Dealing with sickness, whether it’s physical or mental, can be really tough. Traditional treatment usually aims to control symptoms, offering temporary help, but it doesn’t always target the root problems. Functional medicine takes a different method by focussing on finding and fixing the main causes of illness to help improve health and wellbeing. The principles of functional medicine are discussed in this piece, along with how working with a functional medicine practitioner can assist you in navigating the nuances of both physical and mental health issues.
Functional medicine looks at the body as a linked system. A functional medicine practitioner looks at more than just individual complaints. They explore how genetics, environment, culture, and other factors work together to cause illness. This overall approach helps them create customised care plans that focus on each person’s specific needs.
A main principle of functional medicine is to find and fix problems in the body. These changes can show up in different ways, like not getting enough nutrients, hormone problems, poor gut health, and long-lasting inflammation. A functional medicine practitioner uses thorough testing to identify health issues, giving a clear view of a person’s health. These tests may check your gut health, hormone levels, vitamin levels, and signs of inflammation.
Functional medicine focusses on changing living habits as the main way to improve health, rather than just using medications like traditional medicine does. A functional medicine practitioner will help you make changes to your food, exercise, sleep, and ways to handle stress. These changes aim to help the body heal on its own and tackle the main reasons for sickness. A functional medicine practitioner might look for missing nutrients in your diet, check how well your adrenal glands are working, and suggest changes to your diet to help your body produce more energy if you have tiredness.
People with chronic illnesses can find the functional medicine method very helpful. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can be hard to treat with standard methods. A functional medicine practitioner can help identify the root causes of these conditions and create a tailored plan to ease symptoms and enhance general well-being. This may include fixing gut health issues, reducing inflammation, improving nutrient intake, and helping the body’s cleansing processes.
A functional medicine practitioner views mental health problems holistically. They understand that the mind and body are closely linked. They know that mental health problems can be affected by things like not getting enough nutrients, inflammation, hormone changes, and unhealthy gut bacteria. In order to support optimal brain function, a functional medicine practitioner may check neurotransmitter levels, measure gut health, and suggest diet and lifestyle changes. They might include mindfulness skills and stress management methods to help with the emotional and mental parts of health.
To work with a functional medicine practitioner, you need to be actively involved and willing to make changes to your lifestyle. It’s a teamwork approach where the expert helps you take charge of your health. They will teach you about what caused your illness, explain why the suggested treatments are important, and continue to help you as you make these changes.
A functional medicine practitioner must be found. Find healthcare providers who have received thorough training in functional medicine and are dedicated to continuing their education. It’s important to find a practitioner you are comfortable with and who pays attention to your worries. A good bond between the patient and the practitioner is crucial for success in functional medicine.
Functional medicine can be helpful for dealing with complicated health problems, but it’s not a quick solution. It takes patience, commitment, and a readiness to make changes in your daily life. It’s important to understand that functional medicine is not a substitute for traditional medicine; instead, it works alongside it. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about any new treatments or medicines.
In summary, functional medicine takes a complete and patient-focused method to treating both physical and mental health issues. A functional medicine practitioner can help you achieve better health by finding and treating the main reasons of your illness. Working with a functional medicine practitioner could be a helpful first step towards meeting your health objectives if you’re dealing with ongoing health problems or want a more complete approach to your health. They can offer the help, support, and personalised treatment plans you need to manage sickness and regain your energy.