Functional Medicine
What is functional medicine?
I discovered functional medicine when conventional medicine fell short during my routine hormone testing. The Institute For Functional Medicine defines functional medicine as “a method of healthcare that examines the underlying reasons for a disease or condition, rather than just treating the symptoms.”
What I loved about it is that it rather than focusing on one symptom or diagnosis, my doctor focused upstream from my presenting symptoms and got to the root of my issues. With this strategy, we solved it. Often, as I found out, the path to optimizing your health falls into lifestyle changes you can do yourself - that’s power.
What do functional medicine doctors do?
Back in the day you’d go to the doctor with a list of symptoms or questions you’d like to discuss. Now the norm is that doctors will focus on one symptom that they can code insurance for, wasting time and money only to receive a prescription and a referral as you walk out the door.
Because functional medicine doctors take a holistic approach to your health, they consider various aspects of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Your functional medicine doctor takes into account:
your diet
genetics
hormonal changes
prescription, over-the-counter medications and supplements
other lifestyle factors
What is the difference between functional and Western medicine?
Traditional (allopathic) medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating symptoms and diseases, while functional medicine considers environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to the root of the problem. These factors include sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress, relationships, and access to clean air and water.
The reality is that both conventional and functional medicine have their strengths and weaknesses. My best approach for newbies is to cherry pick what works for you and that will depend on your specific health needs and preferences. I find a combination of both approaches to be beneficial. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about your health and treatment options.
What are the benefits of using a functional medicine doctor?
If you're interested in a more comprehensive and holistic approach to your health, here are seven reasons why you may want to consider consulting with a functional medicine doctor.
Personalized and Holistic Approach: This approach helps understand your unique health needs, beyond just symptoms and promotes taking control of your overall well-being.
Focus on Preventive Care: This approach allows for taking proactive steps towards maintaining long-term optimal health and preventing chronic diseases.
Uncovering the Root Causes: Functional medicine dives deep into identifying and resolving the underlying reasons behind health issues.
Integration of Complementary Therapies: Functional medicine incorporates diverse healing methods such as nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care, mind-body practices, and others.
Emphasis on Nutrition and Lifestyle: They can fine tune your nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep to help you make positive changes that best support your well-being.
Collaboration and Empowerment: They promote honest and cooperative communication and empower patients to make decisions about their care that are consistent with their objectives and beliefs.
Support for Chronic Conditions: They focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of the problems, reducing the need for long-term medication use
