09/09/2026
Gas, Bloating & Acid Reflux: Digestive Health
Many people coming into Bribie Simply Healthy were seeking to improve their digestive health. So, I’ve decided to write about digestive enzymes. When we eat food, stomach acid and digestive juices and broken down into a semi-liquid mixture. It then passes into the small intestine.
In the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile, which helps with the digestion and absorption of fats, while the pancreas releases digestive enzymes that help break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Protease helps break down proteins. Amylase helps break down starches and other carbohydrates. Lipase helps break down fats.
These enzymes help break large food molecules into smaller components that can be absorbed through the lining of the small intestine and used by the body.
What happens when food isn't completely digested?
When certain foods are not completely digested or absorbed, some components can reach the large intestine, where bacteria ferment them. This fermentation can produce gases and contribute to bloating, abdominal discomfort and excessive gas also this can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Digestive enzyme can help support the breakdown of food that your body may not be able to fully digest.
Heartburn and acid reflux?
When you have heartburn or acid reflux, or GERD (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease), are not overproduction of acid. It’s an underproduction of acid. When you don’t have enough acid, the valve on the top of the stomach doesn’t necessary close tightly enough and the acid can then regurgitate up into the esophagus, making you think that you have too much acid when in fact, you have just acid in the wrong place.
So many people with frequent heartburn take medications such as Nexium (esomeprazole, Proton Pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications help with the symptoms and feels better temporarily but reducing stomach acid is not the answer to the problem.
Digestive health is closely connected to the health and function of your digestive system. Your stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, and large intestine work together to digest food, absorb nutrients, and support your overall health.
Stress, eating habits, food choices and many other factors can also influence how we experience digestive symptoms.
If you regularly experience heartburn, bloating, excessive gas, indigestion or discomfort after eating, it is worth looking at the bigger picture rather than simply trying to suppress the symptoms.
Your digestive system is telling you something. The important question is: what is it trying to tell you?
If you're experiencing heartburn, bloating or digestive discomfort and would like to understand more about your digestive health, come and talk to Kim.