7 Benefits Of Using A Functional Medicine Doctor
As we know, health is wealth and using a functional medicine doctor can pay dividends toward your vitality and longevity.
With rockstar functional medicine doctors out there like Mark Hyman MD, Zach Bush MD and Peter Attia MD, functional medicine has become increasingly popular as an alternative or complement to traditional medical care by giving patients more access to healthcare and empowering them with health freedom.
If you're interested in a more comprehensive and holistic approach to your health, here are seven reasons why you may want to consider consulting with a functional medicine doctor.
1. Personalized and Holistic Approach:
You’ll feel seen and heard. Functional medicine doctors provide personalized treatment plans that consider various factors like medical history, genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This approach helps understand your unique health needs, beyond just symptoms and promotes taking control of your overall well-being.
2. Focus on Preventive Care:
Get ahead of it. Functional medicine focuses on prevention by identifying and addressing risk factors and potential health imbalances before illness occurs. This approach allows for taking proactive steps towards maintaining long-term optimal health and preventing chronic diseases.
3. Uncovering the Root Causes:
Why waste time? Get to the root of the problem. Conventional medicine typically only addresses symptoms, whereas functional medicine dives deep into identifying and resolving the underlying reasons behind health issues, such as deficiencies in nutrients, imbalances in hormones, problems with digestion, and exposure to harmful toxins. By tackling these root causes, you can expand your healthspan.
4. Integration of Complementary Therapies:
I always say, “the best medicine is the one that works for you!” Functional medicine incorporates diverse healing methods such as nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care, mind-body practices, and others. These therapies can be used right alongside conventional treatments to improve efficacy and minimize adverse effects. This approach allows the patient to choose from the many options out there and fit their needs.
5. Emphasis on Nutrition and Lifestyle:
You’d be living under a rock if you didn’t know that the food we consume and our lifestyle choices effect our health. The problem is knowing exactly what to choose from all of the overwhelming information out there. A functional medicine doctor use evidence-based medicine to prioritize nutrition and lifestyle modifications in their treatment plans. They can fine tune your nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep to help you make positive changes that best support your well-being.
6. Collaboration and Empowerment:
Teamwork makes the dream work. Functional medicine doctors prioritize building a close relationship with their patients. They promote honest and cooperative communication and empower patients to make decisions about their care that are consistent with their objectives and beliefs.
7. Support for Chronic Conditions:
Research supports the fact that lifestyle choices are effective in treating long-term conditions like autoimmune disorders, metabolic issues, and gastrointestinal problems. Instead of only treating symptoms with medication, functional medicine doctors focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of the problems, reducing the need for long-term medication use and lead to an overall improvement in quality of life.
What lab tests do functional medicine doctors recommend?
Even though lifestyle changes are commonly used to optimize health, sometimes labwork can make a clear path. Functional medicine doctors use a range of tests to assess a patient's health status and identify underlying imbalances or dysfunctions. The specific tests ordered may vary depending on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and individual health concerns. Some functional medicine doctors can use your current labwork, reducing costs.
However, here are nine common tests that a functional medicine doctor might consider:
Comprehensive Blood Panel: A comprehensive blood panel is a standard diagnostic tool that provides valuable information about various aspects of a patient's health. This panel typically includes tests to assess:
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Evaluates red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
Lipid Profile: Measures cholesterol levels and triglycerides, which are crucial for assessing cardiovascular health.
Blood Glucose: Measures blood sugar levels, essential for assessing diabetes risk and overall metabolic health.
Liver & Kidney Function Tests: Evaluates liver enzymes and function, helping to identify any liver or kidney related issues.
Comprehensive Hormone Panel: A comprehensive hormone panel helps assess the balance of various hormones in the body. Hormones play a crucial role in many bodily processes, including metabolism, energy levels, mood regulation, and reproductive health. This panel might include tests for hormones such as:
Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3, T4): Evaluates thyroid function and metabolism.
Cortisol: Assesses the body's stress response and adrenal function.
Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone): Evaluates hormonal balance and reproductive health.
Inflammation Markers: Helps identify signs of inflammation in the body
Food Sensitivity Testing: Food sensitivity testing can help identify specific foods that might be triggering an immune response or causing inflammation in the body. This test is different from food allergy testing and can highlight potential intolerances to certain foods.
Nutritional Assessment: Functional medicine doctors often assess a patient's nutritional status to identify any deficiencies or imbalances that could be contributing to health issues. This assessment might include testing for:
Vitamin D levels: Crucial for bone health and immune function.
Vitamin B12 and Folate: Important for energy production and nerve health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for brain and heart health.
Micronutrients and Minerals: Evaluates the levels of various essential nutrients in the body.
Biological Age: DNA testing can identify how your body ages on a cellular level based on epigenetics, lifestyle factors and helps patients monitor their bodies changes.
Everyone is unique, and additional tests may be necessary based on your specific health concerns. Functional medicine doctors use these tests as part of a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat the root causes of health issues, tailoring treatments to suit each individual's needs.
In conclusion:
Why not try exploring functional medicine if you want a personalized and comprehensive approach to achieving better health and well-being. Functional medicine doctors focus on prevention and integrate complementary therapies for a unique healthcare experience. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your specific health needs.
Want to know more about hiring a functional medicine doctor in Kauai?
To see if functional medicine is right for you, make an appointment with Dr. Brooke Foreman contact us on (808) 378 4888 or send an email to: drbrookeforeman@gmail.com
