At Benehealth, we specialize in helping you find sustainable relief from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) through a personalized, root-cause-focused approach. Unlike conventional treatments that primarily rely on medications, our functional medicine solutions aim to heal the underlying causes of acid reflux, restore gut health, and improve your overall well-being.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that separates the stomach and esophagus, weakens or malfunctions. GERD is more than just occasional heartburn—it can lead to long-term complications if left untreated.
Symptoms of GERD
Common symptoms of GERD include:
- Persistent heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest)
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Chronic cough, hoarseness, or sore throat
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
GERD affects approximately 20% of adults in the United States, making it one of the most common digestive conditions.
How Functional Medicine Differs from Conventional Treatment
Conventional Medicine
- Relies on medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids to reduce stomach acid.
- Treats GERD as a standalone issue.
- Provides short-term symptom relief.
- Minimal emphasis on diet or lifestyle changes.
Functional Medicine
- Focuses on addressing the root causes, such as gut health, diet, and lifestyle factors.
- Views GERD as part of a broader digestive imbalance.
- Provides short-term symptom relief. Aims for long-term healing and prevention of recurrence.
- Places high importance on nutrition and sustainable lifestyle modifications.
Functional Medicine Approach to IBD
1. Comprehensive Assessments
Benehealth practitioners start with a detailed evaluation of your health, including:
- Dietary analysis: Identifying foods that worsen reflux, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and high-fat meals.
- Gut microbiome health: Testing for bacterial imbalances or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Stomach acid levels: Evaluating whether low stomach acid might be contributing to GERD symptoms.
- Lifestyle and stress evaluation: Understanding habits and emotional stressors that may exacerbate reflux.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans
Your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs and may include:
- Dietary modifications: Implementing an anti-inflammatory or low-acid diet to reduce triggers.
- Targeted supplements: Using digestive enzymes, probiotics, and natural remedies like DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) to support gut healing.
- Stress management: Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, or other techniques to reduce stress-related reflux.
- Lifestyle changes: Adjusting eating habits, improving sleep posture, and avoiding late-night meals.
3. Ongoing Support and Monitoring
Our team works closely with you to track progress and make adjustments, ensuring that your treatment plan evolves with your needs and provides sustainable relief.
Why a Root Cause Approach Matters
By addressing the underlying causes of GERD, functional medicine helps to:
- Reduce dependency on medications like PPIs, which can have long-term side effects.
- Improve digestive health and nutrient absorption.
- Minimize inflammation and irritation of the esophagus.
- Provide long-lasting symptom relief and prevent recurrence.
Take Charge of Your Digestive Health Today
GERD doesn’t have to control your life. At Benehealth, we empower you with a personalized plan that targets the root causes of acid reflux, helping you find relief and restore balance to your digestive system.
📞 Call us at 623-440-5816
💻 Schedule an appointment here
Experience the difference a root cause approach can make in managing GERD.
Frequently Asked Questions About GERD
Still Have Questions?
📞 Call us at 623-440-5816
💻 Schedule an appointment here