Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine; the future of conventional medicine, and it is available NOW

Functional medicine is essentially a combination of naturopathic and conventional medicine. Practitioners of functional medicine aim to identify and treat the underlying causes of disease, viewing the body as a unified system rather than separate organs. This approach focuses on treating the entire system, not just symptoms, which is a key aspect of naturopathic medicine. Both functional and naturopathic medicine take a holistic approach to addressing the root causes of disease through collaboration between patients and practitioners. This patient-centered approach represents a shift from traditional disease-focused care to a more comprehensive focus on the individuals overall health and well-being. By considering genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that impact long-term health, practitioners of functional and naturopathic medicine strive to optimize each persons unique expression of health and vitality.

The 6 Core Elements of Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is guided by six core principles:

Personalized Health & Wellness
An understanding of the biochemical individuality of each human being, based on the concepts of genetic and environmental uniqueness;
Patient-Centered Care
Awareness of the evidence that supports a patient-centered rather than a disease-centered approach to treatment;
Holistic Balance
Search for a dynamic balance among the internal and external body, mind, and spirit;
Interconnected Systems
Familiarity with the web-like interconnections of internal physiological factors;
Vitality & Well-Being
Identification of health as a positive vitality not merely the absence of disease emphasizing those factors that encourage the enhancement of a vigorous physiology;
Longevity & Resilience
Promotion of organ reserve as the means to enhance the health span, not just the lifespan, of each patient.

Why do we need Functional Medicine and how is it Different?

Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, endocrinological (hormones) disorders and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
The system of medicine practiced by most medical doctors is oriented toward acute care, prescribing drugs, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom. And of course, this is vitally important.
Unfortunately, however, the acute-care approach lacks the methodology, tools and time for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases, the individual genetic makeup of each individual, environmental exposures to toxins and lifestyle factors that do indeed have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease are not taken into account.
There is a large time lag between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years—particularly in the area of complex, chronic illness.
Most medical doctors are not trained properly to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients. Nor does the current medical model of care allow for the time this type of practice requires.
An integrative, science-based healthcare approach. Functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
Integrating the best medical practices. Functional medicine works nice with naturopathic medicine in that they both merge conventional medicine with “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of botanical medicines, bioidentical hormones (as indicated) supplements, therapeutic diets, acupuncture, detoxification programs, chelation or stress-management techniques.

THE PROCESS

How to get started

Your journey towards a balanced, vibrant life begins with a choice—a choice to prioritize your health and well-being. Let's explore together how natural hormone treatment can unlock your fullest potential.

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BOOK A CONSULTATION

If you're on the fence about jumping into your naturopathic health journey, feel free to book a free 10-minute consultation call with me. 

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PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Your initial health assessment is your first appointment which is one hour. We will discuss your medical history, family medical history, lifestyle, discuss your goals, review any lab work you may have sent ahead of time, do a deep dive on your concerns and order lab work if necessary. Then I provide a comprehensive strategic plan which may include nutrition and exercise changes, herbs or supplements, and hormone replacement therapy or other prescriptions as indicated and referrals if indicated.

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FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS

In your follow-up appointments, we will go over any changes you have noticed and make adjustments accordingly to your plan, and do refills as required.  These visits vary in length and this depends on what is requried.