Functional Medicine
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach to healthcare that seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It integrates conventional medical practices with evidence-based complementary therapies, focusing on how genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors influence long-term health.
Unlike conventional medicine, which often compartmentalizes health issues, functional medicine practitioners use a systems-based approach—viewing the body as an interconnected network rather than isolated organs or symptoms. As a functional medicine doctor, I spend more time with patients, conducting comprehensive lab testing, creating personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans, and using holistic interventions to optimize well-being.
Why Do People Seek Out Functional Medicine?
Many people turn to functional medicine doctors when they feel frustrated by conventional care or want a more proactive, individualized approach to health. Some common reasons include:
Chronic Illness That Isn’t Improving
- Many patients with conditions like autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome feel dismissed in conventional medicine.
- Functional medicine doctors focus on uncovering root causes such as gut imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, or environmental toxins.
Wanting to Address the Root Cause, Not Just Symptoms
- Conventional medicine often treats symptoms with medications without fully exploring why they are happening.
- Functional medicine practitioners look deeper into hormonal imbalances, gut health, chronic inflammation, and metabolic function to find underlying contributors.
A Personalized, Whole-Person Approach
- Functional medicine considers genetics, diet, sleep, stress, movement, and emotional well-being when creating a care plan.
- Patients receive customized treatment plans rather than one-size-fits-all prescriptions.
My Recommendations
As a functional medicine doctor, my approach is patient-centered, evidence-based, and holistic. Here’s how I work with patients to help them take control of their health:
Comprehensive Functional Medicine Testing
- Gut microbiome analysis to assess bacterial imbalances affecting digestion and immunity.
- Food sensitivity and allergy testing to identify triggers for inflammation.
- Comprehensive hormone panels to evaluate thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive hormone function.
- Nutrient testing to detect deficiencies impacting energy levels, brain function, and immune health.
- Genetic analysis to understand predispositions and optimize health strategies.
Nutritional & Lifestyle Medicine
- Anti-inflammatory diet plans customized for each patient’s needs.
- Elimination diets to identify food intolerances.
- Safe fasting protocols for metabolic and cellular health benefits.
- Exercise and movement prescriptions to improve energy and reduce pain.
Dissatisfaction with Conventional Care
- Many people feel rushed through doctor visits with limited time for deeper discussions about their health.
- Functional medicine appointments are often lengthy, with providers taking the time to understand a patient’s full health history.
Support for Hormonal Health and Aging
- Those experiencing perimenopause, menopause, thyroid imbalances, and adrenal dysfunction turn to functional medicine for hormone optimization, lifestyle changes, and bioidentical hormone therapy.
Gut Health and Digestive Issues
- Issues like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), leaky gut, food sensitivities, and microbiome imbalances are a major focus of functional medicine.
- Functional medicine doctors use advanced stool testing, elimination diets, and gut-healing protocols to restore digestive health.
Preventive & Longevity Medicine
- People seeking optimal aging, longevity, and disease prevention turn to functional medicine for proactive health strategies.
- Focus is placed on metabolic health, detoxification, brain health, and cardiovascular function before major issues arise.
Hormone Balancing & Endocrine Support
- Bioidentical hormone therapy for menopause, adrenal health, and thyroid balance.
- Natural adrenal support strategies for chronic fatigue and stress management.
- Thyroid optimization through nutrition, stress reduction, and medication when necessary.
Gut Health Optimization
- Probiotic and prebiotic regimens to restore gut balance.
- Digestive enzyme therapy for improved food breakdown and absorption.
- Microbiome repair protocols to heal leaky gut and reduce inflammation.
Detoxification & Environmental Health Support
- Reducing exposure to environmental toxins found in food, household products, and water.
- Liver support strategies to help process and eliminate toxins effectively.
- Personalized detox plans using diet, hydration, and supplementation.
Is Functional Medicine Right for Everyone?
I work with patients to create realistic, sustainable health improvements based on:
Small, repeatable habits that lead to long-term results
Looking at your whole picture: what you eat, how you move, your sleep, and your community and relationships
Consideration of your financial, physical, and emotional resources for growth and change
If you are looking for a Functional Medicine Doctor Near You, you’re likely looking for a provider who takes a whole-person approach to healthcare. My practice integrates comprehensive testing, personalized nutrition, and holistic therapies to support your health journey. For those interested in learning more about what is a functional medicine doctor and whether this approach is right for them, consider scheduling an appointment to discuss your unique health goals.
