“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” -Thomas Edison

Conventional medicine has made extraordinary advances in fighting disease and extending life but there is a growing concern that we are exclusively focusing on the body and not the whole person. Conventional medicine is failing to recognize the inter-connected web not only between the body, mind, and spirit, but also between individual, community, and planet.

According to a comprehensive study by the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Research Council, American men ranked last in life expectancy, and women were ranked second to last. Despite the amazing advancements in life saving surgeries and emergency care, when it comes to chronic health conditions and longevity, we are doing something wrong. Functional medicine is recognizing this problem and offering a sustainable health solution.

Many people today still do not know what Functional Medicine is or understand why they should give it a try. Read below for six compelling reasons why functional medicine is the medicine of the future.

1. Functional medicine interprets labs differently

On labs there is a reference range that tells you what is considered “normal.” Anything outside of this reference range is typically labeled as “high” or “low”. This reference range is determined by a statistical bell curve average of the population of that lab. If your lab value is one number away from being outside of the reference range, you’re still classified as “normal.” But disease doesn’t start as soon as you go out of that range. You are either trending toward disease or trending away. A functional medicine lab analysis sheds light on the unanswered health questions that fall through the cracks of the standard care model.

2. Functional medicine practitioners often run more extensive labs

Functional medicine looks at the full scope of the patient’s physiology. Comprehensive labs look at underlying deficiencies, imbalances, infections and dysfunctions.

3. Functional medicine practitioners customize health care

Functional medicine recognizes that we are all designed a little differently, so what works for one person isn’t necessarily best for you. Functional medicine practitioners create a tailored, comprehensive health program that addresses you as the unique individual you are.

4. Functional medicine practitioners spend more one-on-one time with patients

Mainstream medicine is really bogged down with symptom care. That is why every six months you typically wait an hour at your doctor’s office for a five-minute visit. This system is failing millions of Americans suffering from chronic health conditions. A functional medicine practitioner will spend time, listen and work with you to solve your health condition.

5. Functional medicine practitioners address underlying dysfunctions

Mainstream medicine is structured to manage symptoms; functional medicine is concerned with addressing the underlying dysfunctions of the body that give rise to symptoms.

6. Functional medicine practitioners don’t shy away from natural treatments

Functional medicine is not anti-medication, but asks what the patient’s most effective option is, and what causes the fewest side effects.

Is functional medicine right for you? Give TLC The Littleton Clinic a call to learn more information or to schedule an appointment at 720.351.2411.

Further reading:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15699/why-functional-medicine-is-the-future-of-health.html
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-future-of-medicine-evolution-or-revolution_b_8993128

Committed to your health,
The TLC Team
720-351-2411
www.TheLittletonClinic.com