Dr. Birgit Dinnewitzer

She came to endoscopy somewhat by chance during her training. Rotation schedules meant she had to stay there longer than planned — but that was precisely what opened up a new perspective for her.

Many of her patients have already been through countless examinations. Bloating, pain, or irregular bowel movements disrupt their daily lives, yet they are repeatedly told that nothing is wrong. This is exactly where Dinnewitzer's real detective work begins.

Not every functional bowel complaint is irritable bowel syndrome, and not every bloated abdomen is caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth — SIBO for short. Breath tests can provide useful clues, but they must be chosen according to the patient's symptoms and interpreted by an expert.

When SIBO is diagnosed, treatment is guided by its type and possible underlying causes. Depending on the findings, antibiotics or herbal remedies are used, supported by nutritional medicine and lifestyle adjustments. This combination reflects Dinnewitzer's philosophy: her passion lies in classical conventional medicine, while she remains equally attentive to the possibilities that naturopathy has to offer.

The gut-brain axis plays an important role in functional complaints. When pain persists over a prolonged period, the nervous system can become increasingly sensitive to signals from the digestive tract. Digestive movements that once went largely unnoticed may then begin to trigger symptoms. Medical hypnosis targets this signal processing. It is designed to help regulate perception patterns and draw on a patient's own inner resources when facing stressful situations.

This has nothing to do with stage hypnosis. Patients remain fully responsive at all times.

Hypnosis is also not a tool to be used casually. Specialist knowledge and clear boundaries are essential, particularly when traumatic experiences are involved.

For this doctor, patient education doesn't stop at the practice door. Under the handle @doc_dinni, she explains medical topics on Instagram in a sharp and humorous way, producing all the posts herself — and clearly enjoying every bit of it. This also gives expression to the creative side that once nearly drew her toward graphic design. Above all, however, she wants to counter questionable health advice with solid, well-founded knowledge. Doctors need to be present where people go looking for answers:

One topic she encounters repeatedly — both in her practice and online — is sweeping dietary recommendations. Dinnewitzer is particularly critical of

And yet sometimes it is the simple things that do the gut the most good. One recommendation is especially close to her heart, and it applies to everyone: chew thoroughly, and eat without a screen or other distractions. She doesn't always manage this herself either. What matters, though, is not perfection — it's keeping these basics in mind, again and again.

As varied as the complaints and methods may be, the starting point is always the same: listen carefully, examine thoroughly, and work out the right therapy together.

I see health as a continuous process of self-care, not merely the absence of illness. That is why I strive to offer my patients a new perspective on achieving, maintaining, and actively promoting their health."