What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn is that burning discomfort some people feel in their chest—especially after eating—and is often tied to digestive acid moving the wrong way through the esophagus.
This backflow irritates the esophageal lining, creating discomfort that can range from mild to severe.
Occasional vs. Chronic Heartburn
Some people only experience heartburn once in a while, especially after a heavy meal or lying down too soon after eating.
Others struggle with it regularly — a sign of something more persistent, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Common Symptoms
Typical signs of heartburn include:
- A hot, pressure-like sensation in the chest that tends to intensify when reclining or resting
- An acidic or unpleasant flavor that rises into the throat
- Difficulty swallowing in more advanced cases
Why It Matters
At Truth Family Chiropractic, we see heartburn not just as a digestive issue, but as a sign of deeper imbalances — particularly in how the nervous system influences digestion. That’s why we look beyond quick fixes and offer a drug-free, root-cause approach to long-term relief.
Book Your First Exam Today
Why wait to begin feeling relief? Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.
How Our Care Plan Works
1. Get The Truth
Stop searching for answers. Finally, get the truth about what’s causing your health problems so that you can create a plan to get your life back.
2. Get Real Solutions
Based on your health goals and your doctor’s findings, we’ll customize a plan of attack that will give you the solutions you’ve been desperately searching for.
3. Live A Life Without Limitations
Unleash your full potential and have the impact and purpose God intended for you.
How We Treat Heartburn in West Des Moines, IA
Chiropractic Adjustments That Support Digestive Function
It’s not widely known, but the health of your spine can have a direct effect on how your digestive system functions. But your spine doesn’t just affect posture—it also protects the nerves that control how your digestive system works.
The Role of the Thoracic Spine
Nerves in the mid-back, especially around the thoracic spine, help regulate stomach function. When these nerves are disrupted by tension or spinal shifts, the messages between your brain and digestive organs can become disrupted—leading to symptoms like reflux.
Restoring Balance Through Spinal Adjustments
At Truth Family Chiropractic, we focus on realigning this part of the spine to relieve nerve pressure and improve how your digestive system responds. Adjustments to this region are gentle and targeted.
What Patients Notice
Many of our patients report fewer episodes of heartburn, better digestion, and less reliance on acid-reducing medications—all by improving how their nervous system and digestive tract communicate.
Using Betaine HCL to Determine Whether It’s Truly Acid Reflux
One interesting aspect of heartburn and reflux is that it’s not always caused by too much acid. Sometimes, the issue is actually low stomach acid, which leads to improper digestion and causes food to stay in the stomach longer, resulting in the same reflux. Betaine HCL can help identify if low stomach acid is the problem.
What is Betaine HCL?
Betaine HCL is a supplement that can increase stomach acid levels temporarily, aiding digestion. A simple test can help you determine if low stomach acid might be causing your symptoms:
1. Take Betaine HCL with a Meal: Start with one capsule (usually 500-650 mg) with a protein-heavy meal. Avoid using this test with meals that are low in protein or fat. 2. Monitor Your Body’s Response:
– If you feel warmth or burning in your stomach, it’s likely that you have sufficient stomach acid, and Betaine HCL isn’t necessary.
– If you feel no warmth or burning, low stomach acid may be contributing to your reflux.
Taking Control of Heartburn
Heartburn can range from an occasional nuisance to a persistent issue. By understanding what heartburn is, avoiding trigger foods, practicing effective relief strategies, exploring chiropractic adjustments, and considering tools like Betaine HCL, you can work towards greater digestive comfort and overall wellness. Remember, chronic heartburn should always be addressed if there is no relief. Taking proactive steps can make a world of difference in managing and reducing heartburn, empowering you to live with less discomfort and more vitality.
What Not to Eat: Foods That Trigger Heartburn
Certain foods can relax the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This allows acid to flow back into the esophagus. Here are some common heartburn triggers to avoid:
1. Citrus Fruits and Juices: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are acidic and can irritate the esophagus.
2. Tomato-Based Foods: Foods like pasta sauce, salsa, and ketchup are high in acid, potentially exacerbating heartburn.
3. Spicy Foods: Spices like chili powder and pepper can aggravate acid reflux.
4. High-Fat Foods: Fried foods, greasy burgers, and other high-fat items slow digestion and can relax the LES, leading to heartburn.
5. Chocolate and Caffeine: Both can relax the LES, making it easier for acid to escape the stomach.
6. Carbonated Beverages: Sodas and sparkling water increase stomach pressure, contributing to reflux.
7. Alcohol: Wine, beer, and cocktails can irritate the esophagus and relax the LES, causing acid to flow back up.
Tips and Tricks to Help Relieve Heartburn
While avoiding trigger foods is essential, other lifestyle and dietary adjustments can help manage heartburn.
1. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Large meals can put pressure on the stomach and LES. Smaller meals reduce the chance of reflux.
2. Stay Upright After Eating: Lying down right after a meal can trigger acid reflux. Aim to stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after eating.
3. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing: Tight clothes around the waist can press on the stomach, promoting reflux.
4. Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Raising your bed head by about 6-8 inches can prevent acid from rising into the esophagus while you sleep.
5. Chew Gum: Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid.
6. Try Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the digestive tract. Sipping ginger tea or chewing ginger candies may provide relief.
7. Quit Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES, so quitting can improve overall digestive health and reduce heartburn.
Check Out Our Locations Near You
West Des Moines
1905 EP True Pkwy #207, West Des Moines, IA 50265
St. Charles
133 W Main Street St. Charles, IA 50240
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Headache Treatment
1. Can chiropractic care help with heartburn?
Chiropractic care can support the nervous system, which plays a role in digestion. By improving spinal alignment, especially in the mid-back, some patients report fewer heartburn symptoms.
2. Why would a chiropractor treat digestive issues like heartburn?
The spine protects nerves that control many body functions—including how the stomach works. If those nerves are irritated, it may impact digestion. Chiropractic adjustments aim to reduce that interference.
3. What part of the spine is linked to digestion?
The thoracic region (mid-back) is closely connected to the nerves that influence digestive organs. That’s why chiropractors often focus on this area when treating patients with reflux or similar concerns.
4. Is chiropractic care for heartburn safe?
Yes. At Truth Family Chiropractic, adjustments are gentle and specifically tailored to each patient’s condition and history.
5. How many chiropractic visits do I need to see results for heartburn?
Every patient is different. Some people begin to notice changes after just a few sessions, while others may need ongoing care depending on the severity and frequency of their symptoms.
6. Can I still take medication while seeing a chiropractor for heartburn?
Yes. Chiropractic care can complement other approaches. Truth Family Chiropractic focuses on helping the body function better naturally, but always encourages patients to speak with their medical provider about medications.
7. What if my heartburn gets worse at night?
This is a common issue. While chiropractors don’t treat acid directly, improving spinal alignment may help reduce the frequency of symptoms that tend to worsen when lying down.
8. Is this treatment only for people with chronic heartburn?
Not necessarily. Patients with occasional heartburn may still benefit from addressing spinal and nerve health—especially if their symptoms are posture-related or triggered by stress.
9. Do I need X-rays before starting treatment?
Truth Family Chiropractic may recommend spinal X-rays to better understand the alignment and structure of your spine before starting any treatment plan.
10. How do I know if chiropractic care is right for my heartburn?
The best way to find out is through a consultation. The team at Truth Family Chiropractic performs a detailed evaluation to determine if spinal alignment may be affecting your digestion.
Chiropractor
Expert Insight from Dr. Kevin Miller, DC
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kevin Miller is the founder of Truth Family Chiropractic and a former collegiate wrestler whose own injury sparked a lifelong mission to help others heal naturally—without drugs or surgery. He has provided care for Olympic athletes, including Team USA Wrestling, and currently serves multiple athletic teams at Grand View University. His care philosophy emphasizes spinal alignment and nervous system health to support long-term wellness.
Book Your First Exam Today
Why wait to begin feeling relief? Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.