What's the Root Cause? by Dr Vikki Petersen

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 Medicine | Telehealth Available

Nighttime is mechanically the hardest time for a sliding hiatal hernia, and most patients have never had anyone explain why

In this video I'm walking you through exactly why your hiatal hernia behaves differently at night - and for each reason, a practical tip you can start using toni...

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 ordinary habits that nobody has told you are a problem - because most doctors aren't looking at this mechanically.

In this video I'm walking you through 5 everyday habits that are directly aggravating your hiatal hernia - and what to do instead. 

Root Cause Medical Clinic | Clearwater, FL | Telemedicine available nationwide | https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/

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 not in your head. It is not a separate problem. Your gut and your brain are in constant communication through the vagus nerve, and when your hiatal hernia is disrupting that communication, anxiety is a direct neurological result.

In this video I'm walking you through exactly how...

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.

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Root Cause Medical Clinic | Clearwater, FL | Functional Medicine | Telehealth Available

In this video, I'm walking you through 5 specific signs that your sliding hiatal hernia is progressing functionally, not just flaring. If you recognize three or more of these, it's time to address the root cause.

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🔍 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
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→ Why symptoms...

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 you'll be on PPIs forever — there are some things you need to know first.

In this video, Dr. Vikki Petersen breaks down 5 of the most common hiatal hernia myths and sets the record straight with research-backed facts.

THE 5 HIATAL HERNIA MYTHS:

❌ MYTH #1: Surgery is a permanent fix Nearly 1 in 4 patients require PPI medication again within...

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 heartburn, shortness of breath, or palpitations and not getting clear answers, you’re not alone. These issues are often treated separately—but may actually share the same root cause.

In this episode, Dr. Vikki Petersen explains the 4 major symptoms of hiatal hernia syndrome and why they occur.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

- The 4 key symptoms of hiatal...

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 risk and depression.

We're talking about short chain fatty acids (SCFA) - a type of fat produced in your colon from microbes. They are named: butyrate, propionate and acetate.

Benefits?
 Stabilizes blood sugar
 Supports your metabolism
 Strengthens your imm...

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 with palpitations, irregular rhythm, or chest tightness after meals — your heart may not be the problem. Bloating and hiatal hernia can trigger real cardiac symptoms through a connection most doctors never check.

In this video, Dr. Vikki Petersen explains why bloating triggers heart palpitations, the role of the gastrocardiac reflex, and how hiatal hernia creates mechanical pressure on the heart t...

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 impacts your day to day life and your gut is a mess.

Your cardiologist assures you there's nothing wrong, yet you feel "off" and keep suffering.

In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains what the 3 missing "pieces" of Hiatal Hernia Syndrome are and w...

🔥 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 dietary advice hasn't worked, these three foods are likely why, and most doctors never think to check them.
In this video, Dr. Vikki Petersen breaks down three commonly overlooked foods that silently drive acid reflux through inflammation, delayed gastric emptying, and a weakened lower esophageal sphincter - not excess acid.

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🧠 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
→ Why gluten triggers acid reflux even w...

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 people taking proton pump inhibitors have a higher prevalence of Fatty Liver 
Risk -dose and duration dependent (1–2 years)
The mechanism: gut microbiome disruption
PPIs reduce stomach acid → that changes what survives the upper GI tract.
leads to: Increased bacterial overgrowth - SIBO link - PPIs are strongly...

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 explains why women tend to experience more reflux as they approach perimenopause and menopause.

This has prompted the question of whether those on hormones had to be put on a PPI to handle their reflux OR stop their hormones to settle the heartburn?<...

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 driven by pressure pushing contents upward, not acid being overproduced. 

Key drivers:
Increased intra-abdominal pressure
Hiatal hernia
Constipation
Central weight gain
Tight diaphragm / poor breathing mechanics

When pressure rises, acid moves where it shouldn’t.
If pressure inside the abd...

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 dependent.

Vitamin B1 is required to convert glucose → energy
With lower B1 → weaker nerve signaling - the gut isn’t getting strong, signals and the result is constipation.

Research- thiamine deficiency rates from about 20% to 90% depending on...

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) reduce stomach acid and can decrease the burning sensation. That can be appropriate short-term, especially with esophagitis. But these medications do not address the root cause of reflux - it isn't too much acid. 

It's actually a pressure problem. When pressure within your...

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 staff. Not personal medical advice.

In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains why there's an increased risk of anxiety and depression after taking antibiotics.

Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria alike. Fewer beneficial bacteria means less control over inflammation.

Inflammation can disr...

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 resolved.

A global systematic review found that about 60% of PPI prescriptions were inappropriate or lacking a valid indication in clinical practice. 

If you’re thinking - No - I really do have acid reflux, hang in there with me for a few m...

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 advice.

Every test comes back normal, but your heart still races, the shortness of breath impacts your day to day life and your gut is a mess.

Your cardiologist assures you there's nothing wrong, yet you feel "off" and keep suffering.

In the video, D...

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 what is the optimal approach for women.

Time restricted eating or fasting is a physiological stressor - not a bad one, but still a stressor and women react differently to it than men.  Women are not “small men” and our metabolism and hormones are different- therefore the “dose” o...

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 - Shorter sleep = a shorter life. Predicts all cause mortality.
Recommended is 7 to 9 hours. 7 is minimum to survive - not what you need to thrive.

Quality - Important for mental health. AKA sleep efficiency-want to keep it above 85%. Desired  is 1 to 2...

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 stomach is the wrong approach. Millions continue to suffer despite taking a standard acid reducing medication like PPIs.

Up to 40% of GERD patients report dissatisfaction and have incomplete or no response to a standard PPI dose.
Up to 55% continue to have persistent symptoms despite “op...

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 sphincter by wrapping the upper pat of the stomach around the lower esophagus.
The surgery reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) by wrapping the upper part of the stomach (the fundus) around the lower esophagus. This:

What the surgery aims to accomplish:
Prevents stomach ac...

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 determine which may be bothering you and some steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort.

1. Low stomach acid - the common symptoms are fatigue, heartburn, feeling full, bad brath, undigested food in stool, diarrhea/constipation. 
Home test: 1/4 tsp baking soda in 4-6 oz cold wa...

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 35%? 
What if you could reduce your fracture risk by 50 to 60%? 
And, what if you could add a healthy 10 years to your life expectancy?

Educational content reviewed by licensed APRN medical staff. Not perso...

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 associated with long-term use of PPI medications.

Heart disease - a large study of 2 million people found that PPI use was associated with ischemia, heart disease and stroke. The increased risk was 12 to 54% with a dos-response relationship.
Why does this occur?

Nitric oxide production is...

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 between mouth-breathing, diaphragm dysfunction, intra-abdominal pressure spikes, posture and reflux/hiatal hernia — plus how to fix the root cause.

Hiatal hernia is very common (≈20% general population, it increases with age).
Hiatal hernia definition: 95% are sliding, and most are small

The esophagus passes through the hiatus (openin...

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 between mouth-breathing, diaphragm dysfunction, intra-abdominal pressure spikes, posture and reflux/hiatal hernia — plus how to fix the root cause.

Hiatal hernia is very common (≈20% general population, it increases with age).
Hiatal hernia definition: 95% are sliding, and most are small

The esophagus passes through the hiatus (openin...

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 muscle strength and develop dementia. If you're 35 to 65+ years old, this video is for you.

The bad news is that women start to lose estrogen in perimenopause, early 40s typically. It really plummets at menopause but if you're younger and have suffered with...

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 ruining your life.
In the video, Dr Vikki Petersen explains 5 clear causes of IBS that when addressed, allow healing to occur.

The truth is: IBS isn't a real diagnosis; it's a description of symptoms. What's missing is the root causes hiding underneath your symptoms.

Many people just c...

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 same as peripheral fat found elsewhere in the body. The Journal of Nature Communications entitled "Inherited basis of visceral, abdominal subcutaneous and gluteofemoral fat depots", looked at 40,000 people and determined that visceral fat is the only fat associated with cardio-metabolic disease. Regular fat (located beneath the skin or in g...

💓 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 what happens when you’ve done all that — maybe more than once — and your doctor or cardiologist assures you everything looks normal?

It’s reassuring to know your heart appears healthy… but that doesn’t make it any less unsettling when it starts pounding...

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 this video Dr Vikki Petersen, DC, IFMCP explains why this confusion occurs.

Large hiatal hernias cause direct pressure on the heart and/or lungs due to their sheer size. Due to that direct pressure, the symptoms of chest pressure, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and anxiety can occur...

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 to 100% correlation. Where you find one you're likely to find the other.

There is a normal pressure gradient that pushes downwards to keep food moving in the right direction. The pressure is from top down throughout your entire digestive tract.

When pressure builds in your belly...

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" that floats just above the meal you just ate. It sits at the very top of your stomach.

If you have too much pressure in your belly squeezing your stomach, the pocket can get pushed upwards past your anti-reflux barriers located in the bottom of...

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 the market called Vonoprazan. It was created in Japan where they have been using it for 10 years. Here in the U.S. it's been on the market for just a few years - 2022 and 2023. It was approved for patients with an H. pylori infection and...

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 and nothing showed up. 
Your symptoms are NOT in your head.
The fact is: small sliding hiatal hernias often go undetected.

Don't ignore your symptoms just because your test looks normal. You may very well have a very small hiatal hernia that hasn't yet been detected or you DO have...

If you suffer from acid reflux you likely think it means you have too much acid. That's a myth.

➡️ Click HERE to Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/
Call us directly: 727-335-0400

Most reflux happens due to pressure in your belly pushing stomach contents up, not because you're making too much acid.

Think of your stomach like a balloon that's partially filled with water. If you squeeze the balloon, what happens? Water squirts out the top. That's exactly what happens with your stomach. 

Your body has 3 anti-reflux barriers to pr...

Vagus nerve disruption from hiatal hernia doesn't just cause reflux, it drains your energy.

➡️ Click HERE to Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/
Call us directly: 727-335-0400

Your vagus nerve follows the same path as your esophagus, traveling through your diaphragm to meet your stomach. With acid reflux and hiatal hernia the vagus nerve can become irritated, stretched, or compressed.

This irritation can shift you from parasympathetic mode (rest, digest, relax) to a dominant sympathetic state, putting your body on high alert with an elevated heart rate and cortisol (stress horm...

Are you always tired? Your vagus nerve may be stuck in low-power mode.

➡️ Click HERE to Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/
Call us directly: 727-335-0400

When vagus tone drops, inflammation runs wild, gut bacteria get out of balance, and your body can't absorb the nutrients it needs. That's why fatigue and brain fog go hand-in-hand with reflux and gut issues.

Structurally your vagus nerve runs along the same path as your esophagus. When you have acid reflux or hiatal hernia the vagus nerve can get stretched or irritated. This is w...

Do you suffer from gas and bloating that's downright uncomfortable?

➡️ Click HERE to Book a Consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/locations/telemedicine/
Call us directly: 727-335-0400

Have you been told to:
just put up with it?
take probiotics?
try a gas pill?

Gas and bloating isn't just a nuisance, it's can be a warning from your body of a hidden imbalance. We don't want to just "band-aid" it.

Causes:
1. SIBO - small intestinal bacterial overgrowth - excess bacteria in your small intestine ferment food in the wron...