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Dr. Shustina is an incredibly knowledgeable doctor who truly takes time to find root cause.
RG
Rochel Gordon
Condition · Gastrointestinal
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Acid Reflux
Chronic heartburn, persistent chest burning, and that uncomfortable feeling of acid backing up into your throat aren't just inconveniences—they're signs of a complex digestive disorder affecting over 20% of adults in the United States. Research shows that while conventional acid-blocking medications provide temporary relief, up to 25% of patients experience continued symptoms, highlighting the need for comprehensive root-cause investigation and personalized treatment approaches that address the underlying mechanisms driving your reflux.
What Exactly Is GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid and other contents regularly back up into the esophagus due to dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—the muscular valve that normally prevents this backflow. While occasional acid reflux is normal, GERD represents chronic, persistent reflux that can cause tissue damage and systemic symptoms. True healing involves understanding and addressing the underlying factors that compromise LES function, including gut microbiome imbalances, inadequate stomach acid production, increased abdominal pressure, and nervous system dysfunction.
Types of GERD and Their Characteristics
GERD presents in different patterns depending on the underlying mechanisms and severity. Each type requires specific diagnostic approaches and targeted treatment strategies.
| Type | Primary Pattern | Common Symptoms | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical GERD | Excessive acid exposure due to LES dysfunction | Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain | Often responds to acid reduction but may require LES strengthening |
| Functional Heartburn | Normal acid exposure with hypersensitive esophagus | Burning chest pain, PPI-refractory symptoms | Requires neuromodulation and gut-brain axis support |
| Silent Reflux (LPR) | Acid reaching throat and airways | Chronic cough, hoarseness, throat clearing | Often missed, requires different diagnostic approach |
| Complicated GERD | Structural damage from chronic acid exposure | Difficulty swallowing, bleeding, chest pain | May involve Barrett's esophagus, strictures, or ulceration |
Why GERD Impacts More Than Digestion
GERD affects multiple body systems due to the far-reaching consequences of chronic acid exposure and the gut-brain connection. Persistent esophageal inflammation can trigger immune responses that contribute to systemic inflammation, affecting energy levels, sleep quality, and overall wellness. Additionally, GERD often coexists with other digestive disorders like SIBO, which can create bacterial overgrowth that generates gas pressure and further compromises LES function. The condition can also affect respiratory health, dental health, and sleep patterns, making comprehensive treatment essential for overall health optimization.
Common Signs of GERD Include:
Burning chest pain (heartburn), especially after meals
Acid regurgitation or sour taste in mouth
Difficulty swallowing or feeling of food sticking
Chronic cough or throat clearing
Hoarseness or voice changes
Chest pain that may mimic heart problems
Bloating, belching, or excessive gas
Nausea, especially in the morning
Sleep disruption due to nighttime symptoms
Dental erosion or bad breath
Respiratory symptoms (asthma-like symptoms)
Diagnostic Options at Whole Gut Health
Comprehensive GERD evaluation goes beyond symptom assessment to identify root causes and optimize treatment strategies. GERD has been treated as a condition of overproduction of acid. In reality it is a condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve which connects the esophagus to the stomach, is inappropriately open. The root cause of this can be from improper nutrition, emotional stress, and medications. At Whole Gut Health, we use advanced diagnostics and years of experience to understand the underlying mechanisms driving your reflux.
Testing options may include:
Upper Endoscopy to visualize esophageal tissue and assess for structural damage or complications.
Esophageal pH Monitoring to measure actual acid exposure and correlate symptoms with reflux events.
Applied Kinesiology or Muscle Testing to help identify root causes and help select optimal treatments
SIBO Breath Testing to identify bacterial overgrowth that may contribute to increased abdominal pressure and LES dysfunction.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis to assess digestive function, gut microbiome balance, and inflammation markers.
Functional Lab Work including assessment of stomach acid production, nutrient absorption, and inflammatory markers.
We customize testing protocols based on your symptom pattern, medical history, and treatment response to ensure comprehensive evaluation.
Our approach
Why Whole Gut Health is different
At Whole Gut Health, we go beyond conventional symptom management and traditional functional medicine protocols. We trust your body's innate ability to heal itself when given the right support.
In Dr. Shustina's many years of practice, she has seen that many digestive diseases have their root cause in emotional traumas and unhealed wounds. When these underlying causes are healed, the body can heal from the inside out in a lasting way.
We focus on the mind-gut connection, incorporating energy healing techniques, personalized nutrition that evolves as you heal, and integrative approaches addressing mind, body, and spirit. If this resonates with you, contact our office to schedule your consultation and take the first step on your healing journey.
Our GERD Treatment Approach
Our Three-Phase GERD Protocol Includes:
Phase 1 — Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing to evaluate reflux severity and underlying causes
- Detailed analysis of lifestyle, dietary, and stress factors
- LES dysfunction and motility disorders
- Bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and gut microbiome imbalances
- Inadequate stomach acid production (hypochlorhydria)
- Food sensitivities and inflammatory triggers
- Structural factors (hiatal hernia, obesity)
- Medication effects and environmental factors
Phase 2 — Targeted Intervention
- Visceral Manipulation is a proven effective treatment for GERD helping close the LES and prevent reflux
- Energy Medicine to target and treat emotional stressors
- Treatment of underlying bacterial overgrowth or gut microbiome imbalances
- Optimization of stomach acid production and digestive function
- Elimination of inflammatory food triggers and dietary modifications
- LES strengthening protocols and motility support
Phase 3 — Rebuilding and Prevention
- Targeted supplementation for tissue healing and inflammation reduction
- Stress management and nervous system support
- Comprehensive esophageal tissue healing and gut barrier restoration
- Long-term dietary strategies supporting optimal digestive function
- Lifestyle optimization for sustained LES function
- Stress Management and sustainable mindfulness techniques
- Microbiome maintenance and digestive wellness protocols
- Ongoing support to prevent symptom recurrence and complications
Expert-Led, Personalized Care
Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist specializing in complex digestive disorders, gut health, and the gut–brain connection. Drawing from both conventional gastroenterology and integrative medicine, she takes a comprehensive approach to uncovering the underlying factors contributing to illness and guides patients toward lasting wellness.
At Whole Gut Health, every patient receives highly personalized care rooted in a deep understanding of digestive health, nutrition, the gut microbiome, and the interconnected systems that influence overall well-being. By combining evidence-based medicine with a thoughtful, individualized approach, we help patients move beyond symptom management and create a clear path toward long-term healing and vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions, answered
What is GERD?
+
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) occurs when stomach acid and other contents regularly back up into the esophagus due to dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). While occasional acid reflux is normal, GERD represents chronic, persistent reflux that can cause tissue damage and systemic symptoms requiring comprehensive treatment.
What are the different types of GERD?
+
Classical GERD
- Primary mechanism: Excessive acid exposure due to LES dysfunction
- Common symptoms: Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain
- Often responds to acid reduction but may require LES strengthening
Functional Heartburn
- Primary mechanism: Normal acid exposure with hypersensitive esophagus
- Common symptoms: Burning chest pain, PPI-refractory symptoms
- Requires neuromodulation and gut-brain axis support
Silent Reflux (LPR)
- Primary mechanism: Acid reaching throat and airways
- Common symptoms: Chronic cough, hoarseness, throat clearing
- Often missed, requires different diagnostic approach
Complicated GERD
- Primary mechanism: Structural damage from chronic acid exposure
- Common symptoms: Difficulty swallowing, bleeding, chest pain
- May involve Barrett's esophagus, strictures, or ulceration
What are the common signs and symptoms of GERD?
+
- Burning chest pain (heartburn), especially after meals
- Acid regurgitation or sour taste in mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling of food sticking
- Chronic cough or throat clearing
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Chest pain that may mimic heart problems
- Bloating, belching, or excessive gas
- Nausea, especially in the morning
- Sleep disruption due to nighttime symptoms
- Dental erosion or bad breath
- Respiratory symptoms (asthma-like symptoms)
How is GERD diagnosed?
+
Comprehensive GERD evaluation includes multiple testing approaches. Testing options include:
- Upper Endoscopy: Visualizes esophageal tissue; assesses for structural damage or complications
- Esophageal pH Monitoring: Measures actual acid exposure; correlates symptoms with reflux events
- Applied Kinesiology (muscle testing): helps identify root causes and help select optimal treatments
- SIBO Breath Testing: Identifies bacterial overgrowth that may contribute to LES dysfunction
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis: Assesses digestive function and gut microbiome balance
- Functional Lab Work: Evaluates stomach acid production, nutrient absorption, and inflammatory markers
Testing protocols are customized based on your symptom pattern and medical history.
What does GERD treatment involve?
+
Our comprehensive three-phase GERD protocol includes:
Phase 1: Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing to evaluate reflux severity and underlying causes
- Detailed analysis of lifestyle, dietary, and stress factors
- Identification of contributing factors including LES dysfunction, bacterial overgrowth, inadequate stomach acid production, and food sensitivities
Phase 2: Targeted Intervention
- Visceral Manipulation is a proven effective treatment for GERD helping close the LES and prevent reflux
- Energy Medicine to target and treat emotional stressors
- Treatment of underlying bacterial overgrowth or gut microbiome imbalances
- Optimization of stomach acid production and digestive function
- Elimination of inflammatory food triggers and dietary modifications
- LES strengthening protocols and motility support
- Targeted supplementation for tissue healing and inflammation reduction
Phase 3: Rebuilding and Prevention
- Comprehensive esophageal tissue healing and gut barrier restoration
- Long-term dietary strategies supporting optimal digestive function
- Lifestyle optimization for sustained LES function
- Stress Management and sustainable mindfulness techniques
- Microbiome maintenance and digestive wellness protocols
- Ongoing support to prevent symptom recurrence and complications
Why is it important to identify the specific type of GERD?
+
Different GERD types require different treatment approaches. For example:
- Classical GERD may need LES strengthening and acid optimization
- Functional heartburn requires neuromodulation and gut-brain support
- Silent reflux needs specialized diagnostic approaches and airway protection
- Complicated GERD may require tissue healing and complication management
Can GERD symptoms recur after treatment?
+
GERD symptoms can return if underlying root causes aren't fully addressed or if triggering factors return. This is why our protocol includes a comprehensive rebuilding and prevention phase that focuses on:
- Long-term esophageal tissue healing and maintenance
- Sustainable dietary and lifestyle strategies
- Ongoing digestive function optimization
- Stress management and nervous system support
- Regular monitoring to prevent complications
What makes your approach to GERD treatment different?
+
At Whole Gut Health, we go way beyond acid suppression to identify and treat the root causes of GERD. We combine evidence-based strategies from conventional gastroenterology with functional medicine principles, and a holistic approach focusing on:
- Comprehensive testing to identify all contributing factors
- LES function optimization and gut microbiome restoration
- Personalized treatment protocols based on individual GERD type
- Long-term healing rather than symptom suppression
- Prevention of complications through comprehensive care
Who provides GERD care at your practice?
+
Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist who serves as Miami's premier gut health specialist. She has training in both conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health, with expertise in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
How do I get started with GERD testing and treatment?
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The first step is scheduling a comprehensive consultation where we'll:
- Review your symptoms and medical history in detail
- Determine the most appropriate testing strategy for your case
- Develop a personalized GERD treatment plan based on your specific type and underlying causes
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward lasting relief from reflux symptoms and optimal digestive health.
Reviews
The body remembers when it's finally heard
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Dr. Shustina goes to the root level of the issue, not only superficial, so there's healing.
LG
Leah Glickman
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She has significantly improved my health. I was suffering from Ulcerative Colitis and now live normally.
ML
Monica LaBadia
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Dr. Shustina has helped me change my lifestyle and heal my gut in a way I thought impossible.
DL
Dalit Lonstein
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She listens to patients and treats conditions, not symptoms.
GS
Gabriela Salazar
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Dr. Shustina is the best doctor I have ever been to. She assesses the root of the problem.
MS
M. S.
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She is an outstanding doctor who understands the body's ability to heal itself and holistic remedies.
SS
Sibel Sebi Sharabi
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Dr. Shustina has a wealth of knowledge and is helping me heal years of gastrointestinal issues.
DC
Daniela Chaparro
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Dr. Shustina is an amazing doctor. She diagnosed my cancer early and saved my life.
MW
Mordechai Weinstein
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After one session with Dr. Shustina, my digestive pain went away.
TP
Taryn Parascand
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Doctor Shustina is the absolute best. She has helped me resolve numerous issues other doctors dismissed.
RS
Rachel S.
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Dr. Shustina is a fantastic doctor who truly cares. Her holistic approach attacks the root cause.
CS
Clay Simonsen
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