Learn about GERD’s root causes, functional diagnostic testing, and integrative treatment approaches that go beyond symptom management and aim at root cause solutions.
Tired of that burning chest pain ruining your meals and sleep? If you’re dealing with acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) symptoms, you’re not alone—and you’re probably overwhelmed by conflicting advice online.
Should you take more antacids? Avoid all acidic foods? Try that trendy alkaline water? With so much contradictory information out there, it’s no wonder people stay stuck in the cycle of temporary relief followed by symptom return.
Here’s the truth: GERD isn’t just about “too much acid”—it’s a complex, multifactorial condition that requires a deeper understanding to truly resolve.
That’s why IMA Senior Fellow Dr. Kristina Carman created this comprehensive guide that cuts through the noise. You’ll discover the real root causes behind your symptoms, learn about functional diagnostic tools that most doctors never mention, and understand why the conventional “one-size-fits-all” approach often falls short. What’s more, this guide is the first in a series on GERD that we’ll be releasing over the next few weeks!
Ready to move beyond symptom suppression and toward lasting relief? This guide reveals the integrative strategies that actually work—because you deserve answers that go deeper than your next prescription bottle.
Understanding GERD: More Than Just Heartburn
When most people think of GERD, they picture someone reaching for antacids after a spicy meal. But gastroesophageal reflux disease involves far more than occasional heartburn. It’s a complex digestive condition where stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus, causing not just discomfort, but potential long-term complications if left unaddressed.
The challenge lies in understanding why this reflux occurs in the first place. While conventional medicine often focuses on acid suppression, functional medicine practitioners recognize that GERD can stem from multiple underlying factors—from bacterial overgrowth and motility issues to hormonal imbalances and stress-related digestive dysfunction.
What This Guide Covers
GERD is more complex than many people realize. This comprehensive resource explores:
- Clinical diagnostic criteria – Understanding how GERD is properly diagnosed using both conventional and functional medicine approaches
- Conventional testing methods – From upper endoscopy to pH monitoring, learn about standard diagnostic tools and what they reveal
- Functional medicine perspectives – Discover advanced testing options like comprehensive stool analysis, SIBO breath tests, and organic acids testing that uncover root causes
- Differential diagnosis – Not all reflux symptoms are the same. Learn to distinguish between GERD, functional heartburn, and laryngopharyngeal reflux
- Systems-based approach – Explore how factors like gut microbiome, stress, hormones, and nutrient status all influence digestive health
Beyond Conventional Approaches
Traditional GERD treatment typically involves acid-blocking medications and dietary restrictions. However, this approach may miss critical underlying factors that contribute to reflux symptoms. Issues like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), H. pylori infections, low stomach acid, and compromised digestive motility often go undetected in standard medical evaluations.
Functional testing can reveal these hidden contributors, offering a more complete picture of what’s driving your symptoms. This broader perspective opens up new possibilities for addressing GERD at its source rather than simply managing symptoms.
A Deeper Understanding
Rather than viewing GERD as simply “too much acid,” functional medicine recognizes it as a multifactorial condition involving motility issues, microbial imbalances, and systemic health factors.
This guide provides the comprehensive framework you need to understand GERD from multiple angles – whether you’re dealing with symptoms yourself or seeking to understand the condition more thoroughly. And, it’s the first in a series of GERD guides coming soon!
Download the PDF guide to learn more about diagnostic approaches, clinical criteria, and integrative perspectives on GERD management.
