Pete Williams explores the deeper causes of reflux, including age-related muscle weakening, low stomach acid, stress, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). He highlights how neuromuscular retraining with tools like IQoro can offer effective, long-term relief beyond conventional medication.
Introduction and Pete Williams’ Background
Josef Kreitmayer
Welcome to the Reflux Summit. Today, I have an amazing guest, Pete Williams, joining us from the UK. Pete holds a Master of Medical Science and was one of the first certified practitioners by the Institute for Functional Medicine. He’s the founder of Functional Medicine Associates and is widely recognized as a leader in functional medicine.
Pete specializes in corporate burnout, cardiovascular disease, brain health, gut health, and DNA testing. He co-developed the DNA Smile genomics panel and frequently lectures at major conferences. Pete, it’s an honor to have you.
Pete Williams
Thank you. It’s great to be here.
Josef Kreitmayer
You work across many areas—brain health, oral health, Alzheimer’s risk—and often see patients who also suffer from reflux. Would you like to introduce yourself a bit more?
Pete Williams
Sure. My background is in exercise science, and I hold multiple degrees in it. I started exploring functional medicine in 1997 after attending a conference by Dr. Jeffrey Bland. That was a turning point.
I became certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine in 2012 and built a clinic in Central London with several other IFM-certified practitioners. We focus on complex chronic diseases using a systems-thinking approach. Reflux is often a piece of the larger puzzle.
Patient Profiles and Chronic Disease Landscape
Josef Kreitmayer
What types of patients do you typically see?
Pete Williams
We see everything from chronic fatigue, long COVID, and autoimmunity to cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s risk. Most come to us after trying many treatments. Our job is to help them understand the root causes and build a long-term strategy.
Gastrointestinal issues, including reflux, often emerge as part of this larger health picture.
Many patients have already seen good doctors. The problem is often consistency—they weren’t treated long enough or didn’t fully understand what they needed to do outside the clinic. We emphasize a clear plan, regular follow-up, and shared responsibility between patient and clinician. Functional medicine requires both motivation and strategy.
IBS, Reflux, and Mental Health Links
Josef Kreitmayer
Do IBS and reflux usually show up together?
Pete Williams
It’s a mixed picture. We see a strong link between IBS and anxiety, largely due to the gut-brain axis. Reflux can occur independently or alongside IBS.
Our approach begins with understanding the patient’s full history and emotional state. Sometimes you have to treat both the digestive and nervous systems to get results.
Many patients don’t come in specifically for reflux or IBS. These are often symptoms of deeper issues like chronic fatigue or autoimmunity. Good digestion is foundational—if the gut isn’t working properly, systemic problems can follow.
Stress, Digestion, and Absorption Issues
Pete Williams
We use genetic testing to better understand mood and stress predispositions. Some patients experience visceral hypersensitivity, where the brain exaggerates gut sensations.
Tools like the Nerva app, which is based on gut-directed hypnotherapy, have been very helpful for anxious IBS cases.
Even when someone eats a high-quality diet, excessive stress or anxiety can impair nutrient absorption. We often see deficiencies despite excellent nutrition. The gut must not only receive good food but also digest and present it to the immune system in a supportive way.
Aging and Low Stomach Acid as Root Causes
Josef Kreitmayer
Besides anxiety, what other root causes do you see?
Pete Williams
Age is a major factor. As we get older, stomach acid production declines. Stomach acid isn’t just for digestion—it sterilizes food as it enters the stomach.
Low acid levels increase susceptibility to infections and food allergies. Older adults and highly stressed individuals often underproduce stomach acid, leading to symptoms that mimic acid overproduction.
There’s been debate in GI literature about whether reflux is caused more by too little acid rather than too much. In my experience, underproduction is more common.
Muscle Weakness and the Neuromuscular Cause of Reflux
Pete Williams
As we age, muscles weaken—including those involved in swallowing and digestion. There are 148 muscles involved in swallowing. Some are voluntary and trainable; others are involuntary.
Swedish research shows that neuromuscular detraining plays a major role in reflux. If the lower esophageal sphincter or diaphragm weakens, reflux occurs. Training these muscles can significantly improve outcomes.
Introducing the IQoro Device
Pete Williams
We use a Swedish-developed device called IQoro. It’s a small plastic device you pull with your lips to train oral and esophageal muscles.
Patients use it for 90 seconds a day, and we’ve seen significant improvements. Some reduce or eliminate their PPI use within weeks.
IQoro strengthens neuromuscular signaling and helps the lower esophageal sphincter close more effectively. It has no side effects but does require consistency.
Risks of Long-Term PPI Use
Pete Williams
PPIs should be used short-term at the lowest effective dose. Long-term use is linked to nutrient malabsorption, infections, cognitive decline, and increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
One of my patients developed a vitamin B12 deficiency from long-term PPI use that mimicked dementia. Once we addressed the root cause and introduced IQoro, her symptoms resolved.
PPIs have their place, especially in acute cases, but long-term reliance is problematic. Our goal is to restore function so medication isn’t needed indefinitely.
SIBO and Reflux: A Pressure Problem
Pete Williams
About a third of our patients with SIBO also experience reflux. SIBO creates excess gas, increasing intra-abdominal pressure and pushing stomach contents upward.
Treating the SIBO often resolves the reflux. It’s about reducing pressure and restoring microbial balance.
Functional Medicine Strategy and Clinical Practice
Pete Williams
We routinely use IQoro for reflux and even hiatal hernias. It’s non-invasive, safe, and effective.
Some patients improve within a couple of weeks, while others take a few months. One patient with long COVID and reflux stopped PPIs in just two weeks using IQoro.
Our work is about creating long-term, personalized strategies. We act as conductors—coordinating systems and specialists when needed. The goal is always to uncover root causes and empower patients.
Reflux as Strength Training
Pete Williams
Think of reflux management like strength training. The muscles that control swallowing and the lower esophageal sphincter weaken without use.
IQoro retrains these neuromuscular pathways. Use it regularly, like brushing your teeth, and you’ll see progress. Stop using it, and symptoms may return.
It’s simple, cost-effective, and produces strong results with no side effects.
Empowering Long-Term Health
Pete Williams
Long-term health requires consistent effort—whether that’s using IQoro, improving nutrition, or exercising regularly.
We tell patients their body is like an aging car—you have to maintain it. The stronger the reflux symptoms, the more likely someone will benefit from consistent neuromuscular training.
Pete’s Practice and How to Reach Out
Josef Kreitmayer
How can people reach out to you?
Pete Williams
We have one of the most experienced groups of IFM-certified practitioners in Europe. We specialize in chronic, complex conditions with an emphasis on genetics, oral health, and long-term strategies.
You can find us at Functional Medicine Associates in London. We help patients create roadmaps and bring in the right experts when needed.
Final Advice for Reflux Sufferers
Pete Williams
Start with the basics—sleep position, body weight, and diet. Elevate the head of the bed.
Most importantly, focus on strength training the relevant muscles using tools like IQoro. Reflux management is never one-size-fits-all.
Always consult your GP to rule out serious conditions. Once cleared, retrain the body and stay consistent. That’s the path to lasting improvement.
