What's the Root Cause? by Dr Vikki Petersen
"What's the Root Cause?" is brought to you by Root Cause Medical Clinic, featuring Dr. Vikki Petersen—renowned doctor, functional medicine expert, author of "Hiatal Hernia Syndrome" and host of a highly popular YouTube channel.
Dr. Vikki Petersen and her team of clinicians provide cutting-edge solutions in gut health, hiatal hernia syndrome, nutrition, food, hormones, genetics, lifestyle, and more.
You don’t have to accept feeling unwell or struggling with chronic health issues. Your body has the power to heal, and with the right approach, reversing many health conditions is possible. We're here to help you do just that.
Have questions about your health? Contact us today at 727-335-0400 or visit RootCauseMedicalClinics.com.
Episodes
102 episodes
Constipation Causes Hiatal Hernia
There's a strong causative link between constipation, acid reflux and hiatal hernia.First, a look at the statistics: Up to 20% of the population suffers, but this is highly under-reported due to so many people suffering who don...
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11:59
Hiatal Hernia Surgery Warning!
If you've been considering Hiatal Hernia surgery I'm glad you're here.I am not typically a fan of the surgery but that doesn't mean I never think it should be done.The majority of hiatal hernias are small and sliding, and much can b...
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14:43
Acid Reflux, Bloating, Fatigue? It Could Be Gastroparesis
If you have acid reflux or hiatal hernia, you may very well have gastroparesis, which means your stomach is digesting food much slower than it should.
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12:42
Is This Muscle Making Your Acid Reflux Worse?
Do you have acid reflux or a hiatal hernia, are you sometimes short of breath or anxious?We're going to discuss the connection these symptoms can have to your low back and hip. An unlikely connection on the face of it, but highly important ...
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12:04
Reflux That Isn’t Acid? Why You're Being Misdiagnosed
It can be frustrating to suffer with burning, nausea and what seems like acid reflux, only to be told you don't seem to have excess acid or you're given PPI medications that don't work for you.Do you have any of the following symptoms?<...
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16:06
Is Acid Reflux Why You Cough?
Do you have a chronic cough that's driving you crazy? (not to mention those around you!)Have you been treated for asthma, allergies or bronchitis but the medications don't seem to do any good?Here are the reasons why!1. A...
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8:47
Why Hiatal Hernia Surgery Fails - The Root Causes No One Talks About
If you're contemplating surgery for your hiatal hernia, or you've already had one and are unhappy with the results, I think you'll find this information very enlightening.First let's review the size of the normal esophagus and how much ...
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25:24
This One Breathing Habit Could Be Fueling Your Acid Reflux
If you're a mouth breather, you could be creating an environment for acid reflux and hiatal hernia.Mouth breathing, due to congestion or inflammation can contribute to a weakened diaphragm, altering its mechanics, increasing intra-abdom...
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11:42
Your Body Was Designed to Stop Reflux… So Why Is It Happening?
Your body has a natural Anti-Reflux Barrier designed to prevent reflux from occurring – it's composed of 3 structures:1. LES (lower esophageal sphincter)2. Crural diaphragm – tendons from the lumbar spine that form a “crura” (li...
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17:25
Can PPIs Damage Your Liver? The Hidden Risk of Long-Term Use
Are you taking a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) to address the symptoms of your acid reflux?Please note that acid reflux does not occur due to excess acid, but rather pressure inappropriately placed upon your stomach, forcing the acid up your ...
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14:10
The Other Reflux: Is it Bile Burning Your Gut, Not Acid?
If you have acid reflux but still suffer with symptoms despite using medication, you may suffer from bile reflux. You can have both acid reflux and bile reflux, or you can have bile reflux only. Let's delve into it.Symptoms of bile refl...
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16:48
Reflux Relief: Are You Taking the Safer Option?
I'm frequently asked if H2 blockers are safer than PPIs.Let's take a look.To review the dangers of PPIs first, they are associated with the following:Nutrient deficienciesGut microbiome disruptionInfectionsDepression...
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13:21
Eat this Nut for a Healthy Gut
Macadamia nuts can help you have a healthier gut which everyone should be interested in, but they also improve mental clarity, stabilize your blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity and may help you lose weight.Macadamia nuts and nuts ...
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6:43
Millions Have This Stomach Bacteria and Don’t Know It—Do You?
If you suffer from acid reflux or have a hiatal hernia, you've likely been tested for H. pylori (Helicobacter Pylori), a bacteria found in the stomach which is the number one cause of stomach and duodenal (top part of your small intestine) ulce...
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12:13
The Surprising Link Between PPIs and Infections
PPI medication is very commonly prescribed for acid reflux but it's important to know its various side effects, of which there are many.Today I'll review the increased risk of infections, what types and the mechanisms involved.Y...
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12:20
Can the Esophagus Heal Itself? Solutions!
If you have Hiatal Hernia Syndrome you may have been told you have a shortened esophagus. A shortened esophagus can put you at risk for, or worsen, a hiatal hernia.I'm going to review why it happens and what you can do about it....
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14:02
Are My Digestive Issues Actually from Anxiety?
Patients often ask how they can tell between "legitimate" digestion issues and anxiety. They want to know if the cause of their symptoms is "just anxiety" or something else.With Hiatal Hernia Syndrome common symptoms include acid reflux...
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17:47
Prevent Harmful Gut Bacteria Naturally – Here's How
Many Americans suffer from gastrointestinal complaints including:Gas, bloating, indigestion, SIBO, gastroparesis, constipation, diarrhea or IBS, to name a few.These problems go beyond the discomfort associated with them, they are co...
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11:18
PPIs and Dementia: Is Your Medication Affecting Your Memory?
One of the dangers from taking PPIs for years is an increased risk for dementia.What is the mechanism associated with this? We are going to look at 4 different mechanisms.The first is the creation of a magnesium deficiency. ...
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11:29
Gas, Bloating, Constant Discomfort? The Real Cause Revealed
A common question in the area of digestive health has to do with gas and bloating.Why am I always bloated?Why do I look pregnant after eating?Gas and bloating is not only embarrassing but it can be confusing when you're trying t...
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15:08
7 Surprising Things Wrecking Your Health With Inflammation
I use the term "inflammation" often so let's discuss it more in depth. Inflammation is at the root of all the degenerative diseases we're trying to avoid including heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, cognitive decline, obesity and canc...
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13:13
Trouble Swallowing? It Might Be Silent Reflux (LPR)
There's a type of reflux which is atypical and "silent" because it doesn't create the typical symptoms of acid reflux. It's LRP - laryngopharyngeal reflux. Your larynx is your voice box, and your pharynx is your throat.This condition is...
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13:21
Burning Chest Pain: Heartburn or Heart Attack?
I'm frequently asked if acid reflux can feel like a heart attack. It absolutely can and that occurs due to two main reasons.Anatomy, or geography, is one reason - the stomach, esophagus and heart lie very close to one another. Therefore...
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10:35
Millions Misdiagnosed: The Silent Epidemic of Hiatal Hernia Syndrome
I'm frequently asked "Why has my doctor been unable to diagnose my Hiatal Hernia Syndrome?" "Why have I lived all these years suffering and received no help?"Let's first review what Hiatal Hernia Syndrome is. It's the coming together of...
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11:45
Surgery for Hiatal Hernia: Why the Results Disappoint
If you've been considering Hiatal Hernia surgery, you've likely been told that surgery has a very high success rate and that you can expect to no longer need your PPI (antacid medication), and there are no long term side effects.Surgery...
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10:30