Our Services
Gastrointestinal Issues
Atlanta Integrative & Internal Medicine offers a unique and holistic approach to gastrointestinal (GI) health, recognizing the intricate connection between the digestive system and overall well-being.
Paramount to this approach is the understanding that imbalances in the gastrointestinal system can manifest as symptoms in various parts of the body, including the nervous and immune systems, as well as the skin. Our Naturopathic doctors in Atlanta focus on treating the individual as a whole and seek to address the root causes of symptoms, making them particularly adept at managing GI conditions, whether you need comprehensive care for IBS and dysbiosis, or are looking for a dedicated SIBO specialist in Atlanta.
We assist individuals diagnosed with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, disorders, and syndromes, which often have not responded well to other therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Gastrointestinal Ailments
GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition where acid from the stomach comes up into the esophagus. As a result, you may experience non-cardiac chest pain. GERD can impair quality of life, and increase the risk of inflammation of the esophagus which may lead to complications. Let our providers find the root cause of your reflux today!
For example, the FDA recently issued a warning about Proton Pump Inhibitor medications. The FDA is warning physicians and consumers about a possible increased risk for fractures of the hip, wrist and spine with high doses or long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. The labeling on these products will be changed to describe these risks for both the prescription and OTC product versions, the agency said.
IBD AND IBS
You’ve probably heard of the term IBS and IBD, but what do they really mean? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a non-inflammatory syndrome that is most likely a multifactorial, functional problem for the colon. Symptoms can vary by individual and IBS can be classified as IBS-D (diarrhea), IBS-C (constipation), and IBS-M (mixed).
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) is an inflammatory condition that can cause permanent damage to the colon and increase your risk of colon cancer. There are subtypes called Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn’s Disease. IBD can be caused by immune system dysfunction.
Our providers at AIIM are experts in investigating and finding the root cause of both IBS and IBD.
DYSBIOSIS
The term dysbiosis can be defined as a microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body. Our body has many colonies of good bacteria in the GI tract, but when they go out of balance, one can experience a variety of symptoms. Gut bacteria may even affect your weight. Something in your gut could be making you hold onto weight— and it isn’t just last night’s pizza. The vast, diverse community of microbes inhabiting the intestines, scientists are finding, can influence metabolism and weight.
Symptoms can vary from upset stomach, to diarrhea or constipation, or excess gas and bloating. Finding the root cause of your dybiosis may require advanced functional labs such as a comprehensive stool profile, breath test, organic acid test or all of the above.
Gastritis and gastric ulcers
Gastritis can be defined as inflammation of the stomach lining. The causes may vary from food sensitivities, infections such as H. pylori, and even stress. It can be acute or chronic in nature and increase your risks of ulcers.
Peptic and Duodenal ulcers are erosions in the lining of the stomach (peptic) or small intestine (duodenal). Diagnosis is typically made from a breath test or biopsy via endoscopy.
Work with our providers as they utilize advanced functional medicine labs such as breath testing and stool testing to use safe and effective methods of treating such conditions.
Indigestion, gas, and bloating
Indigestion is a general term that describes upper gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, bloating, nausea, or feeling full after eating. It can result from lack of digestive enzymes, stress, inflammation from food (food sensitivity), medication side effects, infections and more.
As you can see, the causes and symptoms vary, which is why it’s important to individualize your specific symptoms and find the root cause of your indigestion.
