If you struggle with acid reflux, indigestion, or that uncomfortable burning sensation after meals, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans live with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but many don’t realize that there’s a better way to find lasting relief than simply taking medication.
At Dr. Branham’s St. Louis clinic, he focuses on identifying and correcting the root causes of GERD so you can finally restore balance to your digestive system and feel good again. If you’re ready to see results, try functional medicine.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This happens again and again, and over time, this backflow can irritate and damage the delicate lining of the esophagus, causing a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes serious symptoms. Common signs of GERD include the following:
When acid reflux happens often enough to damage the esophagus, it can create serious long-term health problems. The longer GERD is left untreated, the greater the risk of complications such as the following:
Addressing GERD early with a root-cause, functional medicine approach can prevent these complications and protect both digestive and overall health.
The average treatment for GERD relies on acid-suppressing medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids. These drugs can temporarily reduce symptoms by lowering stomach acid, but they don’t address why acid reflux is happening in the first place. In fact, long-term use of PPIs can lead to nutrient deficiencies, bacterial overgrowth, and impaired digestion.
The truth is that GERD isn’t always caused by too much acid. In many cases, it’s the result of too little stomach acid, an imbalanced microbiome, or a weakened lower esophageal sphincter that allows acid to travel upward. Suppressing stomach acid can make these issues worse over time, leading to a vicious cycle of dependence on medication and continued discomfort.
Dr. Branham takes a different approach, one that focuses on restoring the body’s natural digestive function rather than shutting it down. It’s a fresh way to address GERD in St. Louis.
Dr. Branham is St. Louis’s top functional medicine doctor. Each one of his treatment plans begins with an in-depth assessment. Instead of treating GERD as an isolated problem, he looks at how your entire system functions together. Through advanced diagnostic testing and a detailed health history, Dr. Branham helps uncover the specific triggers contributing to your reflux.
Common underlying causes we explore include the following:
Once these imbalances are identified, Dr. Branham designs a personalized care plan to restore digestive health naturally.
Nutrition plays a central role in reversing GERD. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all “acid reflux diet,” Dr. Branham develops a personalized nutrition plan based on your unique sensitivities and test results.
You’ll learn how to eat in ways that reduce inflammation, stabilize digestion, and support a healthy microbiome. This might include the following:
Patients often find that once inflammation subsides and digestion improves, reflux symptoms begin to fade naturally.
GERD is not just a digestive problem. It’s a whole-body issue influenced by stress, sleep, posture, and daily habits. Dr. Branham helps St. Louis patients make targeted lifestyle changes that support long-term healing.
This might include the following:
By combining these small but powerful changes with nutritional therapy, patients often see dramatic improvements in how they feel day to day.
Healing GERD involves more than symptom management. It means rebuilding a healthy, resilient digestive system. Dr. Branham uses natural therapies to do the following:
These steps work together to restore your body’s natural ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and prevent acid from flowing upward.
When reflux is truly taken care of, life feels better. You start enjoying meals again without worrying about discomfort or sleepless nights. Many of Dr. Branham’s patients notice more than just a calmer stomach; they feel renewed energy, clearer thinking, improved mood, and better overall health.
A balanced gut supports your immune system, hormones, and even mental well-being. By addressing GERD naturally, you’re not only healing your digestion but also improving your body’s ability to thrive.
If you’re tired of living with chronic reflux or relying on medications that only mask your symptoms, it’s time to take a different approach. Dr. Branham offers comprehensive, personalized care designed to uncover the true causes of GERD and help your body heal from within.
Through advanced testing, nutritional therapy, and lifestyle medicine, you can experience long-term relief and renewed vitality. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Branham in St. Louis and take the first step toward a calmer, stronger, and healthier digestive system.
