Legal Living
By Jamie DeLaurentis, MS, RDN, LDN
Gut + Histamine Dietitian
I recently had a new client start with acid reflux. But as we dug deeper, it became clear she wasn’t dealing with acid reflux… she had bile reflux.
And this distinction matters because acid reflux and bile reflux are two very different issues that require two very different approaches.
‼️ With acid reflux, symptoms often look like:
- Burning in the chest or esophagus
- Chest discomfort after meals
- Symptoms flaring with red sauces, tomatoes, spicy foods
- Worsening with high histamine foods (histamine can be a huge driver of reflux)
- Symptoms getting worse later in the day or at night
‼️ With bile reflux, symptoms tend to look more like:
- A thick or mucus-like feeling in the throat
- A “choking” sensation when lying down
- Symptoms flaring with fatty foods (even healthy fats like avocado, nut butters, or red meat)
- Frequent throat clearing after meals
- Tums or PPIs not really helping
Unlike what many assume, acid reflux isn’t a story of “too much stomach acid.” It is more so connected to LOW stomach acid, stomach inflammation, impaired digestion, or the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) not closing properly — allowing stomach contents to move upward.
This coming from:
- Mineral deficiencies like sodium and zinc
- H. pylori
- Gastritis or stomach lining inflammation
- High histamine levels / histamine intolerance
- A weakened LES
- Long-term PPI use
On the flip side, bile reflux is less about stomach acid itself and more about bile production and movement. And when bile isn’t moving properly, it can also backflow upward and contribute to reflux symptoms.
This coming from:
- Mineral deficiencies like magnesium, sodium, copper, or potassium
- History of gallbladder removal
- Choline or B vitamin deficiencies
- Low protein intake / amino acid deficiencies
- Lack of nutrient-dense or bitter foods
- Sluggish thyroid function
If you’ve been struggling with reflux and feel like nothing is truly helping, there’s a good chance the real root cause just hasn’t been identified yet!
‼️ Comment “REFLUX” and I’ll send you the next steps.
05/19/2026
Have you ever had food poisoning or had horrific gut symptoms when traveling and now you feel like you’ve never been the same?! 😅
…. you’re not alone. 🤯
Getting food poisoning or being infected by a food borne pathogen/ infection is a common route of “getting” IBS or chronic gut symptoms.
Clinically this is referred to as ‘post infectious IBS’ - AKA a combo of gut symptoms (diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas) you get AFTER having/ being treated for a food borne pathogen/ infection.
🦠 Salmonella, E.Coli, Campylobacter and even parasites…. to name a few.
Post infectious IBS is a perfect example of when stool testing is a non negotiable because of its ability to drastically alter the balance your gut bacteria.
So in order to understand what is driving your CURRENT symptoms that came as an aftermath to the above infections (even if treated with antibiotics) - you MUST know what the gut looks like at this point in time AND better understand why you were so prone to the infection in the first place.
insert: stool test
Giving you the data you need to know exactly what foods, habits and supplements to focus on to have:
💫 normal, easy bowel movements
💫 gas free days
💫 bloat free mornings & nights
💫 soaring food confidence
💫 a true understanding of your symptoms so they stay away for good
Comment ‘TESTING’ for the link to my Functional Testing Package 👇🏻
05/16/2026
postcard from Cabo 🌵🌞⛱️
What if instead cycling through “GI” powders & having an on and off again relationship with elimination diets ….
You addressed the very reason why you have symptoms in the first place?
A true root cause approach I’ve seen work time & time again (300+ times to be exact) ‼️
Comment ‘SUPPORT’ to learn more about working together — I’d be honored to step in and support you!
04/20/2026
A weekend in Miami 🌴🌴🌴
Everyone’s “why” is different ….
But for moms, their “why” tends to be their babies 🥹
So many applications come through saying “I just want to feel better to be a better mom to my kids” 💔
Because the truth is struggling with gut issues, fatigue, skin issues, histamine symptoms and even numerous food reactions is taxing.
Mentally & physically.
… and I want to step in to say it doesn’t have to feel isolating, hard or even defeating when you have the right answers, support & practitioner in your corner 🫶
Just the other day a win came through from client L saying
“I went to the beach this past weekend and felt so comfortable wearing a bathing suit and not needing to hide my skin (eczema)… HUGE WIN!!!!! BMs have been more consistent/ satisfying even with traveling this past weekend!”
Client L being one of those “I want to feel better to show up for my kids” applications 🥲
Honored to also make your “why” your reality.
Comment the word ‘FREEBIE’ for a place to begin 👇🏻
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Contact the business
Website
Address
Chicago, IL