About Functional Medicine
We help in preventing and reversing chronic conditions by addressing the root cause(s) and engaging you in a collaborative journey towards optimal wellness.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a comprehensive, evidence-based healthcare approach personalized for each individual. It integrates holistic health principles from both traditional and alternative medicine with modern biological insights, disease mechanisms, diagnostics, and treatments to identify root cause of disease to achieve effective health outcomes.
Functional medicine looks for the root issue that caused the symptoms, then works to correct that underlying issue. As a result, the symptoms will then typically reduce or resolve. This is the only way to have a lasting benefit beyond just suppressing symptoms.
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Conventional Medicine
vs.
Functional Medicine
Both Functional medicine and Conventional medicine are practiced by licensed professionals, use evidence-based methods, and employ advanced diagnostics. Conventional medicine excels in treating acute medical issues with life-saving interventions, providing immediate relief for urgent needs. However, for chronic diseases, the approaches diverge significantly. Conventional medicine often focuses on symptom relief through pharmaceuticals, which can lead to recurring symptoms and serious side effects once the medication is stopped. This "pill for every ill" model does not promote long-term health, contributing to rising chronic disease rates and decreasing life expectancy.
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Chronic disease rates are increasing, and life expectancy is decreasing. It's important to recognize that diseases are not caused by a lack of pharmaceuticals; therefore, medications should not be the primary treatment approach. Functional Medicine aims to identify and address the root causes of conditions. By targeting the underlying issues, Functional Medicine restores health and naturally reduces symptoms, fostering long-term wellness.
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Functional medicine can be better understood through a practical example.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain, leading to potential joint damage over time. Conventional treatment focuses on using medications to suppress the immune system, reducing symptoms but also increasing susceptibility to infections and potentially cancer. This approach does not address the root cause, and symptoms often return if medication is stopped.
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Functional medicine takes a different approach by identifying and correcting the underlying causes of the immune system dysfunction. Potential triggers, such as microbial imbalances in the gut, chronic viral infections, nutritional deficiencies, and food sensitivities, are investigated through comprehensive health histories and laboratory tests. Treatment plans are then tailored to address these root causes, restoring normal body function without the risks and side effects of pharmaceuticals.
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This method has proven effective for autoimmune diseases like RA and offers a viable solution for many other chronic health conditions.
Root Causes of Diseases
Increased Gut Permeability (Leaky Gut): Leaky gut occurs when the intestinal lining becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger widespread inflammation and immune responses, contributing to various chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases and allergies.
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Imbalance in Gut Microbiome (Dysbiosis): Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiota, where harmful microbes outnumber beneficial ones. This disruption can lead to digestive issues, reduced nutrient absorption, weakened immune function, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Poor diet: Our body requires a diverse range of macro and micronutrients to function optimally. When these nutrient levels are suboptimal, the body prioritizes immediate survival needs, often compromising other important but less critical functions.
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Toxin Load (Heavy Metals, Plastics, Chemicals, etc.): Exposure to toxins like heavy metals, plastics, and various chemicals can accumulate in the body, disrupting metabolic processes and leading to cellular damage. This toxic burden can contribute to chronic diseases, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, and a compromised immune system.
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Toxicity: Accumulation of toxins and toxic stressors lead to a total body burden upon our health. Detoxification is therefore very important in the quest to address underlying causes of illness.
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Stress (Downregulated Immune System): Chronic stress can lead to the downregulation of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Stress also contributes to inflammation, disrupts hormonal balance, and negatively impacts mental health, sleep, and overall well-being.
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Circadian Mismatch: Circadian mismatch occurs when there is a misalignment between the body's internal clock and external environmental cues, often due to irregular sleep patterns or exposure to artificial light at night. This can disrupt sleep, hormone production, metabolism, and overall health, increasing the risk of various chronic conditions.
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Non-Native EMF Exposure: Exposure to non-native electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from sources like cell phones, Wi-Fi, and other electronic devices can interfere with the body's natural electromagnetic processes. This exposure has been linked to increased oxidative stress, cellular damage, sleep disturbances, and potential long-term health risks.
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High Lectin Diet: Lectins are proteins found in certain plants that can cause digestive issues and inflammation in sensitive individuals. A diet high in lectins, particularly from sources like legumes, grains, and some vegetables, can contribute to gut irritation, nutrient malabsorption, and autoimmune reactions.
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Omega-6:3 Imbalance: A diet high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids can promote inflammation and disrupt cellular function. Achieving a proper balance between these essential fatty acids is crucial for reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and maintaining overall cellular health.
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Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells, responsible for energy production. Mitochondrial dysfunction can result from genetic factors, environmental toxins, poor diet, and chronic stress, leading to decreased energy production, increased oxidative stress, and the development of chronic diseases.
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Each of these factors plays a critical role in overall health, and addressing them holistically will help improve well-being and prevent chronic illnesses.
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