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Dr. Shustina is an incredibly knowledgeable doctor who truly takes time to find root cause.
RG
Rochel Gordon
Condition · Gastrointestinal
Heartburn
Heartburn is more than occasional discomfort; it is a sign of digestive imbalances that can affect your overall health. That burning sensation behind the breastbone, the sour taste that rises into the throat, and the pressure that flares after meals or when you lie down are not random events—they are your body signaling that something upstream is out of balance. At Whole Gut Health and Wellness, we see heartburn as a symptom of deeper issues like acid reflux, dietary triggers, or gut inflammation rather than a condition to be silenced with acid-blocking pills alone.
Our integrative approach combines personalized diagnostics, nutrition guidance, and targeted therapies to address the root causes of heartburn. Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, we work to understand why reflux is happening in the first place—whether the driver is impaired digestion, an imbalanced microbiome, increased abdominal pressure, food sensitivities, or the effects of chronic stress on the gut. By restoring balance to your digestive system, we aim to provide long-term relief and help you regain your quality of life.
What Heartburn Is Really Telling You
Heartburn is the burning sensation that occurs when stomach contents move upward into the esophagus, irritating the sensitive lining that is not designed to withstand acid. While an occasional episode after a heavy or spicy meal is common, frequent or persistent heartburn is a message worth listening to—it often reflects an underlying dysfunction in how you digest, how the valve at the top of the stomach is working, and how well the whole gastrointestinal system is coordinating. Interestingly, heartburn is not always about producing too much acid. In many people it is driven by too little stomach acid, poor motility, or increased pressure in the abdomen that pushes contents upward, which is why blanket acid suppression frequently masks symptoms without resolving them.
We recognize that symptoms are not isolated occurrences but manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body. Effective, lasting relief comes from identifying the specific factors driving your heartburn—so that treatment supports natural digestive function rather than working against it.
Common Root Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn rarely has a single cause. More often, several contributing factors overlap, which is why a thorough, individualized evaluation matters so much. Common drivers we investigate include:
Weakened or poorly coordinated lower esophageal sphincter function
Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) impairing complete digestion
Gut microbiome imbalances such as SIBO and dysbiosis producing gas and pressure
Dietary triggers including fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugar
Food sensitivities and hidden intolerances driving inflammation
Increased abdominal pressure from weight gain, bloating, or a hiatal hernia
Delayed gastric emptying and impaired gut motility
H. pylori infection and other imbalances affecting the stomach lining
Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation affecting digestion
Eating patterns such as large meals, late-night eating, and eating quickly
By mapping which of these factors apply to you, we can target treatment precisely instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Heartburn Affects More Than Comfort
Left unaddressed, chronic heartburn does more than interfere with meals and sleep. Repeated acid exposure can inflame and damage the delicate lining of the esophagus, contributing to conditions such as esophagitis and, over time, more serious changes to the esophageal tissue. Because heartburn often reflects impaired digestion, it can also travel with poor nutrient absorption, bloating, and broader gut imbalances that ripple through energy, mood, and immune function.
There is another consideration many patients are never told about: the long-term, routine use of acid-suppressing medications can carry its own consequences. Because adequate stomach acid is essential for breaking down protein and absorbing key nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, calcium, and iron—and for keeping unwanted bacteria in check—chronic acid suppression may contribute to nutrient deficiencies and microbiome disruption when it is used indefinitely without addressing why reflux is occurring. Our goal is to help you move beyond dependence on these medications by restoring the underlying function that keeps reflux from happening in the first place.
Common Signs and Symptoms Include:
Burning sensation in the chest, often after eating
Sour or bitter taste from acid or food backing up into the throat
Regurgitation of food or liquid
Discomfort that worsens when lying down or bending over
Chest pressure or a feeling of tightness behind the breastbone
Difficulty or pain with swallowing
Chronic cough, throat clearing, or hoarseness
The sensation of a lump in the throat
Bloating, belching, and early fullness after meals
Nausea, especially after larger or richer meals
Disrupted sleep from nighttime symptoms
Symptoms triggered or worsened by specific foods
Diagnostic and Screening Options at Whole Gut Health
A comprehensive heartburn evaluation looks beyond the burning sensation itself to uncover the specific mechanisms and root causes behind your symptoms. We take the time to understand your unique situation, listen to your concerns, and conduct thorough evaluations to determine the underlying causes—reviewing your symptoms, diet, lifestyle, personal history, and prior treatments in detail.
Testing and assessment options may include:
Comprehensive Stool Analysis to assess gut microbiome balance, digestive function, and inflammation.
SIBO Breath Testing to identify bacterial overgrowth that can drive gas, pressure, and reflux.
H. pylori Testing to evaluate infection affecting the stomach lining and acid balance.
Applied Kinesiology or Muscle Testing to help identify root causes, triggers, and direct optimal treatment.
Functional Lab Work including nutrient status and markers relevant to digestion and gut health.
Assessment for hiatal hernia and factors contributing to increased abdominal pressure.
We customize testing protocols based on your symptom pattern, medical history, and previous treatment responses to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of what is truly driving your heartburn.
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 Heartburn Treatment Approach
At Whole Gut Health and Wellness Center, we believe in taking a holistic approach to gastrointestinal health. We strongly stand by the “food is medicine” philosophy and guide each patient with clear, simple, and strategic dietary changes to support and heal the gut and the rest of the body. We treat the person, not just the symptoms—because symptoms are fire alarms alerting us to a root cause. If we merely turn off the alarm, we may feel better temporarily, but the cause of the alarm has not been removed and the house is still on fire. Our three-phase heartburn protocol is designed to find and resolve that root cause.
Phase 1 — Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing to determine the mechanisms driving your reflux
- Detailed analysis of dietary, lifestyle, and stress factors
- Evaluation of gut microbiome imbalances such as SIBO and dysbiosis
- Assessment of stomach acid balance, motility, and digestive function
- Identification of food sensitivities and dietary triggers
- Screening for structural contributors such as hiatal hernia and abdominal pressure
- Addressing stress and emotional root causes with energy medicine
Phase 2 — Targeted Intervention
- Strategic, individualized dietary modifications and elimination of triggers
- Treatment of underlying bacterial overgrowth or microbiome imbalances
- Support for healthy stomach acid balance and complete digestion
- Optimizing motility with visceral manipulation and cranial osteopathy
- Soothing and repairing an irritated esophageal and stomach lining
- Gradual reduction of acid-suppressing medication dependence where appropriate
Phase 3 — Rebuilding and Prevention
- Curated supplement and herbal regimen to optimize gut function
- Comprehensive gut microbiome restoration and maintenance
- Long-term nutrition strategies that support reflux-free digestion
- Lifestyle optimization including meal timing, movement, and stress management
- Mindfulness and stress-reduction practices to calm the gut–brain connection
- Ongoing support to maintain natural digestive function and prevent recurrence
Gastrointestinal Symptoms We Regularly Encounter
Beyond focusing solely on symptom management, our holistic approach aims to restore balance and optimize your digestive health. We believe that true healing encompasses not only physical aspects but also emotional and lifestyle factors. Heartburn rarely travels alone, and our practice helps with a wide range of related gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
Abdominal pain
Belching
Bloating
Constipation
Crohn's disease
Diarrhea
Diverticulosis
Gallbladder disease
GERD / heartburn
H. pylori infection
IBS
Leaky gut
Liver disease
Parasites
SIBO
Swallowing disorders
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcers
By addressing these interconnected factors together, we can help you achieve long-lasting improvements and empower you to take an active role in your well-being.
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. Together with the team at Whole Gut Health, she combines the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies and lifestyle interventions to uncover the underlying factors contributing to illness and guide patients toward lasting wellness.
The care you receive at our practice provides more than just help with your current problem; the tools we provide can benefit you for a lifetime. Don't let heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms hold you back from living a vibrant, fulfilling life. By combining thorough evaluation with a thoughtful, individualized approach, we help patients move beyond symptom management and take the first step toward long-term digestive wellness—restoring balance, improving symptoms, and reclaiming their quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions, answered.
What causes heartburn?
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Heartburn occurs when stomach contents move upward into the esophagus and irritate its sensitive lining. Contributing factors often include a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, low or imbalanced stomach acid, gut microbiome imbalances such as SIBO, dietary triggers, food sensitivities, increased abdominal pressure, hiatal hernia, delayed gastric emptying, and chronic stress. Most people have several overlapping causes, which is why a comprehensive evaluation is so important.
Is heartburn always caused by too much stomach acid?
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No. While heartburn is commonly assumed to result from excess acid, many people actually have too little stomach acid, which impairs digestion and can contribute to reflux, bloating, and pressure. This is one reason blanket acid suppression sometimes fails to resolve symptoms. Our approach identifies the true mechanism driving your heartburn so treatment supports healthy digestion rather than simply blocking acid.
What are the common signs and symptoms of heartburn?
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- Burning sensation in the chest, often after eating
- Sour or bitter taste from acid or food backing up into the throat
- Regurgitation of food or liquid
- Discomfort that worsens when lying down or bending over
- Chest pressure or tightness behind the breastbone
- Difficulty or pain with swallowing
- Chronic cough, throat clearing, or hoarseness
- The sensation of a lump in the throat
- Bloating, belching, and early fullness after meals
- Nausea, especially after larger or richer meals
- Disrupted sleep from nighttime symptoms
How is heartburn evaluated at Whole Gut Health?
+
A comprehensive heartburn evaluation looks beyond the burning sensation to identify the specific mechanisms and root causes behind your symptoms. Assessment options include:
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis: Assesses gut microbiome balance, digestive function, and inflammation
- SIBO Breath Testing: Identifies bacterial overgrowth that can drive gas, pressure, and reflux
- H. pylori Testing: Evaluates infection affecting the stomach lining and acid balance
- Applied Kinesiology or Muscle Testing: Helps identify root causes, triggers, and direct optimal treatment
- Functional Lab Work: Includes nutrient status and markers relevant to digestion and gut health
Testing protocols are customized based on your symptom pattern, medical history, and previous treatment responses.
What does heartburn treatment involve?
+
Our comprehensive three-phase heartburn protocol includes:
Phase 1: Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing to determine the mechanisms driving your reflux
- Detailed analysis of dietary, lifestyle, and stress factors
- Evaluation of microbiome imbalances, stomach acid balance, motility, food sensitivities, and structural contributors such as hiatal hernia
Phase 2: Targeted Intervention
- Strategic, individualized dietary modifications and elimination of triggers
- Treatment of underlying bacterial overgrowth or microbiome imbalances
- Support for healthy stomach acid balance and complete digestion
- Optimizing motility with visceral manipulation and cranial osteopathy
- Soothing and repairing an irritated esophageal and stomach lining
Phase 3: Rebuilding and Prevention
- Comprehensive gut microbiome restoration and maintenance
- Long-term nutrition strategies that support reflux-free digestion
- Lifestyle optimization including meal timing, movement, and stress management
- Ongoing support to maintain natural digestive function and prevent recurrence
Can I stop using acid-blocking medications once treatment begins?
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For many patients, yes. Our goal is to help you move beyond long-term dependence on acid-suppressing medications by restoring the underlying digestive function that prevents reflux. Because these medications can be important in certain situations and should not be stopped abruptly, we provide gradual, guided weaning protocols where appropriate while we address root causes and support natural digestion. This process requires patience and proper medical guidance.
Are diet and lifestyle really enough to relieve heartburn?
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Diet and lifestyle are often central to lasting relief. We strongly stand by the “food is medicine” approach and guide each patient with clear, simple, and strategic dietary changes—alongside adjustments to meal timing, portion sizes, stress, and sleep. Because we also address underlying factors such as microbiome imbalances and impaired digestion, these changes work together to resolve heartburn at its source rather than simply masking it.
What makes your approach to heartburn different?
+
At Whole Gut Health, we treat the person, not just the symptoms. We view heartburn as a fire alarm alerting us to a deeper root cause rather than a problem to be silenced with medication alone. Our approach focuses on:
- Comprehensive testing to determine the specific mechanisms driving your reflux
- Targeted treatment based on your individual underlying causes
- Integration of nutrition, microbiome restoration, and lifestyle optimization
- Reducing dependence on acid-suppressing medications through restored function
- Long-term strategies for sustained, medication-free relief
Who provides heartburn care at your practice?
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Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and internist who serves as NYC's and 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 heartburn testing and treatment?
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The first step is scheduling a comprehensive consultation where we'll:
- Review your symptoms, medical history, and current treatments in detail
- Determine the most appropriate testing strategy for your specific case
- Develop a personalized treatment plan based on the root causes of your heartburn
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward lasting, comfortable digestion without ongoing reliance on acid-blocking medications.
Reviews
The body remembers when it's finally heard.
“
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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