Whether you’re considering a new health practitioner or looking to make a change, a functional medicine doctor can provide the care you need. This approach focuses on the individual, not the disease, and involves a combination of conventional and alternative medical research.
Symptom control
Symptom control with a functional medicine doctor may be a little more involved than just a prescription, but it can be an effective way to improve your health. There are a number of factors to take into account, such as your lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors.
In order to do it right, you need to take the time to make a commitment. A functional medicine doctor will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan. They will take into account your symptoms and make recommendations, including exercise and stress management techniques, therapeutic diets, and even supplements. You’ll also be offered encouragement and support along the way.
Functional medicine doctors have the right education to make them effective at treating chronic diseases. They also take the time to get to know you and discuss all of your health concerns. They may even do repeat diagnostic testing and offer a variety of treatment options.
Treating the root causes
Traditionally, doctors have treated symptoms, but functional medicine focuses on treating the root causes of a health problem. The practice addresses the causes of disease by looking at the genetics, diet, and environment of a person. It also focuses on addressing lifestyle factors.
Functional medicine is an integrative approach that works with patients to treat the root causes of a health problem. This approach is more effective than relying on medication for symptoms. It also allows patients to make healthier choices and develop self-efficacy. It’s also considered less risky than other health models.
Functional medicine doctors are trained to analyze a patient’s full medical history, including family history, and provide personalized treatment. They may prescribe medications, supplements, and other therapies to treat the root causes of a health problem. It is also possible to avoid drugs that have unwanted side effects.
Functional medicine practitioners may use in-office exams, lab tests, and questionnaires to understand the patient’s health profile. They also consider factors such as the patient’s social environment, stress levels, and movement routines.
Functional medicine addresses the root causes of chronic diseases, and it can improve patients’ sleep, libido, energy, and vitality. It also helps to reduce inflammation and can be helpful for treating depression, anxiety, and hormone imbalances.
Integrating conventional and alternative medical research
Fortunately, the medical industry is not immune to the new wave. As such, CAM medicines are underpinned by the same regulatory processes as conventional medicines. Indeed, the number of alternative medicine treatments that are being prescribed by doctors is on the rise, with some studies estimating that up to a quarter of the nation’s healthcare dollars are spent on such therapies. While there are downsides to alternative medicine, the benefits are priceless gift. Unlike conventional medicine, alternative medicine is not subsidized by the government, which may be a contributing factor to the growing number of users.
Focusing on the individual, not the disease
Unlike conventional medicine, functional medicine focuses on the patient’s individual needs. It treats underlying causes of disease instead of just symptoms. It emphasizes patient involvement in treatment and emphasizes the need for sustainable lifestyle changes.
The patient-centered approach of functional medicine engages the patient in the design of a personalized health-management program. The program combines pharmaceutical science with lifestyle changes, such as changing diets, stress management techniques, and exercise. Functional medicine also focuses on the environment and genetics.
Functional medicine is the next generation of specialized medicine. It was developed to meet the growing demands of healthcare in the 21st century. The health care system rewards doctors for specialization. In conventional medicine, a patient can be treated with medication, surgery, or an array of treatments. The patient may be referred to a mental health professional for further evaluation if there are mental health concerns.
Functional medicine is also based on interconnections between the organs and systems of the body. The body is a complex system that fluctuates on a spectrum. This fluctuation in allostatic load affects the functions of each body system. It is a key contributor to chronic disease. Symptoms such as weight gain, joint pain, and decreased sex drive are indicators that the allostatic load has broken down.
Functional medicine clinicians view the patient as a unique system, with many interrelated organs and systems. It is essential that the practitioner understands the patient’s unique genetic makeup and lifestyle factors. They also understand that the patient’s responses to treatment will be different from person to person.
Functional medicine clinicians recognize that there is a dynamic interplay between the genetic template and the environment. Functional medicine uses data to create personalized treatment plans. This includes stress management techniques, exercise plans, therapeutic diets, and detoxification programs. It also includes botanicals and functional neuro-rehabilitation.
Functional medicine uses specialized tests to identify metabolic functions. These tests may include urine metabolite testing, comprehensive stool analysis, and hormone assessment. The results of these tests provide functional medicine physicians with a deeper understanding of a patient’s metabolic functions. Functional medicine physicians may also prescribe medications and other therapies.