Can increasing acidity help reflux?

Increasing the acidity in the gut can paradoxically help manage acid reflux. According to Andrew Huberman, the gut needs to maintain a certain level of acidity to function properly. This is because bacteria thrive in more alkaline conditions, and the gut's higher acidity can combat this. While it might seem counterintuitive, making the gut slightly more acidic is a method to ameliorate acid reflux. Historically, this was seen as unconventional, but recent reviews of peer-reviewed literature indicate that it is an effective approach. Antacids, commonly used for acid reflux, only address the symptoms by causing the sphincters above the gut to tighten, not the underlying cause. Maintaining proper gut chemistry with the right level of acidity is essential for both a healthy brain and body 1.