Restore Your Gut Health & Microbiome from the Root Cause in NYC
Tired of managing chronic bloating, irregular bowel habits, West Village, Dr. Ivy Branin, ND, and Dr. Pauline Hoang, ND, specialises in functional gastroenterology—using advanced diagnostic testing and evidence-based natural therapeutics to heal SIBO, IBS, leaky gut, and systemic inflammation so you can eat, live, and feel vibrant again.
Authored and clinically reviewed by Dr. Pauline Hoang, ND (Graduate of National University of Natural Medicine) and Dr. Ivy Branin, ND (Graduate of Bastyr University).
The Root-Cause Difference: Functional Gastroenterology
Conventional gastroenterology excels at screening for acute structural pathology (such as ulcers, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease via colonoscopy). However, when scope results come back "normal" despite persistent debilitating symptoms like abdominal distension, severe reflux, gas, or brain fog, patients are often left with generic IBS diagnoses and symptom-masking prescriptions.
At Simplicity Health Associates, we view digestion as the cornerstone of systemic health. Your gut microbiome, intestinal barrier, migrating motor complex (MMC), and gut-brain axis continuously influence your immunity, mood, skin clarity, and hormonal balance. When your digestive ecosystem falls out of balance, the ripple effects resonate throughout your entire body.
Accredited Clinical Leadership (E-E-A-T)
As accredited Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) trained at top-tier medical doctorates—the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and Bastyr University—our GI protocols merge modern microbiological research with restorative natural medicine. We are active members of professional associations, including the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP) and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).
Our Advanced Diagnostic & Functional Gut Testing
Rather than relying on guess-and-check dietary elimination, we utilize precision functional testing following clinical standards—such as the ACG Clinical Guidelines for SIBO Diagnosis—to identify the exact microbial, enzymatic, or structural drivers of your digestive distress:
3-Specimen SIBO Breath Testing (Hydrogen, Methane & Hydrogen Sulfide): Measures gas output from small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO) to pinpoint the exact location and microbial profile of your bloating.
Advanced Stool & Microbiome Analysis: Comprehensive PCR and culture evaluation of gut flora diversity, beneficial commensal bacteria, pathogenic overgrowth, opportunistic fungi (Candida), parasite panels, and digestive performance markers (elastase, secretory IgA, calprotectin, beta-glucuronidase).
Intestinal Permeability & Food Sensitivity Screening: Evaluating mucosal barrier integrity ("leaky gut") and targeted IgG/IgA immune reactivity to pinpoint dietary triggers.
Metabolic & Organic Acids Testing (OAT): Screening cellular energy production, nutrient cofactors, neurotransmitter breakdown, and fungal/bacterial metabolites.
Conditions We Treat & Specialized Protocols
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & IMO
Eliminating bacterial and methanogen overgrowths in the small intestine using targeted botanical antimicrobials, prokinetic motility agents, phase-specific diet strategies, and gut barrier repair, referencing evidence established in NIH clinical guides on SIBO management.
Targeted Support: Hydrogen SIBO, Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO/Methane SIBO), Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO, post-infectious IBS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M) & Bowel Irregularity
Addressing root-cause drivers of Constipation, Diarrhea, and alternating bowel habits—such as post-infectious dysbiosis, visceral hypersensitivity, low stomach acid, or pancreatic enzyme insufficiency—to restore smooth, predictable bowel motility.
Targeted Support: IBS-Constipation (IBS-C), IBS-Diarrhea (IBS-D), Mixed IBS (IBS-M), slow transit time, impaired MMC.
Chronic Bloating, Gas & Abdominal Distension
Addressing rapid carbohydrate gas fermentation, impaired digestive enzyme output, slow gastric emptying, and abdominal phrenic dyssynergia to achieve a calm, comfortable stomach after eating.
Targeted Support: Post-prandial bloating, abdominal distension, excessive flatulence, upper GI fullness.
Acid Reflux, Heartburn, GERD, LPR & Ulcers
Resolving heartburn, regurgitation, silent reflux (LPR), chronic throat clearing, and mucosal stomach irritation (Ulcers) by optimizing lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone, balancing stomach acid (HCL) production, and promoting mucosal tissue repair without long-term acid suppression.
Targeted Support: GERD, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), Hypochlorhydria (low acid), Gastritis, Gastric Mucosal Irritation.
Leaky Gut Syndrome, Food Sensitivities & Allergies
Repairing compromised tight junctions in the intestinal lining to reduce systemic antigen leakage, chronic histamine release, food intolerances, fatigue, joint stiffness, and systemic inflammation.
Targeted Support: Intestinal Permeability, IgG/IgA Food Intolerances, Histamine Intolerance, Systemic Autoimmune Flares.
Crohn's Disease & Inflammatory Bowel Support (IBD Co-Management)
Providing compassionate, evidence-based integrative co-management alongside conventional gastroenterology to reduce mucosal inflammation, optimize nutrient absorption, restore mucosal secretory IgA levels, and support long-term remission in IBD.
Targeted Support: Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Microscopic Colitis, High Calprotectin support.
Candida, Yeast Overgrowth & Fungal Dysbiosis
Identifying and resolving opportunistic fungal overgrowth (Candida albicans) and small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) caused by antibiotic use, stress, or high-sugar diets that lead to bloating, sugar cravings, brain fog, and skin flare-ups. Read Dr. Ivy's insights on essential probiotics for gut and vaginal microbiome balance.
Targeted Support: Candida overgrowth, SIFO, recurrent fungal issues, oral/vaginal microbiome balance.
Gut-Skin & Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction
Addressing the direct biological highway between gut dysbiosis and skin conditions (acne, eczema) or mood dysregulation (anxiety, brain fog, fatigue). Read our clinical insights on how gut health directly causes and heals skin acne and explore the latest peer-reviewed research on the Gut-Skin Axis.
Targeted Support: Adult Acne, Eczema, Rosacea, GI-Induced Anxiety, Sleep Fragmentation.
Featured Protocols & Sub-Specialties
10-Day Jump Start & Gut Reset Protocol: Guided metabolic and digestive reset program designed to eliminate inflammatory triggers, enhance detox pathways, and reboot gut function.
Post-Antibiotic & Vaginal Microbiome Restoration: Structured re-inoculation and gut mucosal rebuilding protocols following antibiotic courses or GI infections. Learn about Dr. Ivy's recommendations for essential probiotics for gut and vaginal flora balance.
Therapeutic Modalities & Healing Tools
Your custom gut protocol combines clinical nutrition, evidence-based herbal medicine, and targeted supplementation:
Targeted Botanical Antimicrobials & Antifungals: Plant-based compounds (berberine, oregano, neem, allicin) engineered to reduce pathobionts while preserving beneficial microbiota.
Prokinetic & Motility Support: Natural prokinetics (ginger, artichoke extracts, 5-HTP) that stimulate the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) to prevent SIBO recurrence.
Mucosal Barrier & Enzyme Therapeutics: Soothing demulcents (L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, slippery elm) and digestive enzymes to repair the intestinal lining and optimize digestion.
Clinical Nutrition & Therapeutic Diets: Low-FODMAP, Anti-Inflammatory, Specific Carbohydrate (SCD), or Histamine-Restricted meal frameworks tailored to your metabolic blueprint.
Fullscript Supplement Protocols for Gut Health
Looking for professional-grade, physician-curated supplement support? Dr. Ivy has created targeted protocol collections available directly through our secure Fullscript online dispensary. Supplement collections below reflect practitioner formulations. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before initiating new dietary supplements.
SIBO & Motility Protocols
SIBO Eradication & Antimicrobial Support: Targeted herbal antimicrobials and biofilm disruptors tailored to hydrogen and methane overgrowth.
Prokinetic & MMC Motility Plan: Specialized botanical formulations to stimulate small intestine motility between meals.
Gut Repair & Microbiome Restoration
Healing Leaky Gut & Mucosal Repair: Clinical-strength L-glutamine, immunoglobulins, and demulcent botanicals to restore gut barrier integrity.
Targeted Probiotics & Microbiome Support: Spore-based, strain-specific probiotics and prebiotic fibers tailored to dysbiosis.
Digestion & Enzyme Support: Comprehensive HCl, pepsin, and pancreatic enzyme formulations to support optimal breakdown.
Metabolic & Detoxification Protocols
Simplicity Detox & Metabolic Reset: Guided nutritional and liver detoxification support for systemic clearing.
Acne & Gut Health Connection: Targeted antimicrobials and gut-clearing nutrients engineered to clear skin from within.
Patient Success Stories
Disclaimer: Patient reviews reflect personal experiences and do not constitute a guarantee of identical clinical results. Individual results may vary based on health history, compliance, and individual physiological factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Naturopathic doctors diagnose Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) using non-invasive 3-specimen breath testing (measuring hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide gases) in accordance with ACG SIBO diagnostic standards. Treatment follows a structured 4-phase protocol:
Phase 1: Precision Eradication: Utilizing targeted botanical antimicrobials (such as berberine, oregano, neem, and allicin) or prescription antimicrobials matched to your specific gas profile.
Phase 2: Motility & MMC Support: Prescribing natural prokinetics (ginger extract, artichoke leaf, 5-HTP) to restore the Migrating Motor Complex and prevent bacterial relapse.
Phase 3: Mucosal Barrier Repair: Restoring tight junction integrity and reducing gut inflammation using L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, and soothing demulcent herbs.
Phase 4: Microbiome Re-inoculation: Gradually expanding dietary diversity and introducing strain-specific, low-histamine probiotics.
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The 10-Day Jump Start at Simplicity Health Associates is a structured, clinician-guided gut reset program engineered to reduce systemic inflammation, clear dietary allergens, and reboot metabolic energy.
It is ideal for individuals experiencing:
Sudden unexplained abdominal bloating, post-meal fatigue, or sugar cravings.
Brain fog, joint stiffness, or skin breakouts following period of high stress or dietary indulgence.
A desire to establish a clean foundation before initiating targeted functional lab testing or specialized SIBO treatment.
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The gut and skin communicate through the gut-skin axis—a direct neuroendocrine and immunological link backed by PubMed Central clinical literature where intestinal inflammation, dysbiosis, and barrier compromise trigger systemic skin flare-ups.
Leaky Gut & Systemic Inflammation: When tight junctions in the gut lining break down, undigested food particles and bacterial endotoxins (LPS) leak into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation that manifests as cystic acne, eczema, or rosacea. Learn more in our guide to Gut Health for Clear Skin.
Estrobolome & Hormonal Clearance: Specific gut bacteria metabolize circulating estrogens. Microbial imbalance can cause estrogen reabsorption, contributing to hormonal jawline acne.
Nutrient Malabsorption: Chronic gut inflammation hinders the absorption of key skin-healing nutrients, including zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids.
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Yes, naturopathic medicine treats chronic acid reflux and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR or "silent reflux") by addressing lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function, stomach acid balance, and mucosal healing rather than indefinitely suppressing stomach acid with Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).
Restoring Stomach Acid Balance: Contrary to popular belief, GERD is frequently caused by low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), which leads to slow gastric emptying, intra-abdominal pressure, and acid backflow.
Strengthening LES Tone: Utilizing targeted nutrients (melatonin, zinc carnosine, deglycyrrhizinated licorice) and botanical bitter tonics to support sphincter closure and soothe mucosal tissue.
Identifying Food Triggers & Diaphragmatic Pressure: Addressing delayed food transit, SIBO-induced gas pressure, and dietary triggers.
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While Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a broad clinical diagnosis based on symptoms (chronic abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and altered bowel habits), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a specific, testable medical condition that is the primary underlying root cause of up to 60–80% of IBS cases.
Key differences include:
Location: IBS refers to general lower GI dysfunction, whereas SIBO involves abnormal bacterial accumulation in the small intestine where fermentation should not occur.
Diagnostic Method: IBS is diagnosed by ruling out disease (exclusion), while SIBO is definitively measured via specialized lactulose or glucose breath tests.
Treatment Target: Conventional IBS care focuses on symptom suppression (anti-diarrheals or laxatives), whereas SIBO care targets bacterial clearing, restoring stomach acid, and improving intestinal motility.
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At our West Village practice, Dr. Pauline Hoang, ND, and Dr. Ivy Branin, ND, order comprehensive functional GI diagnostics tailored to your symptoms:
3-Specimen SIBO Breath Test: Evaluates hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide gas levels across 120–180 minutes.
Advanced Stool Analysis: Evaluates gut microbiome diversity, opportunistic pathogens, parasite panels, Candida overgrowth, and digestive markers (elastase, calprotectin, secretory IgA).
Intestinal Permeability Screening: Measures mucosal barrier integrity to evaluate "leaky gut" and systemic antigen leakage.
Organic Acids Test (OAT): Evaluates metabolic byproducts, fungal markers, and cellular nutrient deficiencies.
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Worsening symptoms after consuming high-FODMAP healthy foods (garlic, onions, apples, cauliflower, legumes) is a classic hallmark sign of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) or specific gut dysbiosis.
Fermentation Overload: High-FODMAP foods contain fermentable short-chain carbohydrates. When bacteria overpopulate the small intestine, they rapidly ferment these sugars, producing high volumes of hydrogen or methane gas within 30–90 minutes of eating.
Clinical Strategy: Rather than restricting healthy foods forever, we temporarily reduce fermentable carbohydrates while using targeted botanical antimicrobials to clear the overgrowth, allowing you to reintroduce a broad, nutrient-dense diet.
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Both doctors are accredited Naturopathic Doctors expert in functional gastroenterology:
Choose Dr. Pauline Hoang, ND: As our Associate Intake Lead, Dr. Pauline specializes in functional gut restoration (SIBO, IBS, bloating, leaky gut), the gut-skin axis (acne, eczema), pediatric digestion, and offers a Free 15-Minute Health Roadmap Call for new patients.
Choose Dr. Ivy Branin, ND: If your digestive issues overlap heavily with complex reproductive hormone imbalances (PCOS, PMDD, menopause), fertility challenges, or long-standing autoimmune condition management (such as Hashimoto's with SIBO).
Ready to Restore Your Gut Health from the Root Cause?
Take the first step toward lasting digestive comfort and vibrant health. Book an initial consultation with Dr. Ivy Branin, ND, or Dr. Pauline Hoang, ND, at our Wesr Village practice in NYC or virtually from anywhere in the world.
In-person consultations available at our NYC office. Virtual telemedicine consultations are available for patients across New York State and globally.