Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It is a patient-centered, science-based approach that emphasizes the individuality of each patient and the importance of considering all aspects of their health, including their lifestyle, genetics, environment, and emotional wellbeing.
Our practitioners at Norterra Family Medicine work with patients to identify the underlying imbalances that are contributing to their health issues. This can involve a detailed assessment of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic tools. The goal is to identify any underlying factors that may be contributing to the patient’s symptoms, such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or chronic inflammation.
Once the underlying imbalances have been identified, functional medicine practitioners work with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses these imbalances. This may involve a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, targeted supplementation, stress management techniques, and other therapies that are tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
One of the key principles of functional medicine is the importance of treating the whole person, not just the disease. This means considering all aspects of the patient’s life, including their social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Functional medicine practitioners believe that health is a holistic state that involves not just the absence of disease, but also a sense of vitality and wellbeing.
Functional medicine has gained popularity in recent years as more and more people are looking for alternatives to conventional medicine. One of the advantages of functional medicine is that it can be used to treat a wide range of health issues, from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease to autoimmune conditions, digestive disorders, and mental health issues.
Another advantage of functional medicine is that it can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Functional medicine practitioners work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. This can involve coordinating with specialists, prescribing medication when necessary, and working with other healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
In conclusion, functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. It is a patient-centered, science-based approach that considers all aspects of a patient’s health, including their lifestyle, genetics, environment, and emotional wellbeing. Functional medicine has gained popularity in recent years as more and more people are looking for alternatives to conventional medicine, and it offers many advantages for patients who are looking to improve their health and wellbeing.
