WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease rather than merely treating symptoms.
It focuses on understanding the complex interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors to promote optimal health and well-being.
Over the past 10 years, I have observed a common pattern behind chronic illness and long-term health issues, both in my personal experience and in my clients. This pattern is driven by three main factors, all stemming from one root cause:
STRESS
Stress can be divided into three key categories:
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Physical Stress: Injuries to the body such as fractures, burns, or wounds.
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Biochemical Stress: The body’s response to pathogens like viruses or bacteria, as well as exposure to toxins such as pesticides and industrial chemicals like lead or mercury.
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Psychological Stress: Emotional or mental strain from life events like the loss of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or early childhood trauma.​
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While genes do play a role in our health, it is less significant than we might think. Fewer than 5% of all conditions can be directly traced to a chromosomal level. Experience has shown that our environment has a far greater influence on how these genes are expressed.
This concept, known as epigenetics, empowers us to overcome conditions once thought to be firmly rooted in our genetic makeup.
To resolve symptoms sustainably and prevent them from recurring,
it is crucial to identify which of these three stressors has contributed to the condition and address it in a holistic manner.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE ADDRESSED?
Functional medicine addresses a wide range of conditions and symptoms by focusing on their underlying causes.
Common conditions treated include:
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Chronic Illnesses: Such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
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Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
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Digestive Disorders: Including IBS, Crohn’s disease, and food sensitivities.
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Hormonal Imbalances: Issues like thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, and Fatigue.
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Mental Health Concerns: Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
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Skin conditions like: psoriasis, Acne, Eczema.
WHAT DOES A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TREATMENT CONSIST OF?
This is not a quick-fix, 10-day program. True healing comes from consistent, sustained effort. It took years for your body to develop the symptoms you are having so we need to give it time to heal on all levels. although many of my clients begin to notice improvements in their overall health within days or weeks.
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​Assessment and Diagnostics
The treatment process begins with a thorough assessment, including:
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Comprehensive Evaluations: In-depth discussions about your health history, lifestyle, and symptoms.
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Lab Tests: Advanced testing to uncover underlying imbalances, such as hormonal, digestive, or metabolic issues.
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Patient History: A detailed exploration of your genetics, environment, and life experiences to understand the root causes of your condition.
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Treatment Plan
A personalized treatment plan is created, which may include:
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Lifestyle Modifications: Adjustments to daily habits, exercise, and sleep routines.
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Dietary Changes: avoidence of trigger foods and adding nutrients that benefit you health
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Supplements: vitamins, minerals and or herbal remedies to support healing tailored to your specific needs
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Integrative Therapies: A combination of traditional and alternative treatments, such as brain retraining, stress management, or Hot and cold therapy.​
Follow-Up and Support
Ongoing support is vital to ensure success, which includes:
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Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ins to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
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Ongoing Support: Continuous guidance, education, and motivation to stay on track with your health goals.
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Treatment Adjustments: Modifying the treatment plan as your health improves or new challenges arise.