NYC’s Leading Integrative Health Care Center
NYC’s Leading Integrative Health Care Center
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Commonly referred to as acid reflux, GERD occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort, irritation, and even damage to the esophageal lining. Traditional treatments often focus on masking symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of the disease.
At Patients Medical in New York City, we take a holistic and integrative approach to GERD. Our method combines conventional medicine with natural therapies and functional medicine to identify and treat the underlying causes of acid reflux, offering lasting relief without relying solely on medications.
GERD is a digestive disorder where stomach acids frequently leak into the esophagus. This backflow can irritate the lining of the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and more.
Types of GERD
While GERD affects everyone differently, some common types include:
Recognizing the symptoms of GERD is the first step to finding effective relief. These are common signs:
If you experience these symptoms regularly, seeking an evaluation from a specialist can help prevent long-term damage.
Functional medicine aims to uncover the root causes of GERD, which may include a combination of factors such as:
To better understand your GERD symptoms, we offer a variety of diagnostic tests:
At Patients Medical, we offer an array of natural and functional therapies to manage GERD:
We personalize your diet plan to reduce inflammation and acid reflux. This may include:
Herbs and supplements can provide relief from GERD symptoms:
All supplements are tailored to your unique needs and dosed under medical supervision.
Since stress is a major GERD trigger, we provide stress-relief therapies such as:
Sleep hygiene: Elevating the head of the bed to prevent nighttime acid reflux.
Custom IV treatments with nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C, and glutathione can help reduce inflammation and support gut healing.
John, a 48-year-old executive, had been suffering from chronic heartburn and regurgitation for over a year. Despite taking over-the-counter antacids, his symptoms persisted, and he was frequently waking up in the middle of the night with chest pain. After diagnostic testing, we identified food sensitivities, stress, and an overgrowth of harmful gut bacteria as contributors to his GERD.
John’s customized integrative plan included:
After three months, John’s symptoms were significantly reduced, and he no longer needed medications to manage his condition.
We recommend exploring these in-depth resources:
Low-grade fevers can be therapeutic—but persistent or high fevers require evaluation to avoid complications.
Some patients may reduce or eliminate their need for medications with the help of integrative treatments. However, others may continue conventional therapies alongside natural treatments for better symptom control, always under medical supervision.
While individual results vary, many patients begin to notice improvements in their symptoms within 4-6 weeks of following a personalized treatment plan, particularly with dietary and lifestyle changes.
No, GERD can be affected by multiple factors, including diet, stress, gut health, and lifestyle choices. A comprehensive treatment approach focuses on addressing all aspects that contribute to the condition.
Yes, stress is a major trigger for GERD. It increases acid production in the stomach, weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, and exacerbates symptoms. Managing stress through therapies like acupuncture and mindfulness can significantly improve GERD symptoms.
Acid reflux is the primary symptom of GERD, but GERD is a chronic condition that occurs when acid reflux happens frequently. While acid reflux can occur occasionally, GERD is a more persistent and severe form of reflux disease that requires ongoing management.
Certain foods, such as spicy dishes, caffeine, chocolate, and high-fat meals, can trigger acid reflux. Identifying and eliminating food sensitivities through testing can help reduce GERD flare-ups.
Yes, excess weight puts added pressure on the stomach, which can lead to acid reflux. Losing weight can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of GERD symptoms, especially when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes.
In rare cases, when GERD symptoms are severe and don’t respond to other treatments, surgery (such as fundoplication) may be recommended. However, most patients can manage GERD successfully through integrative and lifestyle approaches without the need for invasive procedures.
Yes, untreated GERD can cause long-term damage to the esophagus, including inflammation, ulcers, and even Barrett’s esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Managing GERD early on is crucial to preventing these complications.
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.
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
Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128
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All information presented in this website is intended for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of rendering medical advice. Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Patients Medical.
