Functional Medicine
What Is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine is an integrative health care approach based on the newest cutting edge research findings in medicine, biochemistry, genetics and technology.
Rather than asking ‘What drug matches up with this disease?’, Functional Medicine seeks to identify and address the root cause of disease and ageing. It aims to uncover, hormonal, inflammatory, genetic and other biochemical triggers to restore the body's self-healing capacity and return to optimal health, wellbeing and 'anti-ageing'.
5 Key Points of Functional Medicine
- Our hormones and neurotransmitters regulate energy production, fat burning, mood, and their dysregulation is common in patients with weight gain, fatigue and depression.
- Our digestive tract is responsible for the absorption of nutrients and is a key component of our immune system through SIgA production. Problems with digestion can cause bloating, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea. Low stomach acids and digestive enzymes are common problems seen with digestive issues as well as the development of parasitic, bacterial and yeast infections. Gut dysfunction can inhibit the assimilation of vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids.
- Our detoxification system helps us eliminate harmful toxins. Chemical and heavy metal exposure through beauty supplies, plastics, and environmental pollutants are taxing our detox system creating a negative impact on our genes. By positively optimizing epigenetic influences (the environment’s impact on our genes) we can better control and possibly even eliminate allergies, asthma, joint pain, skin problems, headaches and the acceleration of aging.
- By optimizing mitochondrial function (our cells’ engines) and minimizing oxidative stress which destroys them, we will be able to increase energy production within the cell and our bodies and overcome the fatigue many of us experience on a daily basis.
- The mind/body relationship will be optimized so we can fully benefit from this extremely integrated system.
Benefits of Functional Medicine
Improving the five big ailments: depression, weight gain, fatigue, hormone imbalance, and GI problems.
Decreasing abnormal inflammation, blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Optimizing hormone levels, which can improve weight loss, energy levels, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Reducing sleep difficulties and brain fog.
Helping with GI dysfunction creating an improved immune system and potential resolution to bloating and abdominal discomfort.