophagus for damage from acid exposure.
- pH Monitoring: Measuring acid levels in the esophagus over time.
- Imaging Tests: Identifying structural issues like a hiatal hernia.
- Functional Medicine Testing: Exploring food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and gut microbiome imbalances.
This detailed process ensures that the underlying causes of heartburn are identified and effectively treated.
Treatment Options for Heartburn
Effective heartburn treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and contributing factors. At Shine Health and Wellness, care may include:
- Medication Management: Acid reducers such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers when appropriate.
- Nutritional Counseling: Identifying trigger foods and creating balanced meal plans to reduce reflux.
- Lifestyle Support: Weight management, exercise, stress reduction, and improved sleep habits.
- Gut Health Restoration: Probiotics and dietary strategies to improve digestion and reduce acid reflux.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing systemic inflammation, hormone imbalances, or other contributing factors.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to adjust treatment and track long-term progress.
This integrative approach provides patients with both immediate relief and lasting digestive wellness.
The Role of Gut Health in Heartburn
Gut health plays a key role in heartburn and reflux. An imbalanced microbiome or poor digestion can increase acid production and weaken the esophagus’s defenses.
At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment plans often include gut-focused strategies such as probiotics, functional testing, and anti-inflammatory nutrition. By improving digestive health, patients experience fewer flare-ups and greater long-term relief.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, brings more than a decade of medical experience and a commitment to personalized care. She understands that lasting relief comes from addressing not just symptoms but also underlying causes. Her integrative and functional medicine approach allows her to provide comprehensive solutions for patients struggling with chronic heartburn.
The Shine Health and Wellness team also includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist, ensuring patients receive collaborative care that supports both immediate comfort and long-term wellness.
Find Relief From Heartburn
Heartburn may be common, but it should not disrupt your daily life. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide compassionate, personalized care to help you find relief and restore digestive balance. Contact us today at 626-317-0207 to schedule your consultation.