No, you are thinking holistically, and as all of our body systems are connected, this is the way to long-term health and healing! Deep, diaphragmatic breathing initiates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and directly impacts digestion (and therefore absorption). Taking time to breathe before eating can help the physiological function of our digestive system by inviting production of stomach acid (HCl) to be produced.
Interestingly, reflux is commonly misunderstood to be the result of too much stomach acid, but is much more commonly the opposite–not enough stomach acid is being produced. When not enough stomach acid is produced, the contents of our stomach cannot be broken down and they are sent back up the esophagus. Because this reflux usually includes a small amount of stomach acid, this condition has been incorrectly assumed to be from too much stomach acid, but if there was ample acid in the stomach, the food would be broken down and continue down the digestive pathway as intended. You might try digestive enzymes, including HCl to help you on a chemical level in addition to your breathing exercises. These two pieces work very well together. – Coach Zoe
