What is Functional Medicine and Why Do You Need It?

 

Functional medicine is an individualized, patient centered, science-based approach. Functional Medicine looks at the root cause rather than symptoms and targets the specific manifestations of disease in each individual.

When working with a Functional Medicine Practitioner you will feel empowered as you and your practitioner work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness together. A Functional Medicine practitioner will spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease.

How is Functional Medicine Different?

• Patient-Centered Care.The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care; promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease.
• An integrative, science-based health care approach.Functional medicine looks “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness.
• Integrating best medical practices.Functional Medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with what are sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise. Functional Medicine also uses the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combination of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.

Why is Functional Medicine important?

• As a society we are experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis).
• The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care. Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease.
• There’s a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice.
• Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.

For more information on Functional Medicine and what you should look for when choosing a Functional Medicine Practitioner give TLC The Littleton Clinic a call at 720.351.2411.