Reflux is also not just a stomach problem as digestion is an intricate interplay of organs and signals. When you chew and swallow, hormonal and nerve signals prompt the release of acid in the stomach, and shortly after, bile from the liver/gallbladder and enzymes from the pancreas. These systems depend on each other.

Digestion only runs smoothly with a well-regulated nervous system. The parasympathetic (rest and digest) system is needs to be activated for the digestive system to function. Stress, trauma, or chronic 'freeze' can shut motility down. Tip: deep breathing before meals, humming or singing, gentle vagal nerve exercises, and eating mindfully will all support the nervous system to be in a more 'parasympathetic state' and therefore aid digestion.

A hyper-vigilant HPA axis keeps you in 'predator mode', even if the 'predator' is a toxic job, deadlines, or life load. The body diverts from rest-and-digest to fight-or-flight, which suppresses stomach acid (HCl). Low HCl means easier entry/expansion for H. pylori. PPIs & H2 blockers: suppress acid, thereby 'weakening' a primary defence Antibiotics: reduce protective competitors, allowing the H.Pylori the opportunity to 'take advantage' NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, steroids):

Protein seems to be the 'trendy' food group right now. Whether you are menopausal, in your twenties, a teenager, or trying to get 'lean and mean', suddenly everyone’s talking about protein. Protein bowls, protein powders, protein bars (that taste suspiciously like cardboard) are having their big moment in nutrition and on social media.