The gut does far more than digest food. It influences immunity, mood, energy, and inflammation throughout the body, which is why digestive conditions can leave people feeling unwell in ways that reach well beyond the stomach. Three of the most common concerns, GERD, SIBO, and IBS, share overlapping roots and are often misunderstood, so recognizing what sets them apart is an important first step.

Digestive concerns are evaluated by Dr. James Petros, MD, founder of NexGen Health and a physician board certified in Functional Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, Anti-Aging Medicine, Physical Medicine, and Interventional Pain Management. Trained at Tulane University School of Medicine and Stanford, Dr. Petros founded the practice in 2021 around bespoke offerings designed to align with each patient’s goals, looking for the reasons behind digestive symptoms.

Understanding the Three Conditions

GERD, SIBO, and IBS produce different symptoms but frequently share underlying drivers.

• GERD: acid reflux that causes heartburn, regurgitation, and throat or chest irritation.
• SIBO: bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine that drives bloating, gas, and discomfort.
• IBS: cramping, bloating, and irregular bowel habits with heightened gut sensitivity.
• Overlapping Symptoms: bloating, discomfort, and irregularity common to all three.
• Food Reactions: symptoms that flare with certain foods or meals.
• Whole-Body Effects: fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes tied to gut health.

What Drives Digestive Dysfunction

Digestive conditions often connect through imbalanced gut bacteria, inflammation, food sensitivities, stress, and impaired gut lining. These factors interact, so a single symptom rarely tells the whole story. Testing that looks at the microbiome, sensitivities, and gut function helps reveal what is actually driving the discomfort.

How NexGen Health Can Help

NexGen Health looks beneath digestive symptoms to the imbalances behind them. Care may draw on peptide therapy to support the gut lining, ozone therapy to calm inflammation, IV therapy to correct deficiencies, and vitamin deficiency testing to guide the plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gut and Digestive Health

How are GERD, SIBO, and IBS different?

GERD involves acid reflux, SIBO involves bacterial overgrowth, and IBS involves gut sensitivity and irregular habits, though their symptoms often overlap.

Can digestive conditions really improve?

Many patients see meaningful relief when the underlying imbalances are identified and addressed rather than only masking symptoms.

What role does the microbiome play?

Imbalanced gut bacteria contribute to bloating, inflammation, and irregularity, and rebalancing it is often central to care.

Do food sensitivities matter?

Yes, certain foods can trigger symptoms, and identifying them helps reduce flares without unnecessary restriction.

Can gut health affect mood and energy?

The gut influences immunity, mood, and energy, so improving it often helps far beyond digestion.

Should I still see a gastroenterologist?

Root-cause support complements specialist care, and NexGen coordinates with your existing providers.

Why Choose NexGen Health

NexGen Health treats digestive complaints as signals of deeper imbalance, not isolated symptoms. Under Dr. Petros, care is personalized and restorative. Located in San Jose and serving Los Gatos, Cupertino, Mountain View, and Silicon Valley, the practice helps patients reclaim comfort and confidence.

Calm Your Gut in San Jose

If digestive trouble is disrupting your life, contact NexGen Health in San Jose to schedule a consultation, call the practice, or book online.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Candidacy, therapies, and outcomes are determined during consultation, and individual results vary. Some therapies referenced may be provided on an off-label or investigational basis under physician supervision.