Antacids vs. Low Stomach Acid: Understanding Heartburn Through Two Lenses
Heartburn is one of the most common digestive complaints, yet the reason behind it can differ dramatically depending on which health model you look at. Conventional medicine and natural medicine often approach heartburn from different angles, neither is right or wrong, just based on different understandings of what's happening inside the digestive system.
Let’s break it down clearly, without bias, so you can understand both perspectives and make informed choices.
The Conventional View: Heartburn = Too Much Stomach Acid
In mainstream medicine, heartburn is often assumed to be caused by excess stomach acid or acid moving upwards into the oesophagus.
This is why antacids and acid-suppressing medications are used so widely, they’re designed to:
Neutralise stomach acid
Reduce acid production
Decrease irritation in the oesophagus
Provide fast, short-term relief
These medications can be very effective for occasional heartburn.
However, they do come with some considerations, especially when used regularly.
What long-term antacid use can affect:
While antacids offer quick relief, frequent or prolonged use may:
Reduce natural stomach acid levels
Impact the breakdown of food
Affect absorption of key nutrients (like iron, B12, calcium, magnesium)
Slow digestive function
Lead to “rebound” acidity when stopping
Mask underlying issues rather than resolving them
Most guidelines recommend using antacids for short-term relief (up to ~3 months) unless under medical supervision.
The Naturopathic View: Heartburn = Too Little Stomach Acid?
In natural medicine, we often see a different pattern entirely. Many clients with heartburn actually show signs of low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) rather than too much.
Low stomach acid can cause:
Slow digestion
Fermentation of food in the stomach (leading to blaoting and smelly gas)
Pressure and bloating
Acid or gas pushing upward
The sensation of burning, even if acid levels are low
In this model, heartburn isn’t caused by excess acid, but by acid in the wrong place , often due to weak digestive tone or slow stomach emptying.
How natural medicine approaches this
Rather than suppressing acid, Naturopaths aim to:
Support stomach acid production
Strengthen digestive secretions (bile, enzymes, acids)
Improve motility so food moves downward, not upward
Restore the structure and function of the digestive tract
Herbal medicine, nutrients, and lifestyle strategies can all play a role in helping the digestive system work as it’s meant to so symptoms naturally reduce over time.
*Take in every facet of information about your options, and then make informed choices about how you want to engage with pharmaceuticals and natural therapies. This is not intended as medication advice, always speak to your Dr or practitioner about your options and what decision best suits your individual circumstances.