Functional Medicine: An innovative approach to disease prevention and treatment

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine uses a patient-centered approach to identify the root cause of an illness. Whereas conventional medicine uses symptom based treatments based on a specific disease, functional medicine focuses on disease prevention with an emphasis on the whole body. In simpler terms functional medicine looks at how the body is functioning, and treats the altered function causing the illness.

Functional medicine specialists believe each person is unique and that all form and functions are interconnected. Therefore, each individual must be looked at through a lens in which all factors are considered, such as genes, diet, environment, social experiences, triggers, and their relationship to their symptoms. A treatment plan may have multiple modalities versus one specific treatment protocol.

Functional Medicine Specialists

Some people choose to see a functional medicine specialist when they are dealing with chronic conditions. Ailments such as allergies, thyroid disorders, irritable bowel, weight gain, arthritis, chronic fatigue, rashes, asthma, and hormone imbalances are some of the most common reasons people choose to seek out a functional medicine specialist. However, these practitioners also care for individuals with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

One can expect to have a fairly lengthy initial appointment. Items that will be discussed include an extensive medical history, diet, sleep, stress, and environment. A physical exam and lab tests will also be performed. Lab tests can include blood, urine, stool, and food sensitivity panels. Based on the findings a treatment plan tailored to the individual will be implemented. Treatments may include dietary changes, incorporating exercise routines, adding supplements, or practicing meditative/relaxation techniques. Typically these plans will include a combination of things.

Benefits

Recent studies have demonstrated that the functional health model had positive effects for patients dealing with chronic diseases. Multimodal individualized care plans are proving to be more effective than a one symptom target management. There is also a potential for cost savings to the patient as well as the health care system. Patients may not need expensive medications or procedures.

Conclusion

As more people are interested in whole body natural approaches to their health and well being the field of functional medicine increases in popularity. Most health care systems now include some kind of functional health department. By identifying and correcting altered function patients can address the root cause and live their best life.

References:

Bland, J. S. (2022). Functional medicine past, present, and future. Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 21(2), 22–26. https://doi.org/10.1002/imt2.79

The Institute for Functional Medicine. (n.d.). Functional medicine. https://www.ifm.org/functional-medicine

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board