Channel Title: Dr. Vikki Petersen Channel Description: Dr. Vikki Petersen is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, public speaker and internationally published author. Dr. Petersen has co-founded Root Cause Medical Clinic and has been in practice for over 30 years. She authored "The Hiatal Hernia Syndrome" and "The Gluten Effect", a best-seller on the subject of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. She was awarded "Gluten Free Doctor of the Year" and is an Editor at Large for the magazine, "Simply Gluten Free." Dr. Petersen co-founded Root Cause Medical Clinic (www.RootCauseMedicalClinics.com) a multidisciplinary medical clinic featuring the best of internal medicine, clinical nutrition, chiropractic and physical therapy. Dr Petersen and her team have successfully treated thousands of patients, changing their lives for the better through the application of Root Cause Medicine. See more at: www.RootCauseMedicalClinics.com <video> Neck Pain Causing Hiatal Hernia Syndrome? Yes! Description: If you have neck pain, it can be contributing to your Hiatal Hernia Syndrome. How? It all has to do with the nerves that travel to your diaphragm. When the diaphragm is unable to function normally, it aggravates hiatal hernia syndrome. The link to the neck is because the nerves traveling to your diaphragm come from the base of your neck. If you have neck pain, whether due to an old injury or the cause is unknown, those irritated nerves can be preventing your diaphragm from functioning normally leading to shortness of breath, pressure in your chest, tightness in your rib cage and panic attacks. This is why our Hiatal Hernia Syndrome program here at Root Cause has a physical medicine part. We have long appreciated the need to work structurally with our patients, teaching them maneuvers and exercises to address the muscles and nerves that can be impacting their Hiatal Hernia Syndrome. If you've been suffering with the symptoms of Hiatal Hernia Syndrome consider reaching out to us for a consultation. Call us at 727-335-0400. </video> <video> Excessive Burping? The Vagus Nerve Link to Anxiety & Reflux Description: Burping is normal until it isn't. It isn't normal to have a lot of burping and it isn't normal to feel uncomfortable such that you wish you could burp. And it's definitely not normal to have burping that lessens symptoms of heart palpitations, anxiety or panic attacks. There's a nervous system connection that I think you'll find fascinating, especially if you suffer from Hiatal Hernia Syndrome symptoms: including reflux, gas, bloat, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety or panic attacks. The specific nerve I'm referring to is the vagus nerve - your longest cranial nerve. The vagus nerve is all about relaxing and calming. So if your esophagus has trapped gas, your short of breath, having heart palpitations or anxiety, those are all symptoms of a sluggish, irritated vagus nerve. The vagus nerve can get irritated secondarily to acid reflux because the stomach is pushing up against the base of your esophagus where the vagus nerve is located in a web-like fashion. The vagus nerve travels to most of your organs, but many of its symptoms are digestive and mood related. The diaphragm is also irritated in Hiatal Hernia Syndrome due to the stomach elevation pushing on it and creating some spasming. Again, you'll find it interesting that a branch of the vagus nerve becomes the nerve that travels to the diaphragm (your phrenic nerve). It is lack of normal diaphragmatic movement that can create not only shortness of breath, but panic attacks and anxiety. If you suffer from a lot of burping, you may never have made the correlation between your burping and the other symptoms I've mentioned. But they very much can be related and the root cause is not difficult to treat. If this sounds like you or someone near and dear to you, consider giving us a call for a consultation: call 727-335-0400. We're here to help! </video> <video> Does Ozempic Cause a Hiatal Hernia? Description: Ozempic and Wegovy are drugs that act as appetite suppressants which is effective to lose weight but the mechanism by which they suppress your appetite is what has me concerned. If you follow this channel you know we have an emphasis on Hiatal Hernia Syndrome. How is this related to these drugs? Their mechanism of action is to delay gastric (stomach) emptying. When this occurs you feel full longer but that fullness can cause acid reflux and esophagitis. If the esophagus continues to be inflamed, Barrett's esophagus can occur, potentially leading to esophageal cancer. The irritation to the esophagus can also cause a chronic cough, hoarseness and interrupted sleep - all symptoms we see in Hiatal Hernia Syndrome. Vomiting is another side effect of these drugs, which can cause a hiatal hernia is persistent. Gastroparesis or a "paralysis" of your gut can be life-threatening, and is a known side effect of these drugs. Finally, what also concerns me is the fact that patients on these drugs lose as much muscle as they lose fat. The result is a weaker and slower metabolism, resulting in easier weight gain as soon as you stop the drug. I do not recommend these medications except in rare circumstances. If you are ready to improve your health, consider contacting us for a consultation - call 727-335-0400. </video> <video> Gluten Sensitivity Experiment Description: Ever wondered about gluten sensitivity? I experimented with it to uncover the truth—some people don’t even feel the effects! 🤔 Watch as I share my personal journey and why silent celiac can make it harder to pinpoint reactions. 🇮🇹 #GlutenSensitivity #SilentCeliac #GutHealth </video> <video> Anxiety? How Hiatal Hernia Causes It! Description: Are you troubled with anxiety or depression? Having Hiatal Hernia Syndrome can cause this in an additional way than the way I usually describe it, which involves your diaphragm and nervous system. Serotonin, known as the "happy chemical" is known to stabilize mood and 95% of it is produced in your gut. So what happens if you have an unhealthy gut? You need the amino acid named tryptophan to produce serotonin. The are some other contributors such as vitamin B6, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D3. When your gut is unhealthy, your ability to make serotonin from tryptophan is severely compromised. What you need to do is to get to the root cause of why your gut is not functioning optimally. This involves optimizing your microbiome, handling any source of inflammation throughout your gut that is resulting in a variety of symptoms. Here at Root Cause Medical Clinic we have a comprehensive program to locate every area of imbalance and normalize it naturally. But what can you do right now? Introduce yourself to a Mediterranean Diet. Real, whole food, no processed food, which will provide healthy fiber. Foods high in tryptophan are eggs, yogurt, and other fermented foods, plus salmon, nuts and seeds. The Mediterranean Diet with olive oil, fresh fruit, vegetables plus lean, clean protein is rich in the nutrients that can really help boost your tryptophan production while creating an anti-inflammatory environment in your gut. Give it a try and see how you feel. If you're ready to make a real change in your health, consider contacting us for a consultation. Call us at 727-335-0400. We are hear to help! For appointments, call the front desk at 727-335-0400 </video> <video> Heart Palpitations leading to ER visit? Description: Have you been to the ER convinced you were dying of a heart attack, only to be told you were "fine"? If you've experienced the terrifying feeling of your heart pounding out of your chest, shortness of breath and perhaps anxiety along with it, you know how truly awful this experience can be. Once a true heart attack has been ruled out, what then? Likely you are sent home with an antacid medication, blood pressure medication and perhaps an anti-anxiety drug. You may be urged to see a cardiologist, gastroenterologist and/or a pulmonologist depending on your symptoms. What happens when all those specialists deem you "normal"? Now you enter the world of Hiatal Hernia Syndrome. A combination of up to 20 different symptoms that stem from an imbalanced, inflamed digestive tract. Inflammation is at the root of most diseases you want to avoid, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disease and dementia. While no heart disease was found for you, your heart IS being affected. Of course it is, or you wouldn't be feeling the heart palpitations. So while it isn't disease, nor is it normal. The stomach is involved, along with your diaphragm and as a result the heart gets irritated. We do know what to do about these symptoms. And the answer is not extended use of antacids or other band-aids to manage symptoms, but real resolution by getting to the root cause. The symptoms of Hiatal Hernia Syndrome are many, but the solution is quite easy, and natural - it's drug-free. And, it's worth mentioning that the root cause that created these symptoms is also causing other issues that you are struggling with, that you don't realize are related. If you're ready to find out the underlying root cause of why you're suffering, we're here for you. Give us a call for a consultation - call 727-335-0400. We'd be delighted to help! </video> <video> Is a Gluten Reaction Causing Your Hiatal Hernia? Description: Here at Root Cause, my team and I have been specializing in the treatment of Hiatal Hernia Syndrome for over 20 years. Getting to the root cause of the condition and the path by which the patient got there, is why our programs are customized to each person based on their health history. With that said, there are overall common factors we commonly see with most patients suffering. One is gut inflammation resulting in increased intra-abdominal pressure. The increased pressure creates an environment in which the stomach gets "pushed up" into the diaphragm and over time, above it, creating a hiatal hernia. Food sensitivities or reactions are a common contributor to gut inflammation and missing a food sensitivity can make the difference between success and failure. One of the most common foods we find as a culprit is gluten. The protein found in wheat, rye and barley that, when one is sensitive to it, will create gut inflammation, a leaky gut and increased intra-abdominal pressure. If you suspect gluten may be contributing to less than optimal health for you or you need any assistance improving your health, consider contacting us for a consultation. Call 727-335-0400. We are here to help! </video> <video> Heart Palpitations, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath—but My Heart Is Fine? Description: If you’ve experienced heart palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety, or even been to the ER thinking it was a heart attack—only to be told your heart and lungs are fine—you’re not alone. Many are prescribed PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) for acid reflux, but these medications come with concerning side effects. Could it be something deeper? Watch to uncover a root cause you might not have considered. #HiatalHernia #RootCauseMedicine #HealthTips </video> <video> Hiatal Hernia & Your Symptoms: Heart Palpitations, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath – Free Training! Description: Do you struggle with heart palpitations, anxiety, shortness of breath, or reflux and wonder if there's a deeper cause? Join Dr. Vikki Petersen, D.C., for an exclusive free online training on Wednesday, January 29th at 3:30 PM EST to uncover the connection between these symptoms and Hiatal Hernia Syndrome. Learn how this condition can impact your health, why it’s often overlooked, and, most importantly, what you can do to find relief. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered by an expert in functional medicine! ✅ Sign up now to reserve your spot 👉 https://event.webinarjam.com/register/19/5w1nqbm Take control of your health and feel better than ever. We’ll see you there! 💻✨ </video> <video> Is GERD really a Hiatal Hernia? Description: Is your GERD really caused by a hiatal hernia? 🤔 Many people struggling with chronic reflux symptoms may actually have an underlying condition that’s often overlooked. In this video, Dr. Vikki Petersen, D.C., uncovers the connection between GERD and hiatal hernia syndrome, explaining how it can lead to symptoms like heartburn, reflux, shortness of breath, and even heart palpitations. ✨ Learn the root cause of your symptoms and discover natural strategies to address them effectively—without relying solely on medications. 📚 Want to dive deeper? Sign up for a consultation: https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/ or give us a call at 727-335-0400 📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated with more insights about your health! </video> <video> Why You have Heart Palpitations Description: The connection between your stomach and your heart (called gastro-cardiac reflex) is a real one that's been well documented. Even though the connection is understood, you may very well have been told by your doctor, cardiologist or gastroenterologist that no such connection exists. You've perhaps felt the connection between your heart and your digestion, but not gotten any validation from your doctor. Symptoms include bloat, gas, acid reflux, regurgitation, shortness of breath, anxiety, and heart palpitations, to name a few. Treatment involves a number of medications to treat both high and low blood pressure, anticonvulsants, and antacids, of course. The side effects of these drugs include many of the same symptoms of hiatal hernia including dizziness, constipation, nausea, fatigue, rapid heart rate, and cognitive decline, to name just a few. These drugs do nothing to treat the root cause and in fact can create more of the same symptoms. I'm assuming when I share this with you that you have had your heart checked and you do not have heart disease. That should always be ruled out. But when it is and you continue to suffer with heart palpitations, please know there IS a root cause and it's generally treated successfully, naturally. If you've been suffering with this and you're frustrated as to what you can do to really fix it, consider reaching out for a consultation. We're here to help! Call us at 727-335-0400. </video> <video> Fix GERD & Hiatal Hernia Naturally—No Drugs or Surgery! Description: Why is your stomach compressed and pushing everything up? We focus on uncovering the root cause—addressing your entire GI tract to find and resolve the inflammation and irritation. The best part? It’s completely natural, with no drugs or surgery involved! #HiatalHernia #GERDRelief #NaturalHealing </video> <video> Is GERD really a Hiatal Hernia? Description: Are GERD and Hiatal Hernia the same thing? Does on cause the other? Let's discuss. First let's define our terms: A Hiatal Hernia is when part of your stomach moves upwards above your diaphragm. GERD, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease, is when your stomach moves its contents, acid, up your esophagus. When the stomach moves acid up into your esophagus you'll often feel burning, the classic acid reflux or heartburn. Can you have reflux without a Hiatal Hernia - yes and no. You can have very rare reflux which occurs from overeating or eating a large meal and lying down, as an example. If this is something you feel a few times per year, the odds are you would not have a Hiatal Hernia But you can have chronic reflux and be "living" on TUMs or some other antacid. Now you are at risk. The chronicity or frequency of your acid reflux means that your stomach is frequently under pressure and that pressure is forcing acid to move up your esophagus. That pressure is, by definition, what causes a Hiatal Hernia over time. The upward pressure, over time, causes a widening of the opening where the esophagus passes through normally. The stomach, which has a larger diameter at its top than your esophagus, is slowly widening the opening, creating a textbook Hiatal Hernia. Therefore, if you have a Hiatal Hernia you DO have GERD. But, despite what conventional medicine says, when you have GERD, chronically, I have found that you are moving toward, or already have, a Hiatal Hernia, for the reasons I've just explained. As a note: 50% of GERD is "silent", meaning you can't feel it. So it can be happening due to a Hiatal Hernia, or better said, Hiatal Hernia Syndrome, and you won't know it. The symptoms associated with silent reflux are higher up in the esophagus and include: hoarseness, a cough, trouble swallowing, regurgitation, and more. Because Hiatal Hernia Syndrome has so many symptoms associated with it, I do recommend that you get to the source of your GERD as soon as possible. This will avoid things like bloating, gas, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety and panic attacks. In summary, it's not difficult to get to the root cause of GERD or treat Hiatal Hernia Syndrome, if you already have it. We are here to help so consider contacting us for a consultation: call 727-335-0400. </video> <video> Is Light Exercise Better For Overall Health vs High Intensity Exercise? Description: We're going to review two studies. The first was published in PLOS One titled: "Minimal Intensity Physical Activity Improves Insulin Action and Plasma Lipids More than Shorter Periods of Moderate to Vigorous Exercise in Sedentary Adults". What else needs to be said; the title says it all! Just kidding. The study looked at the difference of utilizing 1 hour of high intensity exercise versus substituting 4 to 5 hours of walking (not brisk walking, basically just moving) or standing. Both groups were made to burn the same amount of calories. Interestingly, the walking/standing group showed improved insulin sensitivity (meaning a beneficial change to metabolism), decreased triglycerides (showing fat burning) and increased HDL (good cholesterol) versus no such changes in the high intensity group. The study authors concluded that 1 hour of daily physical exercise can't compensate for the negative effects of inactivity on insulin sensitivity and plasma lipids (cholesterol) if the rest of the day is spent sitting. Moving a good part of your day is the best for metabolic health, improving all cause mortality and achieving fat loss benefits. Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health looked at high intensity interval training (HIIT) in both active and inactive individuals. Both active and inactive individuals saw a benefit from occasional high intensity interval training as regards their metabolic health. Specifically "occasional surges above baseline" which is obviously quite different depending if you're normally active or sedentary, is important for overall metabolic health and fat loss. Do these studies contradict each other? I don't believe so. It's important to get a lot of movement each day AND sprinkle in some higher intensity training a few times per week. Let me know if some of my suggestions are helpful at the end of the video. If you are ready to improve your health, consider contacting us for a consultation. Call us at 727-335-0400. </video> <video> Alternative to Beta Blockers - a Natural Solution! Description: Are you taking a beta blocker? It's one of the most prescribed drugs in the U.S., so you're in very good company. But perhaps you don't have heart failure or high blood pressure. Perhaps you were prescribed the drug due to heart palpitations or anxiety. If so, please listen. You truly may be able to avoid the dangerous side effects of this drug while restoring your health naturally. What do beta blockers do? Beta blockers are used to reduce your heart's pumping force, decreasing the number of times if beats per minute. Beta blockers also block the effect of adrenaline on your nervous system, so are used to reduce anxiety. Primarily the drug is used for high blood pressure and heart failure, but also for irregular heartbeats and anxiety. The drug is not without side effects - no drug is. You can expect side effects of include: shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure to the point that you're dizzy or lightheaded, irregular heart rhythm (yes, perhaps the reason you were given it!), fatigue, nausea, insomnia, ED and sexual dysfunction, along with hypoglycemia that results in passing out, confusion and/or seizures. What if you could get to the root cause of your heart palpitations (arrhythmias) or anxiety and treat it naturally, making it unnecessary to continue the beta blocker? We see this often with our patients suffering from Hiatal Hernia Syndrome. It's the pressure on the stomach which spasms your diaphragm and elevates both organs up into the area where you heart sits. The result? Heart palpitations and/or anxiety. The root cause is actually digestive in nature and the treatment is natural, no drugs or surgery. And if you do have high blood pressure, please know that we are very successful getting to the root cause of it as well. The summary is that beta blockers are commonly prescribed but not always necessary - there is a natural alternative. Do you want to learn more? Contact us for a consultation: call 727-335-0400. </video>

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Description

Dr. Vikki Petersen is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, public speaker and internationally published author. Dr. Petersen has co-founded Root Cause Medical Clinic and has been in practice for over 30 years.

She authored "The Hiatal Hernia Syndrome" and "The Gluten Effect", a best-seller on the subject of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. She was awarded "Gluten Free Doctor of the Year" and is an Editor at Large for the magazine, "Simply Gluten Free."

Dr. Petersen co-founded Root Cause Medical Clinic (www.RootCauseMedicalClinics.com) a multidisciplinary medical clinic featuring the best of internal medicine, clinical nutrition, chiropractic and physical therapy. Dr Petersen and her team have successfully treated thousands of patients, changing their lives for the better through the application of Root Cause Medicine.

See more at: www.RootCauseMedicalClinics.com

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