When it comes to the practice of medicine, not all approaches are the same. At Gard Wellness, we practice both functional and conventional medicine, offering a comprehensive view of health that addresses the root causes of ailments while also providing immediate relief when necessary.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a holistic approach to health that seeks to determine both how and why illness occurs in the body. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on treating symptoms, functional medicine aims to identify and address the root causes of disease for each individual. This approach involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors, allowing for a personalized treatment plan that promotes optimal health and well-being.
The core principle of it is that the body is an interconnected system, and imbalances in one area can affect the entire organism. By understanding these connections, functional medicine practitioners can develop strategies to restore balance and function. This may involve dietary modifications, stress management techniques, exercise programs, and other lifestyle changes designed to support the body’s natural healing processes.
It also emphasizes the importance of the patient-practitioner relationship. Practitioners spend time listening to patients’ histories and considering the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health. This collaborative approach empowers patients to take an active role in their health care, making informed decisions and adopting habits that foster lasting wellness.
Moreover, it utilizes advanced laboratory testing to uncover hidden imbalances and potential risk factors that may not be apparent in conventional medical evaluations. These tests can include assessments of nutrient levels, hormone balance, digestive health, and markers of inflammation, among others. By obtaining a detailed picture of the patient’s health, practitioners can develop targeted interventions that address the specific needs of the individual.
Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine: A Cancer Example
To illustrate the differences between functional and conventional medicine, consider how each approach treats cancer.
In conventional medicine, a patient may discover they have a type of anemia during routine blood work. A bone marrow biopsy could reveal abnormal cells, leading to a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The patient is then told that the condition will be monitored until it worsens, at which point treatment such as chemotherapy will be necessary.
Functional medicine, on the other hand, seeks to assist the body in healing itself when the same atypical cells are discovered. Recommendations may include actions to support the immune system and remove hindrances that prevent the body from healing. The aim is to prevent the disease from worsening and potentially delay the need for chemotherapy for years, if at all.
Bridging the Gap: The Role of Functional Medicine
Conventional medicine takes an anatomical-symptomatic approach, focusing on the body’s structure and symptoms. Functional medicine adopts a physiologic-metabolic-biochemical-genetic systems approach that looks deeply into whole body systems and root causes. This multi-lens view allows functional medicine to fill gaps left by conventional treatments.
For example, in a scenario where a patient experiences knee pain, a conventional doctor might diagnose osteoarthritis and prescribe anti-inflammatory medication. A functional medicine doctor, however, will search for the root cause of the inflammation, such as a gluten sensitivity, and address it directly. This holistic approach minimizes the need for medication and promotes long-term health.
True Prevention: Functional Medicine’s Strength
Functional medicine excels in prevention, looking for changes that can be corrected before a disease occurs. Conventional medicine often equates prevention with early detection, but functional medicine seeks to intervene earlier to change the body’s course and avoid disease altogether.
For instance, while conventional medicine relies on mammography to catch breast cancer early, functional medicine promotes immune system health to lower the risk of developing cancer in the first place. Similarly, functional medicine looks for genetic predispositions and signs of fatty acid oxidation that can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD) and addresses these risk factors to lower the probability of developing CAD.
Living Life: The Bottom Line
The functional medicine approach empowers patients to take control of their health. By getting involved earlier and implementing preventative measures, patients can avoid many negative outcomes and reduce the likelihood of emergency medical care for acute crises like heart attacks, asthma, and stroke.
Functional medicine focuses on giving your specific, individualized immune system the tools it needs to fight whatever you’re facing. It teaches you ways to minimize the dysfunction that leads to disease first, and then uses conventional treatments when necessary.
Take the Next Step
At Gard Wellness, we believe in providing personalized care that addresses the root causes of your health concerns. If you’re ready to take control of your health and explore the benefits of functional medicine, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards optimal health today.
