Functional medicine is an area of healthcare that emphasizes understanding and addressing the root causes of health issues. Instead of merely treating symptoms, functional medicine practitioners delve deeper into what might be causing a patient's health problems, aiming for optimal wellness. As chiropractors deeply invested in getting to the root causes of health issues, we find functional medicine particularly appealing especially in the context of women’s health.
Common Health Concerns Among Women
Women frequently come to functional medicine practitioners with concerns such as hair thinning, mood swings, hormonal imbalances, sleep disturbances, and weight loss challenges. Often, these issues arise postpartum, with women striving to regain their pre-pregnancy health. They have typically tried various diets, exercise regimes, and even consulted with conventional doctors, only to find their lab results "normal" but still not feeling well.
The Unique Approach of Functional Medicine
Functional medicine offers a different approach by taking more time with each patient and conducting a holistic assessment. This involves not just looking at lab results but also evaluating lifestyle, stressors, diet, and even the quality of supplements a patient is taking. Here are some core principles of functional medicine:
Comprehensive Lab Testing: Instead of just determining if a patient's lab values are within a "normal" range, functional medicine looks at what is optimal for that individual. For example, the Dutch test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is used to evaluate how hormones break down in the body, providing insights that go beyond traditional blood tests.
Holistic Lifestyle Evaluation: Practitioners consider lifestyle factors, such as stress levels, sleep patterns, and dietary habits, which might contribute to symptoms. Food sensitivities and gut health are also examined closely.
Personalized Supplementation: Not all supplements are created equal. Functional medicine ensures that the supplements recommended are of high quality and suitable for the individual’s unique needs.
Collaboration with Other Healthcare Providers: Sometimes, addressing all facets of a patient's health requires a team approach. Functional medicine practitioners often work with mental health counselors, gastroenterologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.
The Complexity and Individualization of Functional Medicine
Functional medicine can be complex, requiring a detailed understanding of how different systems in the body interact. It’s not just about looking at what's within normal ranges in lab tests but understanding how those values interact and affect overall health. This complexity necessitates a skilled and trained eye to interpret the data and create a personalized treatment plan.
Integrative Lab Testing
In functional medicine, the types of lab tests used are often more comprehensive than those in conventional medicine. Besides the Dutch test for hormone assessment, DNA tests can provide insights into genetic predispositions affecting fertility, weight loss, and other health issues. Stool tests in functional medicine also go beyond standard analyses, checking for inflammation, parasites, and bacteria levels that could be contributing to gut health issues.
The Holistic and Personalized Nature of Treatment
Functional medicine’s strength lies in its customized approach to each patient's health. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual's specific needs, considering their unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This personalized care ensures that patients receive the most effective support for their health journey.
The Role of Functional Medicine Practitioners
Practitioners in this field act more like health coaches than traditional doctors. They guide patients through their health journey, helping them understand their bodies better and supporting them in making lifestyle changes. They also work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.
Conclusion
Functional medicine represents a promising approach for those who have tried conventional methods without success. By focusing on the root causes of health issues and taking a holistic, individualized approach, functional medicine practitioners help patients achieve optimal wellness. For women facing complex health challenges, this can be a transformative path to feeling better and living healthier lives.
Functional medicine is more than a treatment option; it’s a journey towards understanding your body better and achieving true wellness. Whether you’re struggling with hormonal imbalances, weight loss, or fertility issues, a functional medicine approach might be the key to unlocking better health. Consider consulting with a functional medicine practitioner to explore this holistic path to wellness.
Written based on the most recent episode of The Dr. Mama Bird Show with special guest star, Danielle Bailey owner of 360 Health and Wellness Services.
Click below to start your journey with booking a free consult call!
Comments