Acid Reflux & GERD
Functional Medicine Support for Acid Reflux and GERD in Los Angeles
Dr. Karima Hirani evaluates persistent heartburn, regurgitation, bloating, and related digestive symptoms at her Santa Monica clinic, serving Los Angeles patients with individualized care.
Understanding Acid Reflux and GERD
Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents move back into the esophagus. GERD is a more persistent form that can cause repeated heartburn, regurgitation, cough, hoarseness, or swallowing problems.
Most GERD is diagnosed from symptoms and history. Dr. Hirani also reviews diet, meal timing, weight, medications, digestive symptoms, and warning signs that may require gastroenterology or urgent evaluation.
Chest pain should never automatically be assumed to be reflux, especially when it is new, severe, or associated with shortness of breath, sweating, or exertion.
Goals of a Personalized GERD Plan
Reduce heartburn, regurgitation, and digestive discomfort
- Identify lifestyle or food triggers where they are present
- Use acid-suppressing medication appropriately when needed
- Evaluate persistent symptoms for other digestive conditions
- Build a practical nutrition and lifestyle plan that supports long-term symptom control
How GERD Care May Be Personalized
Treatment depends on symptoms, duration, medical history, and response to standard care.
- Medical review and targeted testing
- Testing may be considered if symptoms are persistent, atypical, or suggest celiac disease, H. pylori, SIBO, anemia, or another GI condition.
- Diet and lifestyle changes
- Meal timing, weight management, smoking cessation, sleep position, and individual food triggers may be addressed.
- Medication and supplement review
- PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids, supplements, and other treatments are reviewed for benefits, risks, interactions, and ongoing need.
GERD is not always caused by excess acid, but acid-suppressing medicines or supplements are effective and appropriate for many patients. The goal is to use the right treatment for the right diagnosis and try to find the root cause of the problem.
Contrary to popular belief, reflux is not always caused by too much acid—often, it’s the misplacement or mismanagement of stomach acid due to poor motility, infection, food sensitivities, or bacterial imbalance.
When Are GERD Medications Appropriate?
Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers are established treatments for GERD and can heal the esophagus in many patients. Long-term use should be reviewed with a clinician so benefits, risks, dose, and ongoing need remain appropriate.
Dr. Hirani’s goal is not to stop necessary medication automatically, but to identify modifiable contributors and coordinate safe treatment changes when appropriate. For example certain supplements have been found to be effective antacids and anti-reflux in nature.
For Consultations
(310) 559-6634
Request an Acid Reflux Consultation
Schedule a Santa Monica visit to review persistent reflux symptoms, diet, medications, previous testing, and appropriate next steps.