Functional medicine
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine digs to the cellular level to restore homeostasis (biochemical equilibrium within the cells).
It allows the physician to modulate in a more refined way the body response to any aggressions whether infectious, inflammatory or psychologically stress. It pays careful attention for example to toxic overload, proposing detoxification of the gastro-intestinal system and the liver, in order to regenerate the tissues and boost the energy of the systems.
It, therefore, demands a more in-depth medical history looking for genetic susceptibility, biochemical disruption, stress accumulation, hormonal imbalance, toxicity overload, unresolved psychological issues and unhealthy lifestyle habits among which western diet plays a big part.
Many of these ‘diseases’ result from basic physiological homeostatic disruption in the first place; as well as intestinal permeability (leaky gut) associated to dysbiosis, (unhealthy microbiome/bacteria of the gut).
How does functional medicine differ from conventional medicine?
The primary difference between functional medicine and conventional medicine lies in the approach to treatment. Conventional medicine typically focuses on diagnosing and treating the symptoms of disease, often through the use of pharmaceuticals or surgery. While these treatments can be effective, they may not address the underlying causes of the condition.
Functional medicine, on the other hand, seeks to understand the root causes of illness and aims to treat these underlying factors. This approach often involves a more detailed patient history and may incorporate a wide range of diagnostic tests to get a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health. Treatments in functional medicine often include a combination of lifestyle changes, nutrition, supplements, and other therapies tailored to the individual.
What types of conditions can functional medicine treat?
Our unhealthy lifestyle has recently led to an increase of a chronic state of inflammation in the body inducing the main 20th century illnesses such as:
Diabesity (diabetes type 2 caused by obesity). Metabolic syndrome. Digestive issues: IBS, IBD, maldigestion, chronic infection. Women's health / hormonal issues: women health check, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), PMS (premenstrual syndrome), hormonal dysbalance, hormonal deficiency =pre, peri, post-menopause, fertility. Thyroid dysfunction including Hashimoto's disease. Adrenal issues: Burnout, chronic fatigue syndrome. Depression, addiction, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Age management therapy.
What is the functional medicine approach to diagnosis?
Functional medicine practitioners use a detailed and personalised approach to diagnosis. This often involves an extensive patient history, including information about the patient’s lifestyle, diet, stress levels, and environmental exposures. Laboratory tests are also commonly used to assess factors such as nutrient levels, antioxidant analysis, urine analysis, metabolic function, and gut health with stools and microbiome studies.
The goal is to identify patterns and imbalances that may be contributing to the patient’s health issues. By understanding these underlying factors, practitioners can develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses the root causes of disease, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Can functional medicine be integrated with conventional treatments?
Yes, functional medicine can be effectively integrated with conventional treatments to provide the best possible care. This integrative approach can enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments and help reduce side effects.
For instance, a patient with diabetes might use conventional medications to manage their blood sugar levels while also working with a specialist to improve their diet, reduce stress, and address other underlying factors that contribute to their condition. This holistic approach can lead to better overall health and may even reduce the need for medication over time.