10/29/2025
Whiteboard Wednesday ā Part 3: Causes, consequences, and what to do next.
Stomach acid often falls as we age and can be worsened by certain medications, spicy foods, caffeine, infections, nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12), and autoimmune conditions like pernicious anemia.
A few important points:
⢠PPIs and other acid suppressors were never meant to be lifelong ā long-term use can damage gut health and cause rebound acid when stopped.
⢠Rebound acid can feel worse, so tapering off these meds should be done carefully while restoring nutrients and supporting stomach-cell health.
⢠Supporting digestion (diet, supplements, and targeted testing) helps prevent downstream problems with bile, pancreatic enzymes, and nutrient absorption.
This concludes our 3-part Whiteboard Wednesday series, if youāre dealing with reflux, bloating, or persistent gut issues, let Summit Health help interpret your testing and make a safe plan.