Backyard Health

Upper GI Pressure– How Stress, Sphincters & Stagnation Cause Chaos: Digestive Wellness Series | Ep. 30

• Erin Jowett

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Think reflux is just about acid? Think again.

In Part 1 of this deep-dive series, Erin unpacks why most GERD sufferers are misdiagnosed, mistreated, and still stuck on PPIs — even when the real issue isn’t too much acid, but too much pressure in the wrong places.

You’ll learn:

  • The anatomy and purpose of the upper GI tract (and what happens when it breaks down)
  • The 4 distinct types of reflux (GERD, LPR, refractory GERD, and non-erosive) — and why they require different strategies
  • How stress, vagus nerve dysfunction, and digestive stagnation play a major role in reflux
  • Why hiatal hernias, SIBO, H. pylori, and low stomach acid are often the true culprits
  • Why long-term acid suppression can make symptoms worse — and how to spot it

This is the episode for anyone who’s been told to “just take the meds” but still doesn’t feel better. Whether you’re struggling with hoarseness, bloating, chest pressure, or mystery nausea — this one’s going to reframe everything.

Mentioned in this episode:

  • Functional medicine insights on vagus nerve tone, LES dysfunction, and microbial imbalance
  • Research from JAMA, Gut, and Frontiers in Nutrition on PPI risks, reflux subtypes, and misdiagnosis
  • Clues that your reflux may actually be a gut-brain axis issue

✨Ready to go deeper? Listen to Part 2 (episode 31) for natural solutions and functional treatment strategies.

Links & Resources For This Episode:

Digestive Wellness Series–

Episode 24: The Gut-Hydration Link No One’s Talking About: Digestive Wellness Series

Episode 26: How Gut Imbalances Sabotage Your Metabolism: Digestive Wellness Series

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