Several symptoms look the same for different sicknesses. People often feel common symptoms of other disorders. One condition may have different causes, and one reason may result in many different situations. Various factors can cause headaches, including tension, dehydration, eyestrain, and underlying medical conditions. Likewise, fever may have several other diagnoses, including a virus, bacterial infection, inflammatory diseases, a malignant tumor, some medication, or vaccination. These diagnoses can also be caused by an individual’s genes, lifestyle, and environment.
Thus, the only treatment addressing the root cause would give a long-lasting solution, not just symptom suppression. So, it is essential to know the root cause of the disease before administering treatment, and this is what Functional Medicine is all about. When the underlying cause of a disease is understood and treated, it saves time, money, resources, and life. The primary purpose of this paper is to explore functional medicine and how it works. The article presents the basics of functional medicine and its importance in today’s medical world. Research has shown that Functional medicine offers patients greater control in this regard. It is irritating when a conventional physician scoffs at a patient, asking for a more natural therapy or a question.
Functional medicine strives to pinpoint and address the underlying cause of a health issue, rather than just treating the symptoms. This approach focuses on the individual as a whole, taking into account their unique genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors. By identifying and addressing the root cause, functional medicine aims to promote long-term healing and overall wellness. Functional medicine practitioners utilize a range of tools and techniques, including a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, laboratory testing, nutritional assessment, and lifestyle interventions, in order to provide better healthcare, it is crucial to create individualized treatment plans for every patient. Additionally, functional medicine recognizes that every person is unique and that many factors, such as genetics, environment, diet, behavior, and social interactions, influence health and disease.
We will explore how functional medicine applies in day-to-day healthcare by providing examples of how practitioners assess and treat common health conditions using an integrative and personalized approach. We will also discuss how functional medicine can help you optimize your health and wellness by empowering you to take charge of your own health.
Definition of functional medicine
Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based healthcare approach to pinpoint and resolve the underlying reasons of illnesses through restoring healthy function through a personalized patient experience. It is a collaborative effort between the patient and the practitioner, where the practitioner considers the patient’s unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors should collaborate to develop a detailed treatment plan that covers the underlying causes of the disease.
Functional medicine practitioners use various tools to identify the underlying causes of disease. The tools used in patient assessments include laboratory testing and different diagnostic techniques. To aid healthcare providers in supporting patients to attain their desired health objectives, the IFM Toolkit is a highly valued resource, containing over 450 items such as patient assessments and questionnaires, intake forms, screening tools, and lifestyle prescriptions. The toolkit also includes:
Detailed guides for meal planning, including weekly meal plans and recipes
Educational materials for patients about nutrition and other modifiable lifestyle factors
Clinical decision trees
Protocols
Condition-specific resources
Additionally, the toolkit offers translated tools in Spanish and Mandarin (IFM Insights).. (Vasquez, 2016) Functional medicine acknowledges the fact that diseases do not arise in isolation; it is a result of complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The IFM Matrix allows healthcare professionals to assess various bodily systems, symptoms, and risk factors associated with a particular condition. (IFM Insights).
Functional medicine is an innovative healthcare approach aims to identify and tackle the underlying reasons behind a problem of health issues. Any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors have been corrected. illnesses. restoring healthy function through a personalized patient experience. It recognizes that illness does not occur in isolation but is a result of complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Functional medicine practitioners use various tools to identify the underlying causes of disease. These tools include comprehensive patient assessments, laboratory testing, and diagnostic techniques such as IFM Matrix analysis. The IFM Toolkit is an essential resource that assists practitioners in helping patients achieve their health goals. (Vasquez, 2016)
Comprehensive Approach to Treatment
Functional medicine offers a thorough and holistic approach to healthcare based on evidence. Functional medicine moves the conventional approach focused on diseases to a patient-centered approach. Both preventive and personalized functional medicine. Compound medicine is a phrase for a unique customized prescription therapy in functional medicine. It is a chronic disease of the patient; therefore, it makes sense for them to plan their health. Functional medicine offers patients greater control in this regard. It is irritating when a conventional physician scoffs at a patient asking for a more natural therapy or just asking a question.
Functional physicians are aware of the significance of pharmacological therapies and the nutritional, lifestyle, emotional, and even social effects on health and diseases. Functional medicine is personalized and is biology-based, hence it focuses on pinpointing and addressing the root cause of the issue (“The Institute for Functional Medicine”). It is the patient-centered and scientific approach used by medical practitioners in addressing the root cause of a disease to promote optimal wellness. Patrick Hanaway MD a leader in the Functional Medicine community, in his editorial publication in 2016 titled “Form Follows Function: A Functional Medicine Overview,”. He wrote: “Functional Medicine is a systems biology-based model that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to achieve the highest expression of health by addressing the underlying causes of disease. Functional medicine adopts unique operating systems and personalized therapeutic interventions to support individuals in achieving optimal wellness.” (The Institute for Functional Medicine”, n.d., Hanaway, 2016)
Patient care is everything in functional medicine. Functional practitioners recognize the biochemical uniqueness while treating chronic illness and engage patients in their health plans.
Origins
Functional medicine was created by Jeffrey Bland, who established The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) in the early 1990s under his company, HealthComm. The IFM, which advocates for functional medicine, obtained its non-profit status in 2001. Later, Mark Hyman became a leading proponent. Bland was inspired by the work of Linus Pauling, who coined the term “orthomolecular medicine” in 1968. (World Health Organization, 2019, Budreviciute et al 2020, Guthrie, 2011)
Here’s a case scenario on how functional medicine can be applied in day-to-day healthcare, based on a real-life example (Lifelong Wellbeing, 2023)
Patient: Elise, a 4-year-old girl suffering from intractable psoriasis. Her skin was red, weeping, and raw from head to toe since she was six months old. Despite being treated with advanced drugs including powerful immune suppressants and chemotherapy to shut off inflammation, her condition did not improve.
Functional Medicine Approach: Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine doctor, approached Elise’s case differently. Instead of focusing on suppressing the symptoms, he sought to understand the root cause of her inflamed skin.
Investigation: He considered the impact of her diet and her history of antibiotics as a baby on her gut flora. He hypothesized that these factors might have disrupted her gut flora, leading to conditions for inflammation.
Treatment: Dr. Hyman removed gluten from her diet, a common cause of inflammation linked to psoriasis. He also treated the yeast overgrowth in the gut that had resulted from years of treatment from antibiotics and steroids. To support proper immune function, he added omega-3 fats, zinc, vitamin D, and probiotics to help balance her gut flora.
Outcome: Within two weeks, Elise’s skin, which had been red and raw for over three years, was clear.
This case demonstrates how functional medicine can be used in day-to-day healthcare by focusing on the underlying cause of certain diseases instead of just treating the symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of diet and gut health in managing chronic conditions like psoriasis.
What is orthomolecular medicine?
Orthomolecular medicine is the concept of using optimal amounts of substances that are normally present in the body (such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc.) as a preventative and treatment of disease. Bland expanded this concept to include other factors that influence health, such as genetics, environment, diet, lifestyle, and mind-body connection. He also integrated insights from various fields of science, such as biochemistry, physiology, immunology, endocrinology, neurology, psychology, and systems biology.
Bland’s vision was to create a new paradigm of medicine that would address the growing epidemic of diseases that are chronic in nature and are not adequately treated by conventional medicine. He wanted to shift the focus from disease-centered to patient-centered care, from symptom suppression to root cause resolution, reductionism to holism, fragmentation to integration, and reactive to proactive care.
Six core principles of functional medicine
The principles of functional medicine are based on scientific research and evidence-based medicine. The Institute for Functional Medicine has identified six core principles of functional medicine:
Biochemical individuality: The recognition that each person has a unique genetic and environmental makeup that influences their health and disease susceptibility.
Patient-centered care: Patient-centered care is crucial to providing effective healthcare. By prioritizing the unique preferences, needs, and values of each individual, we can ensure that all clinical decisions are respectful and responsive. Let us work together to create a healthcare system that truly puts patients first.
Root cause analysis: Identifying and eliminating the underlying causes of disease, rather than suppressing symptoms.
Systems-oriented approach: The use of a holistic framework that considers the interconnections and interactions among the various biological systems and processes that affect health and disease.
Prevention: The promotion of health and wellness through lifestyle interventions that reduce the risk of chronic disease and enhance the quality of life.
Therapeutic partnership: The collaboration between patient and practitioner in the healing process empowers the patient to take ownership of their health and well-being. (Bland, 2017)
Functional medicine has several benefits over traditional medicine. It is more comprehensive and takes into account all aspects of a patient’s health, including their lifestyle, environment, and genetics. It also focuses on prevention rather than treatment, which can help patients avoid chronic diseases in the long run.(Bland, 2010)
Processes
The Institute for Functional Medicine was established in 1991 with the aim of providing a different approach to health care. Functional medicine follows a circular and iterative process that involves seven steps: intake, assessment, diagnosis, prescription, treatment, monitoring, and reassessment.(World Health Organization, 2019, Budreviciute et al 2020, Guthrie, 2011)
The main features of functional medicine are:
It focuses on the patient as a whole person, not just their disease.
It uses a systems biology approach, which considers the complex interactions of different factors that affect health.
It recognizes the dynamic balance of gene-environment interactions, which can influence health outcomes.
It tailors the treatment to the individual based on their unique biochemical makeup.
It promotes organ reserve and sustained health span, which means maintaining optimal function and preventing chronic diseases.
It defines health as a positive vitality, not just the absence of disease.
It addresses the root causes of dysfunction, not just the symptoms.(Bland, 2017)
Functional medicine uses a comprehensive questionnaire and interview to collect information about the patient’s history, lifestyle, environment, and goals. Functional medicine uses advanced laboratory tests and genetic analysis to assess the patient’s biochemical and physiological status. Functional medicine diagnoses diseases based on their underlying mechanisms and patterns. Functional medicine prescribes nutritional, herbal, lifestyle, mind-body, hormonal, or detoxification interventions to treat diseases based on their root causes. Functional medicine monitors the progress of treatments using functional markers and feedback. Functional medicine reassesses the patient’s condition and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly.
Tools
Functional medicine uses mainly natural or integrative modalities as its tools to treat diseases. Natural modalities include nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants, and other substances that support the body’s natural healing and detoxification capabilities. Integrative modalities include acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy, massage, yoga, meditation, and other therapies that stimulate the body’s energy flow and balance. Both natural and integrative modalities have advantages and disadvantages in terms of their effectiveness, safety, quality, regulation, and acceptance.
Outcomes
Functional medicine has demonstrated promising outcomes in terms of optimizing health and wellness for individuals and populations. Functional medicine has also shown potential in preventing or reversing chronic and degenerative diseases associated with aging and lifestyle factors. However, functional medicine has also encountered some difficulties in terms of providing sufficient evidence and research to support its claims and practices. Functional medicine has also faced some barriers in terms of gaining recognition and reimbursement from the mainstream medical community and insurance companies.
How functional medicine works
Everyone, genetically and biochemically alike, is different. In this respect, functional clinics use a customized strategy to treat the patient rather than the illness. Instead of addressing the illness directly, functional medicine practitioners discover methods to solve the body’s natural healing processes—science-based functional medicine. We have a complex network of linked links in our body, unlike the numerous webs that link us in other ways. By comprehending these connections, functional medicine practitioners may better know the body. Functional medicine clinics and their physicians recognize numerous causes of one disease. One cause may, in turn, misrepresent several situations (Wei et al., pg. 55). Depression may be caused by a combination of several variables, such as inflammation, Omega-3 deficiency, low thyroid levels, and antibiotic usage, to mention a few, according to the Institute of Foundation Medicine.
Meanwhile, a combination of depression, heart illnesses, diabetes, or a million others may induce inflammation. Functional practitioners recognize that a person’s disease may be a contributing cause for any symptom or differential diagnosis. Functional medicine is significantly more likely to treat the patient correctly by identifying and addressing the underlying cause(s). Clinics for functional medicine utilize scientific concepts, sophisticated diagnostic tests, and therapies to restore equilibrium in the physiological process.
In conventional models, doctors are trained to make diagnosis decisions to provide treatment and manage relative symptoms. When a cause such as bacteria or viruses can be identified, this solution is ideal. In these cases, medication is usually given to ensure that the cause is fully eliminated and full restoration is achieved. The cause cannot be identified in such a case, as is often the case with the chronic disease. The main objective of functional medicine is to improve the patient’s symptoms or, in other words, to help manage the health condition’s end product. The underlying root cause is not usually the soughed.
The conventional medical model promoted in the 20th century was meant to manage medical and trauma prevention and rapidly excelled at this. The antibiotics era gave way to the medical establishment, and this enabled an effective cure of any killer diseases. For each symptom, a single intervention is sought which will solve the patient’s complaint. While this approach remains firmly the gold standard treatment the acute cases and findings that do not have this are exploited so easily and every effect to manage any chronic case.
Functional lab and testing
A standard doctor will request laboratory tests on the symptoms shown by a patient. A practitioner will evaluate many elements of a patient’s general well-being, such as levels of toxins, hormones, food susceptibility, metabolic tests, such as OAT, good bacteria, and genetic testing. A doctor may not test all this, but these tests provide the doctor and patient with a complete picture of the patient’s well-being. Diagnosis also takes family medical history into account.
While doctors may question the family history of cardiovascular diseases, doctors may ask about your family history of stress, chronic pain, susceptibility to bacterial infections, or even spiritual health. In the end, a functional doctor is more interested in a complete diagnostic picture and will order laboratory tests accordingly. Some describe this whole picture in conjunction with your physical and social environment as your “mind, body and spirit.” Diagnoses can take a little longer because a complete image is painted. However, a functional diagnosis can change everything.
How Functional Medicine Applies in Your Day-to-Day Healthcare
One of the key concepts of functional medicine is that altered function can be reversed or improved by modifying these factors. This concept challenges the traditional view of genetics as a deterministic factor that predetermines health outcomes. Instead, functional medicine embraces the emerging field of epigenetics, which is a study of how environmental and lifestyle factors can affect gene expression. Epigenetics reveals that our genes are not fixed but dynamic and responsive to our choices and experiences. Epigenetics also shows that changing our epigenetic patterns can modify our aging process. By understanding how our genes interact with our environment and lifestyle, we can design more effective and personalized interventions to prevent or treat chronic diseases and promote optimal health.(Li, 2021, and Gayon, 2016)
Lifestyle adjustments
A conventional physician may suggest more exercise to lower blood pressure. However, you may have several unexpected lifestyle adjustments during a visit to a doctor. This is a fantastic example: Stress and physical inflammation are connected, but the precise connection remains unclear (Wei et al., pg. 115). Conventional doctors do not mention inflammation due to stress because their connection is somewhat mysterious. However, functional doctors usually suggest a patients to reduce stress in their daily lives. Inflammation is the root cause of many medical conditions, and stress relief can lead to fewer inflammations. However, the self-contained examples are defective. Since functional physicians examine the complete picture of lifestyle factors in the diagnosis and prescribing of treatment, two or more lifestyle adjustments are often made simultaneously.
Exercise therapy is a beautiful example. Various studies confirm the ability to reduce depression as well as inflammation. This study was conducted on university students who experienced steadily decreasing mental health in their control group (no exercise). Functional doctors examine this research and can suggest a patient with depression and an inflammatory disease exercise.
Further fast examples of changes in lifestyles include meditation, yoga, and spiritual richness. Cleanse your house of air or water. Adjustments to your social life, like joining a local group. Every day, you spend time outside, a whole night’s sleep, and better sleep, cutting off alcohol. Plan for hormone imbalances during puberty, menstruation, and menopause ahead of time. A doctor may even propose that you stop taking or change a pharmaceutical dosage. These medicines may not address the root cause of your problem, and the side effects can cause long-term damage.
Nutrition and diet counseling
The diet of a patient can change its whole life. Diet is the leading risk factor for disability and premature death.” Functional physicians understand this and think nutrition is an essential method of treatment and prevention (Kamani & Priya, pg. 11). On the other hand, functional doctors tend to research nutrition beyond the scope of the school curriculum. Many diets are faulty and focus too much on weight loss, poor detoxification, and preventive care. Physicians in functional medicine can also suggest fewer sweeping dietary changes. A functional doctor, for example, may see a patient at risk for heart disease (Wei et al., pg. 75). They might suggest that spices like ginger, turmeric, and garlic are heavily used, as is a glass of red wine each night.
In certain situations, dietary supplements may also be prescribed depending on risk factors and laboratory tests. Some research suggests that certain nutritional supplements can significantly decrease the risk of a patient’s illness. A healthcare provider should, however, always be consulted. Certain manufacturers are less than honest concerning the contents of their supplements, and functional doctors can provide their expertise. Some supplements may also react poorly to medicines or other supplements. A health professional must be consulted on dietary supplements, particularly if you want to address a health problem or take other medication or supplements (Kamani & Priya, pg. 10).
Emphasis on pathogens of stealth
“Mainstream medicine” remains denied stealth pathogens. Stealth pathogens are any pathogenic micro-organisms that remain hidden in the body — usually misdirected or suppressed. Stealth pathogens have several medical conditions: autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and tumor growth. Functional medicine’s holistic and personalized approach is excellent for treating stealth infections since symptoms tend to “move.”
Due to the effects of stealth pathogens on multiple systems, primary symptoms may diminish and flow. Fatigue is your main symptom one day. Some days later, the same stealth pathogen causes depression primarily. Research has begun on specific stealth pathogens, such as T. pallidum and Bartonella, from the scientific communities. But conventional medicine is all about waiting for much evidence and approval from pharmaceutical companies. Functional doctors take the currently available science and treat their patients accordingly (Albert et al. pg. 199).
Functional Medicine Assessment and Treatment of Common Health Conditions
Depression
Depression is a very complex and multifactorial disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Depression can have various causes and triggers, such as genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalance, inflammation, oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, chronic stress, trauma, social isolation, and poor lifestyle habits. Depression may be linked to other chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular, obesity, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases. (Menard et al, 2016)
Functional medicine practitioners do not treat depression as a single diagnosis, but rather as a symptom of an underlying imbalance or dysfunction in the body. They use a comprehensive assessment to identify the root causes and contributing factors of depression in each patient. They may use laboratory tests to measure biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal status, neurotransmitter levels, nutrient status, gut health, immune function, genetic variations, and epigenetic patterns. They may also use questionnaires to evaluate the patient’s mood, cognition, stress level, sleep quality, social support, and lifestyle habits.
Based on the assessment results, functional medicine practitioners take a holistic approach to treating depression by analyzing the various factors that contribute to the condition. They assess the patient’s history, environment, genetics, lifestyle, and other factors to develop a relevant and comprehensive understanding of the problem. Based on this assessment, they create a treatment plan that not only is personalized but also addresses the underlying causation of the depression rather than merely treating the symptoms. The plan may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, supplements, medication, and other interventions as needed. The goal is to help the patient achieve optimal mental health and well-being by addressing all the factors that may be contributing to depression.
The treatment plan may include dietary modifications to reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar levels, support neurotransmitter production and function, and provide adequate nutrients for brain health. The treatment plan may also include nutritional supplements to correct nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, support hormonal balance, modulate inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhance brain function. Some of the common supplements used for depression are omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, probiotics, curcumin, saffron, and St. John’s wort. However, the choice and dosage of supplements may vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and preferences.
The treatment plan may also include lifestyle interventions to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, increase physical activity, and foster social connection. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend various stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy. They may also advise the patient to follow a sleep schedule that is regular, while avoiding abusing caffeine and alcohol, especially before bed, and create a comfortable and dark sleeping environment. They may also encourage the patient to engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise at least three times a week, as exercise has been shown to improve mood, cognition, and neuroplasticity. They may also suggest the patient join a support group, volunteer for a cause, or participate in such hobbies or activities that would likely bring joy and meaning to the person.
By addressing the root and contributing factors of depression holistically and personally, functional medicine practitioners can help their patients achieve lasting improvements in their mood and well-being.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a major chronic disorder that negatively affects the way the body regulates blood sugar. The name comes from the ancient Greek and Latin words for “siphon” and “sweet”, reflecting the main symptom of passing sweet urine. The condition was first described by Apollonius of Memphis around 250 to 300 BC, and later recognized by various civilizations as having a sweet nature.
The role of the affected organ, the pancreas, in diabetes was discovered by Mering and Minkowski in 1889, and the hormone insulin was isolated and purified by Banting, Best, and Collip in 1922, leading to the first effective treatment for diabetes. Since then, many advances have been made in diagnosing, managing, and preventing diabetes, but it remains a major public health problem worldwide, ranking as the seventh leading cause of death in the US. (Sapra e, 2023)
Diabetes can have serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye damage, and an increased risk of infections. Various factors, such as genetic susceptibility, insulin resistance, pancreatic dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, environmental toxins, obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress can cause diabetes.
Functional medicine practitioners do not treat diabetes as a single diagnosis, but rather as a spectrum of metabolic dysfunction that can be reversed or improved by restoring the body’s natural balance. They use a comprehensive assessment to identify the root causes and contributing factors of diabetes in each patient. They may use laboratory tests to measure biomarkers of blood sugar regulation, such as fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin, C-peptide, and glucose tolerance tests. They may also measure biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal status, nutrient status, gut health, immune function, genetic variations, and epigenetic patterns. They may also use questionnaires to evaluate the patient’s dietary intake, physical activity level, stress level, sleep quality, and lifestyle habits.
Based on the assessment results, functional medicine practitioners would then create a treatment plan that is personalized for each patient to address the underlying causes and contributing factors of diabetes. The treatment plan may include dietary modifications to lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and provide adequate nutrients for metabolic health. The treatment plan may also include nutritional supplements to correct nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, support pancreatic function, modulate inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Some of the common supplements used for diabetes are chromium, magnesium, alpha-lipoic acid, berberine, cinnamon, and fenugreek. However, the choice and dosage of supplements may vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and preferences.
The treatment plan may also include lifestyle interventions to promote weight loss, increase physical activity, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend various weight loss strategies, such as intermittent fasting, low-carbohydrate diet, high-protein diet, or ketogenic diet. They may also advise the patient to engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise at least three times a week, as exercise has been shown to improve control of blood sugar, insulin, and cardiovascular health. They may also suggest the patient practice certain techniques for managing stress, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, biofeedback, and relaxation therapy. They may also recommend the patient follow a sleep schedule, avoid abusing caffeine and alcohol, especially before going to bed, and create a comfortable but preferably dark sleeping environment. They may also monitor the patient’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
As a result, by addressing the root and contributing factors of diabetes in a holistic and personalized way, functional medicine practitioners can help their patients achieve better blood sugar control, prevent or reduce complications, and improve their quality of life.
Significance of functional medicine
Conventional medicine is excellent for surgical and emergency rooms. However, there is a severe lack of perspective on the entire person’s long-term well-being. This is why functional medicine is an essential requirement. Up to 40% of deaths from the top five causes can be avoided in the USA. This is where the importance of the focus on the prevention of reactions in functional medicine falls. The model of functional medicine is scientific. Functional medicine is not based on pharmaceutical companies’ whims and outdated ideas that the medical community requires you to trust. Doctors prescribe effective treatments for real health problems and prevent those (Albert et al., pg. 201). That these treatments are not usually taken in a pharmacy should be an advantage.
Here are some examples of research into functional medicine:
- In an integrative review, women developing diabetes in pregnancy can reduce postpartum diabetes status, improve metabolism, decrease their risk of preterm or birth weight, and reduce stress with healthy diets, exercise, and positive social well-being. (Gilbert et al, 2019)
- A study found that a low-calorie, healthy keto diet is better prepared for surgery (better overall results, better drainage outputs, better levels of hemoglobin, a shorter hospital stay) than a low-calorie diet. To give an example: Before surgery, some people ate less food and some ate less food with more fat and protein. The people who ate less food with more fat and protein did better in surgery. They healed faster, had less blood loss, and stayed in the hospital for a shorter time. But not all diets are good for everyone. You should talk to your doctor before you change what you eat.
(Disclaimer: All diets have benefits and risks, and before you start a diet, you should consult your health care provider.) (Albanese et al., 2019, Merge Medical Center, 2023)
- A review published in Neuroscience Frontiers concludes that stress is linked to inflammation. Inflammation and stress can predict both depression and hostile humor. This review is intended to guide future depression treatment plans. (Godoy et al, 2018)
Patient testimonial and case scenario:
Patient: A 45-year-old woman who had been struggling with chronic fatigue and digestive issues for several years.
Functional Medicine Approach: I took a comprehensive approach to her health, looking at her diet, lifestyle, and medical history to understand the root cause of her symptoms.
Treatment: I recommended a personalized program that included dietary changes, exercise routines, and specific supplements tailored to Yasmin’s needs. The program aimed to improve her sleep quality, daily functioning, and overall health.
Outcome: After following my program, she experienced significant improvements in her health. Her energy levels increased, her digestive issues resolved, and she could sleep well at night.
Testimonial: She shared her experience with the program:
“After using this program from Dr. Haque, the quality of my health has improved tremendously! I’ve been able to get a good night’s sleep and function great throughout my day, as well as improve on my existing health conditions. My internal organs are functioning much better, thanks to Dr. Haque. I greatly appreciate the health services provided, and I will recommend them to others!” Patient, 2022
This case scenario demonstrates how functional medicine can lead to significant improvements in patients’ day-to-day lives by targeting the underlying root causes of crucial health issues.
Conclusion
Functional medicine is a type of medical approach that aims to comprehend and treat the root causes of diseases by restoring the body’s natural balance. It is a personalized and holistic way of health care that is based on scientific research and evidence-based medicine. Therefore, functional medicine may aid in helping patients achieve optimal health and wellness by managing the interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that are complex and interconnected. These factors may have a profound impact on an individual’s health and well-being, as they all play a role in determining one’s susceptibility to various diseases and conditions. Understanding these interactions and how they contribute to overall health is an important area of study for researchers and healthcare professionals alike. affect illness.
Patient Testimonials
Bint Tarique’s mother, a resident of Los Angeles, California, had been suffering from a multitude of health issues, including thyroid problems, asthma, heartburn, arthritis, and autoimmune issues. She became a patient at a holistic center six months ago. The center, led by Dr. Haque, provided her with a range of holistic treatments.
As she began to follow these treatments, she experienced a complete recovery from all her health problems, both minor and major. The transformation was so profound that she felt like a new person, as energetic and healthy as a 25-year-old.
Dr. Haque and his staff were instrumental in this process. They were welcoming, kind, and helpful, always available, and made the treatment process smooth and easy. Their efforts resulted in a new, beautiful, and healthy life for Bint’s mother.
The family is grateful to Dr. Haque and his entire staff for their efforts. They hope that others also get an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being fit and healthy. Bint highly recommends the clinic to anyone suffering from minor or major illnesses, or those who may have lost hope of finding a cure. This case study serves as a testament to the power of holistic treatments and the hope they can bring.
She wrote:
“My mother has been a patient of this holistic center for the past 6 months. She was suffering from various problems like thyroid, asthma, heartburn, arthritis, autoimmune issues, etc. As she started following holistic treatments, she has completely recovered from all small and big health problem she had and completely feels like a new person. She feels like she has had a new birth and is as energetic and healthy as a 25 year old. Dr. Haque and his staff are just wonderful to work with; welcoming, kind, and helpful, always available, and more than ready to make things easy and smooth throughout the process of the treatment. We are all grateful to Dr. Haque and his entire staff for all their efforts in gifting my mother a new, beautiful, and healthy life and we hope that others also get an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of being fit and healthy. We would highly recommend people to consult this clinic for any of their friends or family members who may be suffering from minor or major illnesses, or those who may have lost hope from gaining cure, because there is always hope!”
- Bint Tarique, Los Angeles, CA, Patient, 2021
Kristy Laboy, a resident of Pasadena, Texas, had been on a challenging health journey filled with many downfalls and obstacles. She had consulted numerous doctors, only to hear them say they couldn’t help her. She felt as if doors were being shut on her one after another, and pain was her only constant companion.
That was until she met Dr. Haque. Unlike the others, Dr. Haque confidently told her, “YES, I CAN help you.” This marked a turning point in Kristy’s health journey. Within just two months of starting her treatment with Dr. Haque, she began to see improvements. This was a significant change for Kristy, who had been suffering in pain for a year.
Dr. Haque’s dedication and persistence played a crucial role in Kristy’s recovery. His approach, combined with the kindness, strength, and knowledge of the Holistic Health staff, provided Kristy with the support she needed to overcome her health challenges.
Kristy’s experience serves as a testament to the effectiveness of Dr. Haque’s treatment and the support provided by the Holistic Health team. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can have on a patient’s journey to recovery.
“My health journey has been one of many downfalls and obstacles, in this case, a number of doctors said “No. I can not help you.” Door after door was shut while pain was the only companion I had. Until Dr. Haque, he said “YES, I CAN help you.” and within 2 months…! After suffering in pain for a year; I was already improving. His dedication and persistence are what you want in your Doctor; paired with the kindness, strength, and knowledge of the Holistic Health staff they will champion for your full recovery!”
- Kristy Laboy, Pasadena, TX, Patient, 2021
Vince Pin, a resident of Houston, Texas, had been grappling with uncontrolled blood pressure for two years. Despite his struggles, he couldn’t find a solution to stabilize his condition. That was until he crossed paths with Dr. Haque.
Vince decided to consult Dr. Haque for his blood pressure issue. Dr. Haque, known for his knowledge, compassion, and humility, took on Vince’s case. Within just two weeks of starting the treatment, Vince’s blood pressure stabilized. This was a significant turnaround for Vince, who had been struggling with this condition for two years.
Vince’s experience with Dr. Haque and his team was overwhelmingly positive. He appreciated the friendliness of the staff and Dr. Haque’s humble and compassionate approach. Vince is grateful to Dr. Haque and his team for their help and commends them for their efforts to help others.
This case study serves as a testament to the effectiveness of Dr. Haque’s treatment and the impact of a dedicated healthcare team. It underscores the importance of personalized care in managing chronic conditions like uncontrolled blood pressure.
He wrote:
“I thank the Lord for Dr. Haque in my path, I went to see him for uncontrolled Blood Pressure and after struggling for two years with this condition, Dr Haque in two weeks stabilized my blood pressure. He is very knowledgeable, compassionate and humble and the staff are very nice and friendly. God Bless all these people for what they are doing to help others.”
- Vince Pin, Houston, TX. Patient, 2021
References
Lifelong Wellbeing. (2023). Functional medicine case studies. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.lifelong-wellbeing.com/articles/functional-medicine-case-studies
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