Acid reflux affects 50% of Americans. The hallmark symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. Acid reflux is not a disease caused by excessive acid production in your stomach; your stomach makes hydrochloric acid for many reasons including digestion of protein and uptake of calcium. Acid reflux frequently occurs because of low stomach acid which is why proton pump inhibitors typically just perpetuate the problem, hide the symptoms but cause a cascade of dysfunction over time.