The Great GERD Mistake: How Medicine Made Heartburn Worse and How to Fix It

 Heartburn is not too much acid, it's acid in the wrong place. This episode explains GERD, why PPIs create dependence, and how to fix reflux by restoring physiology, not suppressing it.  In this episode, you will discover: • Why GERD is a mechanical problem, not an acid problem • How the lower esophageal sphincter and diaphragm form your anti-reflux barrier • The rebound loop created by chronic acid suppression and hypergastrinemia • The foods, habits, and medications most likely to trigger reflux events • A practical two to four week reset to reduce pressure, improve timing, and clear acid faster • A stepwise taper from PPIs to H2 blockers, including what to expect during rebound • Simple tools that help in the transition, including baking soda and fennel seed • When to keep acid suppression and when to talk to your doctor first  Who this episode is for: • Daily or near-daily heartburn, persistent reflux on medication, or difficulty coming off PPIs • Listeners who want a physiology-first plan that restores normal digestion  Key takeaway: Fix the barrier and the timing, not the acid. When physiology is restored, reflux recedes and digestion improves.  Safety first: Seek care urgently for trouble swallowing, unintentional weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, chest pain that could be cardiac, or symptoms that do not improve with a responsible trial.  Listen on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-kumar-discovery/id1808415094 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3UJhg3Y5jjLP8zO6hbpwfT  Explore more episodes and references: https://drkumardiscovery.com/podcast/  Follow The Dr Kumar Discovery: Website → https://drkumardiscovery.com/ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrKumarDiscovery Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedrkumardiscovery/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedrkumardiscovery  Cheers, Dr. Ravi Kumar