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.
Common Root Causes We Identify:
-
- H. pylori bacterial overgrowth
- Food sensitivities (often hidden)
- Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)
- Adrenal stress dysregulation
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE)
- Gut microbiome imbalances
Patient Experiences
- Ruthan M.
- Michelle P.
"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. The stomach pain I experienced started when I was 10 years old and the doctors eventually suggested I have my gallbladder removed when I was 12. Ever since that time my stomach began working overtime and the stomach issues continued. I eventually found there was a birth defect in my digestive tract. The birth defect issue has been resolved, but my digestive system still struggles to function properly.
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. The supplements and foods that they have suggested to me have helped my body function better. It is great to see that you can improve your health naturally and without medication. They have helped me resolve not only digestive issues, but also my overall health. 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
My name is Rosemary Bertwell. I am 75 years old and a retired secretary. I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 62 although I think I had blood sugar handling problems for years and years before that. Under the recommendations of traditional doctors I was placed on insulin. Insulin helped initially to bring my blood sugar down but it didn’t last. Soon after they recommended a combination of insulin with metformin. That too only proved to be slightly helpful. On two different occasions I ended up unconscious, due to my blood sugar being out of control. I refused to drive anywhere because I was afraid it would happen and I’d end up killing someone. I was confined to my house and felt like a prisoner. One day I requested a free report on diabetes. I ended up in Dr. Rutledge’s office and my experience was better than any other Doctor I had ever been to. By the way, at that first visit in her office, I was taking a total of 21 medications including the two I mentioned earlier. Here it is six months later, and my blood sugar is under such good control I am off both of those diabetes medications. In fact I only take 4 medications now and no longer take the other 17. I am driving again and feel like I have regained my life. It has been an unbelievable experience for me and I recommend anyone who’s had trouble with diabetes to give Dr. Rutledge and her functional medicine approach, a try.
- Rosemary B North Carolina
- Ariel B.
- Kathryn L.
✅ 100's of Patients Helped
✅ Practicing Over 20 Years
✅ Advanced Diagnostic Testing
✅ Telehealth Available
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1
Discovery Call (Free)
We learn about your symptoms, history, and what you've already tried. No pressure, no obligation.
Step 2
Advanced Testing
We order the right functional medicine tests based on your specific symptoms — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Step 3
Your Personalized Plan
We deliver a clear, actionable plan to eliminate your triggers, heal your gut, and get you off medications for good.
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 (for Non-Menopausal Women)
Measures cortisol rhythms and stress hormones that directly affect gut function and acid production. Especially valuable for women experiencing hormonal-related digestive issues.
MEET YOUR DOCTORS
Dr. Mathew Bradshaw
DC, AFMCP
Dr. Matthew Bradshaw is 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 using a clean diet, targeted supplements, and lifestyle changes, he now loves helping patients who feel stuck in the traditional medical system finally get answers and lasting relief.
Hilary Rutledge
DC, DABCI
Dr. Hilary Rutledge is a Sierra Nevada Foothills native, longtime Wilmington resident, and chiropractor-turned-functional medicine doctor who has spent more than two decades helping patients get healthy naturally. After returning to school for four additional years of advanced functional medicine training, she now focuses on partnering with patients who feel unheard in the traditional system, using in-depth testing, personalized care plans, and plenty of real-life empathy as a mom, horse lover, and yoga enthusiast.
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.
Common Questions
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.