How the 3-Step Root Cause Heartburn Protocol Works
Free discovery call → advanced testing → a plan that addresses the cause.
Most heartburn care starts with a prescription. Ours starts with a question: why is this happening? The 3-Step Root Cause Heartburn Protocol is how we answer it — and it's the same process for every patient, whether you're in Wilmington or across North Carolina.
Discovery Call (Free)
A free 15-minute call — by phone or video. We learn about your symptoms, history, and what you've already tried. No pressure, no obligation. If we're not a fit, we'll tell you.
Advanced Testing
We order the right functional medicine tests for your specific symptoms — not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Most kits are collected at home and mailed to the lab.
Your Personalized Plan
A clear, actionable plan to eliminate your triggers, heal your gut, and reduce medications for good — with follow-up testing to confirm it worked.
Step 1: What to Expect on the Discovery Call
The call is free, about 15 minutes, and completely without obligation — we just listen. Have these ready if you can:
- A short summary of your symptoms and how long they've been going on
- What you've already tried — medications, diets, testing
- Your current medication and supplement list
- Your biggest questions
You'll leave the call knowing whether our approach is a realistic fit for your situation and roughly what testing and next steps would look like.
Step 2: Testing That Finds the Cause
Standard GI testing is built to detect damage. Our testing is built to detect dysfunction — why your gut environment isn't working correctly. Depending on your case, we use some combination of:
- Comprehensive stool analysis — gut microbiome, H. pylori, parasites, digestive markers
- Alletess 184 food sensitivity panel — immune reactions to 184 common foods
- Adrenocortex / HU-Map stress testing — cortisol rhythms and stress hormones
Lab results typically come back within 7 business days of your sample. Then we schedule a dedicated results review — not a rushed 10-minute call, but enough time to walk through what the data means and what we're going to do about it.
Step 3: Your Personalized Plan
Once we have your results, we build a plan that's specific to you. This typically includes:
- Targeted dietary modifications based on your sensitivity results
- Gut-healing protocols (supplements, probiotics, antimicrobials where indicated)
- Stress-regulation strategies where adrenal function is a factor
- A clear timeline and step-down strategy for reducing or eliminating medications — always coordinated with your prescribing doctor
- Follow-up testing to confirm results
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.Is the discovery call really free?
Yes — 15 minutes, no cost, no obligation. Our goal is to understand your situation and tell you honestly whether we can help.
Do I have to come in person for testing?
Not for the majority of testing. Most kits are collected at home and mailed back to the lab with prepaid shipping. If your protocol includes a blood draw, we'll direct you to a convenient local draw site.
How long does the whole process take?
Most patients complete testing and their results review within three to four weeks of starting. Your personalized plan then runs on a timeline calibrated to how your gut responds.
What if I've been on PPIs for years?
That describes a large portion of our patients. Part of your protocol will involve restoring gut balance before and during a gradual, supervised medication step-down. It takes longer than starting from scratch, but it's very manageable.