Could it be bile reflux, not acid reflux?
Gallbladder issues can lead to reflux due to disruptions in the proper flow and regulation of bile.
The gallbladder stores and releases bile, produced by the liver to aid fat digestion, detoxification, hormone balance, immunity and more.
Gallbladder problems like gallstones, inflammation (cholecystitis), or poor emptying (biliary dyskinesia), can impair the release of bile. Bile can then back up into the stomach or small intestine, causing bile reflux, even into the oesophagus.
When this happens it can cause irritation, inflammation and discomfort, similar to acid reflux.
This could in turn weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter, the muscle that prevents stomach contents from flowing backward into the oesophagus, further contributing to reflux.
Insufficient bile flow can also lead to incomplete digestion of fats, causing undigested food to remain longer in the stomach. This delayed gastric emptying increases intra-abdominal pressure, pushing stomach contents, including acid and bile, into the esophagus.
Symptoms of bile reflux include
Bitter taste in the mouth
Burning sensation in the chest/throat
Nausea or vomiting, especially after fatty meals
Bloating or discomfort in the upper abdomen
To support bile reflux
Deal with underlying gallbladder problems
Detox the liver
Eat healthy fats (no processed seed oils) and real food
Eat beets, artichokes, dandelion greens, bitter greens
Powerful herbs include dandelion root, milk thistle, gentian, burdock root
Bile thinning supplements include phosphatidylcholine, taurine and ox bile
Betaine HCl, digestive enzymes can help