What's the Root Cause? by Dr Vikki Petersen
by Root Cause Medical Clinic
"What's the Root Cause?" is brought to you by Root Cause Medical Clinic, featuring Dr. Vikki Petersen—renowned doctor, functional medicine expert, author of "Hiatal Hernia Syndrome" and host of a highly popular YouTube channel. Dr. Vikki Petersen and her team of clinicians provide cutting-edge solutions in gut health, hiatal hernia syndrome, nutrition, food, hormones, genetics, lifestyle, and more. You don’t have to accept feeling unwell or struggling with chronic health issues. Your body has the power to heal, and with the right approach, reversing many health conditions is possible. We're here to help you do just that. Have questions about your health? Contact us today at 727-335-0400 or visit RootCauseMedicalClinics.com.
Episodes
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What a Hiatal Hernia Does to Your Body Over Time
Most hiatal hernias are quiet and never cause a serious problem - but when one causes ongoing reflux that's left unaddressed for years, it can set off a slow chain: inflammation, scarring, tissue changes, even hidden blood loss. And there's a second cost most people never consider - what years of...
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5 Everyday Habits Making Your Hiatal Hernia Worse
Some of the things you do every day — including things you think are healthy — may be quietly making your hiatal hernia worse, because nobody connected them to your hernia in the first place. In this video, Dr. Vikki walks through five everyday habits that raise the pressure driving a hiatal...
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Signs You Might Have a Hiatal Hernia and Not Know It
Most people with a hiatal hernia have no idea they have one — it hides behind reflux, bloating, anxiety, even heart and breathing symptoms. In this video, Dr. Vikki walks through the pattern of signs that point to a hiatal hernia, and tells you the honest truth about the "finger test," the "apple...
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Told You Don't Have a Hiatal Hernia? You Still Might
If a test came back clear — or a hernia was found and called "too small to matter" — and you still have the symptoms, this video is for you. Dr. Vikki walks through why a sliding hiatal hernia is so easily missed, what the research actually says about hernia size and symptoms, and why a normal…
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What's Actually Happening During a Hiatal Hernia Attack
A hiatal hernia "attack" can feel terrifying — crushing chest pressure, burning, breathlessness, a pounding heart, and a wave of panic that makes you wonder if it's a heart attack. In this video, Dr. Vikki walks through exactly what's happening inside your body during an attack, step by step —…
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Heart Palpitations at Night? It's Your Hiatal Hernia
You're lying in bed. Nothing stressful has happened. And your heart starts pounding, fluttering, skipping — or you jolt awake at two in the morning with your heart racing and a feeling of dread you can't explain. If your cardiologist has already checked you and told you your heart is healthy, and...
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Hiatal Hernia: Symptoms You'd Never Connect to It
Hiatal Hernia: Symptoms You'd Never Connect to It A hiatal hernia can cause symptoms that have nothing to do with your stomach — a hoarse voice, upper back pain, a cough that won't quit, breathlessness, heart palpitations, stubborn hiccups, filling up after a few bites. Because they're scattered...
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Heart Palpitations After you Eat? It's Your Stomach
Does your heart flutter, skip, pound, or race after eating — even though your cardiologist says you're fine? → Book a consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ You're not imagining it. There's a connection most doctors don't talk about: the gut-heart...
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5 Signs Your Acid Reflux Is Actually a Hiatal Hernia
Reflux is a symptom, not a diagnosis. In this video, Dr. Vikki explains the two-part valve that keeps acid where it belongs, what a hiatal hernia does when it pulls that valve apart, and the five signs that point to a mechanical problem instead of an acid problem. If your reflux changes when you...
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Acid Reflux Pill Hurting You?
Acid reflux pills like Prilosec, Nexium, and Protonix were designed for about 8 weeks of use — yet millions of people stay on them for years. In this video, Dr. Vikki walks through 5 signs your acid reflux medication may be hurting you, why you feel like you can never stop taking it, and what to...
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Misdiagnosed? 5 Signs it's your Hiatal Hernia
Have you been told you have GERD, asthma, anxiety, IBS, or heart palpitations—but treatment isn't solving the problem? Your diagnosis may not be wrong... it may be incomplete. In this video, Dr. Vikki explains 5 common symptoms that are frequently blamed on other conditions when a hiatal hernia…
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5 Hiatal Hernia Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Some hiatal hernia symptoms are easy to dismiss - and a few of them are the ones that matter most. In this video, Dr. Vikki walks through the five symptoms you should never ignore, what causes each one, and which symptom means you should call your doctor today. ➡️ Click HERE to Book a…
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Why Hiatal Hernia Causes Chest Pressure and Excessive Burping
If you've had chest pain after eating that goes away when you burp - or you can't stop burping no matter what you do - this video is for you. Neither of these is random. Neither is psychological. Both are mechanical symptoms of the same root cause: a hiatal hernia that hasn't been properly...
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Why Hiatal Hernia Surgery Fails
🩺 Surgery might sound like the obvious fix - but for most hiatal hernia patients, it's not the permanent solution they were promised. Dr. Vikki Petersen breaks down exactly why, and what to do instead. ➡️ Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/...
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5 Signs Your Anxiety Is Actually Your Hiatal Hernia
If you've been told your symptoms are "just anxiety" but treatment never fully worked, there may be a physical cause that's been missed. In this video, Dr. Vikki explains how a hiatal hernia can irritate the vagus nerve and produce the exact symptoms we call anxiety - and the five signs that…
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5 Things Making Your Hiatal Hernia Worse
If you have a hiatal hernia and you're still suffering despite medication and diet changes, something you're doing every single day may be making it worse. Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ These aren't unusual triggers. They're completely...
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Acid Reflux: Why it's Worse at Night
If your acid reflux is worst at night - waking up with acid coming up, chest pressure, throat burning, or palpitations - you are not imagining it. ➡️ Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ Root Cause Medical Clinic | Clearwater, FL | Functional...
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Hiatal Hernia & Anxiety: It's Not In Your Head
If you have a hiatal hernia and you also struggle with anxiety, unexplained unease, or panic that seems to come out of nowhere - this video is for you. ➡️ Click HERE to Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ Call us directly: 727-335-0400 It is…
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5 Signs Your Hiatal Hernia is Getting Worse
Most people with a hiatal hernia are told to manage symptoms. But a hiatal hernia can get worse - and it doesn't have to be getting larger. Functional worsening can happen even when your scan looks the same. ➡️ Book a Consultation:...
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5 Myths of Hiatal Hernia
Struggling with hiatal hernia and not getting real answers? Book a consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ Root Cause Medical Clinic | Clearwater, FL | Functional Medicine | Telehealth Available If you've been told surgery is your only option — or that...
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Hiatal Hernia: 4 Hidden Symptoms
Struggling with acid reflux, bloating, or unexplained symptoms? Book a consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ Root Cause Medical Clinic | Clearwater, FL | Functional Medicine | Telehealth Available If you’re dealing with multiple symptoms like…
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What You're Not Eating is Keeping You Sick
What is the most important step you can take for gut health and preventing disease? It costs you nothing additional to fill this gap in your diet. In the episode, Dr Vikki Petersen explains a critical missing element in the American diet which is setting us up for weight gain, diabetes, cancer…
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Why Bloating Triggers Heart Palpitations
Struggling with bloating and heart palpitations? ➡️ Book a consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ Root Cause Medical Clinic | Clearwater, FL | Functional Medicine | Telehealth Available If you've been told your heart is fine but you're still dealing…
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3 Reasons Hiatal Hernia Persists
Have you rushed to the ER convinced you were having a heart attack? You had heart palpitations, shortness of breath and anxiety out the roof? You also suffer with acid reflux, bloat, gas, and/or constipation. Every test comes back normal, but your heart still races, the shortness of breath…
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3 Foods that Secretly Cause Acid Reflux (It's Not What You Think)
🔥 Still dealing with acid reflux after cutting out all the "bad" foods? Book a consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ | Clearwater, FL | Telehealth Available You eliminated coffee, wine, and spicy food - and your reflux is still there. If standard...
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Reflux Meds and Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver prevalence is 40% and most people don’t know they have it. It's closely tied to diabetes, heart disease, and long-term liver damage. In this episode, Dr Vikki Petersen explains the association between PPI medication and fatty liver. Secret #1 Observational studies have found that…
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Heartburn After 45: What's Changing
Have you noticed an increase in acid reflux with age? Some studies cite the increased risk at ~47% in women during perimenopause and menopause. Women using hormone replacement have an increased risk of reflux of 40 to 70% as compared to women not using hormones. In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen...
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3 Ways to Fix Burning Stomach
3 Root Causes of Burning Stomach 1. Pressure 2. Poor digestion and resulting fermentation 3. Irritated stomach lining In this episode, Dr Vikki Petersen explains 3 reasons why an acidic stomach develops and what you can do to dramatically improve your symptoms. Most “acid stomach” symptoms are...
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The Hidden Cause of Constipation
Constipation isn’t just about what you eat — it’s about whether your gut is getting the right signals to move. In the episode, Dr Vikki Petersen explains why you may be suffering from constipation. 3 secrets: 1.Your Gut Runs on Nerve Signals Your gut runs on nerve signals -which are highly energy...
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Why Reflux Keeps Coming Back
Reflux that keeps coming back is usually not just an acid problem — it’s a pressure and mechanics problem. In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains why getting "relief" from an antacid is not addressing the core of the problem. In fact, it's perpetuating it. Acid blockers (PPIs and H2 blockers)...
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Antibiotics, Anxiety and Your Gut
Did you know a single course of antibiotics is linked to a 25% higher risk of anxiety and depression? Because antibiotics don’t just target the infection, the bad bacteria — they can disrupt the good gut bacteria that help regulate your brain. Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical...
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The Reflux Medication Trap
Do you take antacids like PPIs? The odds are it’s not right for you. Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains why antacids such as PPIs may be causing your symptoms to worsen and perpetuate rather than being...
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3 Reasons Hiatal Hernia Persists
Have you rushed to the ER convinced you were having a heart attack? You had heart palpitations, shortness of breath and anxiety out the roof? You also suffer with acid reflux, bloat, gas, and/or constipation. Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical…
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Why Fasting Backfires for Women
What health problems are you trying to solve? Fatigue? Weight gain? Poor sleep? Mood swings? Brain fog? Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains why fasting results are different between men and women and…
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5 Sleep Hacks That Burn Fat
Sleep isn’t one thing. It’s four. Quantity. Quality. Regularity. Timing. Think of them like the legs of a chair. Lose one, and your health collapses. In the podcast, Dr Vikki Petersen explains how to reset sleep, its connection to weight, fat loss, and how to avoid dying prematurely. Quantity -...
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Why Treating Acid Reflux Fails
If you suffer with acid reflux you are in good company. But acid reflux doesn't respond well to lowering acid levels. The proof? Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains why "blaming" the acid in your…
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Hiatal Hernia Surgery: The Hidden Risks
Do you have chronic acid reflux or hiatal hernia symptoms that bother you? Are you considering surgery? Dr Vikki Petersen explains why you may want to consider all your options before jumping into surgery that is not a medical emergency. Fundoplication surgery reinforces the lower esophageal...
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How to Stop Bloating, FAST!
Bloating and gas are common symptoms with up to 30% of the population suffering enough to complain to their doctors. Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. Dr Vikki Petersen explains what the 5 most common causes are and what you can do to...
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The Big Hormone Lie Revealed!
This video is for every woman and every man who loves a woman. What if: You could reduce your risk of heart disease and death by up to 50%. You could decrease your risk of colon cancer by up to 56%. You could reduce your risk of diabetes by up to 30%? You could reduce your Alzheimer’s risk by…
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4 DANGERS of Antacids
Are you taking a PPI for reflux? Medications like Omeprazole, Nexium or Prilosec can help symptoms, but long-term use comes with risks. Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains the 4 major side effects...
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#1 Breathing Mistake Causing Reflux
If you’re breathing through your mouth, you may be sabotaging your diaphragm, your posture, and your acid-reflux/hiatal hernia barrier. Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains what the hidden link is…
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Fastest Way to Lose Menopausal Belly Fat
Are you sick of belly fat that won't move? Frustrated with loss of muscle tone and stsrength? Worried about memory loss of dementia? Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains why women develop belly fat, lose...
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5 ROOT Causes of IBS
You've been diagnosed with IBS. You've tried changing your diet, reducing stress, perhaps you've tried various drugs. But you continue to suffer with bloating, pain or unpredictable bathroom trips. Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. It's...
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The World’s Easiest Diet to Melt Belly Fat (Backed by Science)
Belly fat is more correctly called visceral fat. Which means the fat around your organs in your abdomen. Visceral fat is associated with increased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and Alzheimer's disease. Belly fat is not the...
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Heart Palpitations, Shortness of Breath but Your Heart is Fine?
💓 Heart Palpitations and Shortness of Breath — But Your Heart Is Fine? It’s scary when your heart suddenly starts racing, skips a beat, or you find yourself short of breath. Add in chest tightness or pain, and it’s completely understandable to head straight to the ER or your doctor’s office. But...
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Small Hiatal Hernia- Can it Cause Symptoms?
If you have a small hiatal hernia you've perhaps been told that your "other" symptoms, such as heart palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath or anxiety are not related. This can be confusing. Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. In...
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Reflux? The Hidden Pressure Causing It
If you have acid reflux you're told the cause is too much acid. That's not necessarily true. ➡️ Click HERE to Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ Call us directly: 727-335-0400 Let's look at the science. Hiatal hernia and acid reflux have a 70...
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Acid Attacks After Meals? Acid Pocket Explained
After meals do you feel burning, pressure, chest tightness, heart palpitations or even anxiety? Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not personal medical advice. Your acid pocket could be to blame. What is it? The acid pocket is a layer eof highly acidic stomach "juice"…
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Acid Reflux Relief: PPIs vs the NEW Antacid Drug
Do you suffer from acid reflux? Are you taking a PPI medication? Do you still have symptoms or are you troubled with night time reflux? ➡️ Click HERE to Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/locations/telemedicine/ Call us directly: 727-335-0400 There is a new antacid drug on…
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Hiatal Hernia Symptoms but Nothing Shows on Test? What's really happening
Do you suffer with acid reflux? Do you also experience heart palpitations or shortness of breath or anxiety? ➡️ Click HERE to Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ Call us directly: 727-335-0400 Perhaps you've had an endoscopy or other testing…
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About this show
"What's the Root Cause?" is brought to you by Root Cause Medical Clinic, featuring Dr. Vikki Petersen—renowned doctor, functional medicine expert, author of "Hiatal Hernia Syndrome" and host of a highly popular YouTube channel.
Dr. Vikki Petersen and her team of clinicians provide cutting-edge solutions in gut health, hiatal hernia syndrome, nutrition, food, hormones, genetics, lifestyle, and more.
You don’t have to accept feeling unwell or struggling with chronic health issues. Your body has the power to heal, and with the right approach, reversing many health conditions is possible. We're here to help you do just that.
Have questions about your health? Contact us today at 727-335-0400 or visit RootCauseMedicalClinics.com.
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Root Cause Medical Clinic
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