Gastrointestinal Issues

Introduction: Why Gastrointestinal Health Needs a New Approach

Gastrointestinal (GI) issues have become increasingly common, affecting millions of people worldwide. While conventional treatments may offer temporary relief, they often fail to address the root causes of digestive problems. At Patients Medical, we believe in treating gastrointestinal issues with an integrative approach that combines conventional, holistic, and functional medicine. We focus on the whole body and work to uncover the underlying factors contributing to GI problems, such as poor diet, stress, gut dysbiosis, and inflammation.

We treat the whole person—not just the digestive system.

What Are Gastrointestinal Issues?

Gastrointestinal issues refer to a range of conditions that affect the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and other associated organs. Common gastrointestinal disorders include:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Acid Reflux (GERD)
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome
  • Chronic Constipation
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
  • Food Sensitivities and Intolerances
  • Celiac Disease
  • Gastrointestinal Infections

These conditions often result in symptoms like bloating, cramping, gas, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue. While the symptoms can be debilitating, addressing the root causes is essential for lasting relief and healing

Common Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Issues

Many people live with gastrointestinal problems for years without realizing that their digestive system is under stress. Here are some red flags that you may be dealing with a gastrointestinal issue:

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek testing and evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

Root Causes: Why Do Gastrointestinal Issues Develop?

Functional medicine seeks to uncover the why behind chronic gastrointestinal issues. Common root causes include:

  • Poor diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugars, and refined carbohydrates can disrupt gut health.
  • Leaky gut: Intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut,” leads to systemic inflammation and immune system dysfunction.
  • Gut dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbiota can contribute to digestive problems, food sensitivities, and inflammation.
  • Chronic stress: Elevated cortisol levels can negatively affect digestion and exacerbate conditions like IBS and acid reflux.
  • Toxin overload: Heavy metals, chemicals, and environmental toxins can damage the gut lining and disrupt metabolism.
  • Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, often due to autoimmune diseases like IBD or food sensitivities, can impair normal digestive function.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Imbalances in thyroid, cortisol, and sex hormones can affect digestion and gut motility.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use advanced diagnostic tests to understand the underlying causes of your gastrointestinal issues. Our testing includes:

Comprehensive stool analysis (gut microbiome, pathogens, leaky gut markers)

Food sensitivity testing (detect intolerances or allergies)

Blood tests (inflammatory markers, nutrient deficiencies, liver function)

Hormonal panels (thyroid, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone)

Endoscopy and colonoscopy (to diagnose conditions like ulcers, Crohn's disease, and colorectal cancer)

Genetic testing (to assess predisposition for gastrointestinal conditions like celiac disease)

Integrative Treatments for Gastrointestinal Issues

We offer a comprehensive range of treatments aimed at addressing the root causes of gastrointestinal problems, not just alleviating symptoms. These treatments may include:

Nutritional Therapy

Our nutritional approach focuses on healing the gut and optimizing digestion. This may involve:

  • Anti-inflammatory diets (to reduce gut inflammation)
  • Low FODMAP diet (for IBS and food sensitivities)
  • Elimination diets (to identify trigger foods)
  • Gut-healing foods (bone broth, fermented foods, prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods)

 

IV Vitamin Therapy

Custom IVs with essential nutrients such as B vitamins, magnesium, glutathione, and amino acids can support gut healing, detoxification, and overall digestive health.

 

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

We incorporate natural supplements that help to:

  • Reduce inflammation (Turmeric, ginger, omega-3 fatty acids)
  • Balance gut flora (Probiotics, prebiotics)
  • Soothe the digestive tract (Slippery elm, marshmallow root)
  • Promote gut motility (Magnesium, fiber supplements)

 

Stress Reduction & Lifestyle Management

Stress plays a significant role in gastrointestinal health. We offer several therapies designed to support stress management and emotional well-being:

  • Meditation and mindfulness (to reduce cortisol levels and improve digestion)
  • Acupuncture (to improve gut motility and reduce bloating)
  • Yoga and deep breathing exercises (to promote gut relaxation and stress relief)

Detoxification Support

Detoxing the body is critical for improving gut health. We use safe and effective methods to support the body’s natural detoxification processes:

  • Liver support (through herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root)
  • Heavy metal detoxification (to reduce toxin overload)
  • Gut detox (through fasting protocols and targeted supplements)

Real Case Study: Maria’s Journey to Healing

Maria, 45, came to us with chronic bloating, acid reflux, and fatigue. She had been diagnosed with IBS but was not responding well to standard treatments. After testing, we found gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, and high levels of inflammation.

We created a 3-month integrative plan that included:

  • Gut repair protocol
  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition plan
  • Herbal supplements for digestion
  • Stress reduction techniques
  • Nutrient IV therapy

Three months later, Maria’s symptoms had improved significantly. Her bloating and reflux were under control, and her energy levels had returned to normal.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of gastrointestinal issues through diet, lifestyle changes, and natural therapies. It aims to heal the gut and restore optimal digestive function.

Yes, many gastrointestinal problems can be significantly improved or even reversed through natural approaches, such as dietary changes, stress reduction, and targeted supplementation.

We use a combination of dietary changes, probiotics, anti-inflammatory herbs, and gut-healing supplements to repair the gut lining and reduce intestinal permeability.

Yes, we help identify food sensitivities through testing and offer elimination diets, supplements, and gut health support to manage symptoms and improve digestion.

We offer a comprehensive range of tests, including stool analysis, blood work, food sensitivity tests, and imaging to identify the underlying causes of your symptoms.

Patients often experience improvements within 4-6 weeks, though healing time can vary based on the individual’s health status and the severity of their condition.

Our goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for medication by addressing the root causes of digestive issues naturally.

In many cases, natural therapies can complement traditional medications, but it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

While we are an out-of-network provider, we provide superbills to help with reimbursement for many services, and some tests may be partially covered.

Yes, we offer remote consultations and treatment plans for patients outside New York.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment