FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Functional medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of disease or 'root cause', rather than simply treating symptoms. It considers a person's genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors and uses this information to create personalized treatment plans.
Functional medicine aims to support the body's natural healing processes rather than simply suppressing symptoms and to help individuals achieve optimal health and wellness. It often integrates conventional and alternative medical treatments, such as nutrition and supplements, to achieve this goal.
APPROACH
Many people strive to achieve optimal health and peak performance, understanding that their well-being is key to unlocking their full potential. However, they often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of conflicting health information and quick-fix solutions that fail to address their unique needs. This leads to frustration, stagnation, and a decline in overall wellness. But there is a path to true health transformation that cuts through the noise and offers science-backed, personalized strategies.
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As a certified functional medicine practitioner through the Institute for Functional Medicine, my approach to healthcare is centered around the individual. I consider a person's unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors to understand the underlying causes of their condition. I believe that treating the symptoms alone is not enough and that identifying and addressing the root causes of disease is the key to achieving optimal health and wellness.
Functional medicine is a holistic approach that considers the body as a whole system rather than just focusing on individual organs or systems. This means considering the interconnections between different body systems and how they may impact a person's health.
To achieve this, I use a variety of tools, such as lab testing, to understand the body's biochemistry. I may also use functional medicine techniques like nutrient therapy, lifestyle modification, and herbal medicine. The goal is to support the body's natural healing process, and I work with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that consider their unique needs.
In addition, I also spend time educating my patients on how to make sustainable lifestyle changes that will support their health in the long term. This includes healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management. Overall, Functional medicine is a way to empower patients to take control of their health and to help them achieve optimal wellness.
Advanced Testing
Functional medicine testing involves a variety of methods, including blood, saliva, urine, breath, and stool tests. These tests often provide the much-needed clarity that many individuals have been seeking for years. The concrete data they provide paves the way towards achieving optimal wellness. However, this journey demands a strong commitment from the patient to make necessary improvements and aim for their peak health. The testing is tailored to each individual's health objectives and concerns.
​Advanced Testing Options Available
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Hormone Levels: This includes testing for hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, cortisol, insulin, thyroid, vitamin D, leptin, melatonin, among others.
Hormone Metabolism: This involves testing for the metabolism of hormones such as estrogen, androgens, progesterone, and cortisol. Hormone metabolism refers to the process where hormones are produced, utilized, and then removed from the body. This intricate system ensures hormones are available in the right quantities and at the right moments to regulate various body functions. A comprehensive understanding of hormone metabolism is vital for diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalances and associated health problems.
Gut Health Testing: This includes testing for yeast, bacteria, and parasites, as well as gut inflammation, digestion and absorption, gut microbiome metabolites, and more.
Food Sensitivity Testing: This involves testing for 87 common food sensitivities.
Minerals/Vitamin/Antioxidant Testing: This involves a comprehensive nutrient evaluation through an at-home urine collection.
Mold Testing: This involves screening for 11 different mycotoxins that could be causing vague and generalized symptoms.
Toxin Testing: This involves testing for heavy metals through urine or blood samples.