heartburn + reflux

Heartburn and reflux are common symptoms of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back up into the esophagus, a tube that connects the mouth and stomach. The acid can often irritate the lining of the esophagus.

Common symptoms include:

  • A burning sensation in the chest

  • Backwash of food or sour liquid in the throat

  • Upper belly or chest pain

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Sensation of a lump in the throat

  • Cough

  • Hoarseness

the role of naturopathic doctors

The primary focus for integrative care is accurate assessment and diagnosis, especially concerning the different types of reflux. The goal is to support precise evaluation of primary conditions, distinguishing between GERD, NERD, and other disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI).

Addressing and managing symptoms effectively is important. Demystifying PPI’s, addressing overall risk profiles, and helping you mitigate potential concerns. The holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, considering a broad spectrum of factors beyond conventional methods.

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  • irritable bowel syndrome

    naturopathic doctors are in an exceptional position to help patients better understand IBS diagnosis, reduce anxiety around food/diet, provide tools to manage discomfort, support motility, rule out other causes of symptoms, edudcate on stress, and improve your overall experience of digestion.

  • heartburn & reflux

    accurate assessment and diagnosis, especially on different types of reflux is important in the management of symptoms and tissue healing. there is opportunity to support you with natural therapies, lifestyle recommendations, and optimization of PPI usage and its appropriateness for diagnosis, including when to stop using it.

  • inflammatory bowel disease

    through education about evidence for nnutrition therapy, preventing nutritional deficiencies, appropriate supplementation alongside drug therapy, and maintaining remissions are all ways naturopathic doctors can help support those living with IBD.