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'.

There are four primary labs that are utilized in addition to the standard blood panels when evaluating a person's health. They are all highly accurate, CLIA certified, easy, non-invasive at-home collections:

Adrenal Stress Test-evaluating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA) A saliva test that evaluates cortisol (stress hormones) levels throughout the day and DHEA, which “buffers” cortisol and is considered the “fountain of youth hormone”.
G.I. Test-evaluating gastrointestinal status via stool, which includes digestive health, microbiome (gut bacteria), pathogens such as parasites, opportunistic bacteria, virus, and candida(yeast).
Organic Acid Test via urine, analogous to emission testing of your car. We can evaluate how well you’re breaking down and producing energy from the foods that you’re eating, determining vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant status, mitochondrial (engines of your cells) health, detoxification status, neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), and a small section on gut health.
D.U.T.C.H. Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a groundbreaking methodology that sets a new standard in hormone metabolite (breakdown products that indicate how effectively hormones are used) testing, surpassing traditional saliva and blood tests. While traditional hormone diagnostics provide limited information about hormonal status, the DUTCH Test provides practitioners with a complete picture of patient hormone levels and metabolism to help solve complex clinical questions with easy at-home collection. This is especially important when a person is on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This test will help monitor the effectiveness and safety of hormone therapy.

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.