Acid Reflux and Celiac Disease: What You Need to Know

When acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation. Also known as GERD, it affects millions and often gets confused with other gut issues. Many people with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that damages the small intestine. Also known as gluten intolerance, it’s not just about bloating or diarrhea—it can cause a wide range of symptoms, including chronic acid reflux. The link between these two isn’t coincidence. When your gut lining is damaged from gluten exposure, it messes with digestion, slows stomach emptying, and weakens the valve that keeps acid down. That’s why so many people with celiac disease report constant heartburn—even after going gluten-free.

Here’s the thing: treating acid reflux with antacids or PPIs might help the burn, but it won’t fix the root cause if celiac disease is behind it. Studies show that up to 40% of adults with untreated celiac disease have GERD-like symptoms. And when they switch to a strict gluten-free diet? Those symptoms often vanish. But not always. Some people still get reflux because their gut hasn’t fully healed, or because other triggers like coffee, spicy food, or lying down after meals are still in play. That’s why you need to look at the whole picture—diet, lifestyle, and medical history—not just the burning sensation.

It’s also easy to miss celiac disease if you’re only focusing on acid reflux. People think, "I’ve got heartburn, I’ll just take medication." But if you have unexplained fatigue, anemia, weight loss, or skin rashes along with reflux, that’s a red flag. Blood tests and an endoscopy can confirm celiac disease—and getting diagnosed early can prevent long-term damage to your intestines, bones, and even your nervous system. And if you’ve been gluten-free for months but still have reflux? You might be getting hidden gluten from sauces, meds, or even lipstick. Cross-contamination is real.

This collection of articles doesn’t just list treatments. It gives you the real-world context you need. You’ll find guides on how certain drugs interact with gut health, how diet changes affect digestion, and how to tell if what you’re feeling is acid reflux, celiac flare-up, or something else entirely. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, struggling with ongoing symptoms, or just trying to understand why your heartburn won’t go away, these posts help you connect the dots. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, practical info to help you take control of your gut health.