Still Taking Antacids That Don't Work?
We find the real reason you have heartburn — and fix it for good. No more guessing. No lifelong prescriptions.
You've Been Treating the Symptom, Not the Cause
If you've been living with heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD for months — or years — you already know that antacids and PPIs only work while you're taking them. The moment you stop, it comes right back.
That's because those medications don't answer the one question that matters: Why is this happening to you?
The truth is, chronic heartburn is almost always caused by something measurable and fixable — food sensitivities, gut bacteria imbalances, low stomach acid, stress hormones, or a combination of all of them. We run the right tests to find out. That is the whole idea behind our root-cause heartburn program.
Common Root Causes We Identify
H. pylori
A bacterial infection directly linked to chronic reflux and ulcers — and often missed by standard breath tests.
Food sensitivities
Hidden immune reactions to everyday foods that quietly fuel inflammation and reflux.
Low stomach acid
Hypochlorhydria behaves exactly like "too much acid" — and acid blockers make it worse.
Adrenal stress
Stress hormones disrupt gut motility and loosen the valve that keeps acid down.
EoE
An immune-driven esophageal condition that mimics stubborn heartburn.
Gut microbiome imbalances
Bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis — including SIBO — that change how your gut works.
How it works
The 3-Step Root Cause Heartburn Protocol
Discovery Call (Free)
We learn about your symptoms, history, and what you've already tried. No pressure, no obligation.
Advanced Testing
We order the right functional medicine tests based on your specific symptoms — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Your Personalized Plan
We deliver a clear, actionable plan to eliminate your triggers, heal your gut, and get you off medications for good.
See exactly how the process works →
Ready for real answers?
Your first step is a free 15-minute discovery call. We'll listen, answer your questions, and tell you honestly whether we can help.
Book Free Discovery Call No cost. No commitment. Just answers.We Use Testing Most Doctors Don't Offer
Stool Testing
A comprehensive gut microbiome analysis that identifies bacterial overgrowth, H. pylori, parasites, and digestive markers. Most conventional GI doctors skip this entirely.
Alletess 184 Food Sensitivity Panel
Tests your immune response to 184 common foods to identify hidden sensitivities that trigger chronic inflammation and reflux. This isn't a standard allergy test.
Adrenocortex / HU-Map
Measures cortisol rhythms and stress hormones that directly affect gut function and acid production.
Patient Experiences
I started developing heartburn about 2 years ago. It started with certain types of foods so I just figured that that was the cause. Changed up my diet and it helped temporarily. Then the heartburn became consistent no matter what I ate. Went to the doctor. I was told to take omeprazole 20 mg twice a day. It helped for a bit but then the problem came back. My medication was doubled to 40 mg twice a day and I was also told to take Pepto-Bismol at the same time. This helped by dropping my 6-7 heartburn pain down to 3-4 on a 10 scale but it didn't go away. And depending on what I ate, it would jump up to a 9. Painful cramping and then constipation would ensue. I was referred to the GI doctor and an H pylori breath test was run. Results were negative. An endoscopy didn't show anything and a colonoscopy showed a couple of small hemorrhoids. The GI doctor just said I had to learn to live with it and continue to take PPI medication going forward. That's how I ended up seeing Dr. Bradshaw. After running a stool test and a saliva test, I found out that I had H pylori and that gluten/dairy sensitivities and high stress were also contributing to the problem. But once we figured this out, we got it treated with the right antibiotics and a couple of supplements and I've now been heartburn-free for 8 months! I can't thank Dr. Bradshaw enough.
Peter M, North Carolina
I have spent most of my life struggling with digestive issues. I have also spent countless hours in hospitals and countless years taking medication that was not of any benefit to me. I have been meeting with Dr. Hilary Rutledge and Debra Yaw to try and improve my digestive health since September 2018. In such a short time, they have been able to help tremendously and the results are astonishing. It is great to see that you can improve your health naturally and without medication. I have never felt better and my digestive issues have become minimal in comparison to what I was experiencing earlier in life.
Cassidy B, North Carolina
- 100's of Patients Helped
- Practicing Over 20 Years
- Advanced Diagnostic Testing
- Telehealth Available
Meet Your Doctors
Dr. Mathew Bradshaw, DC, AFMCP
A Kansas City–born, Colorado-schooled chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner who blends natural healing principles with advanced training through the Institute for Functional Medicine. After overcoming his own debilitating panic attacks and gut issues, he now helps patients who feel stuck in the traditional medical system finally get answers.
Dr. Hilary Rutledge, DC, DABCI
A longtime Wilmington resident and chiropractor-turned-functional medicine doctor with more than two decades of practice. After four additional years of advanced functional medicine training, she partners with patients who feel unheard in the traditional system.
Common Questions
Is this covered by insurance?
We work with patients to maximize what's available. Many of our tests and consultations qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement. We'll walk you through options on your discovery call.
Do I have to stop my current medications to work with you?
No. We never tell patients to stop medications without a plan. We work alongside your current care and create a step-down strategy as your symptoms improve.
Can I see you if I'm not local?
Yes. We offer telehealth consultations for patients throughout North Carolina. Testing kits are mailed directly to your home.
See all frequently asked questions →
Ready to Find Out What's Really Causing Your Heartburn?
Your first step is a free 15-minute discovery call. We'll listen, answer your questions, and tell you honestly whether we can help.
Book Free Discovery Call No cost. No commitment. Just answers.