Introduction:
Functional medicine doctors use specialized training and techniques to find the root causes of complex illnesses. They may investigate multiple factors causing a condition, or they may look into multiple conditions causing one symptom.
A doctor in functional medicine works holistically, considering the full picture of your physical, mental, emotional, and sometimes even spiritual health.
They consider factors like diet, genetics, hormonal changes, prescription and over the counter medications, and other lifestyle components. This type of doctor may be ideal for people with chronic ailments that aren’t easily managed by conventional medical techniques.
What Does a Functional Medicine Doctor Do?
Functional medicine doctors look at your full history to identify the root causes of an illness. They usually spend more time with you than conventional doctors. They collect detailed information about the disease and your overall lifestyle.
A functional medicine doctor may ask about:
- A timeline of symptoms
- Sleep patterns
- Exercise habits
- Nutrition
- Stressors
- Personal relationships
- Emotional wellbeing
What Conditions Does a Functional Medicine Doctor Treat?
Most functional medicine doctors solve complex and multifaceted health issues. Examples include depression, chronic pain conditions like arthritis, and inflammatory diseases. The unique processes used by these doctors may help people manage the daily symptoms of chronic disease.
Conditions that can be treated with Functional Medicine:
- Adrenal diseases
- Dementias.
- Arthritis.
- Asthma.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Cancer prevention.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Diabetes.
- Digestive disorders.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Environmental and food allergies.
- Women’s health disorders
- Thyroid disorders.
Education & Training
Functional medicine doctors have gone through traditional medical school training. They may then choose to get additional certification from an organization such as The Institute for Functional Medicine. Doctors then apply functional medicine teachings to their original field of practice.
Conclusion:
The functional medicine model of care offers a patient-centered approach to chronic disease management. It seeks to answer the question, “Why are you ill?” so you can receive personalized, effective care for your needs. The foundation of functional medicine is the use of food as a first-line therapy. The right nutrition, combined with lifestyle and behavioral interventions, will help you take charge of your health.