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What is Functional Medicine?

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Author

Dr. Gaurang Ramesh

Date

July 16, 2023

Functional medicine is a new approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of disease. It is a holistic approach that treats the whole person, not just symptoms. An example of functional medicine would be a doctor who takes an extensive medical history and uses lab tests to help diagnose the root cause of a patient’s disease, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Functional Medicine is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century.

By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional Medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, Functional Medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.

The 7 systems of functional medicine are:

  1. Nutritional and metabolic evaluation
  2. Evaluation of genetic polymorphisms (genetic variations in individuals)
  3. Environmental toxins, infections, and other triggers that may have contributed to the development of chronic illness
  4. Neuroendocrine disorders (disorders that affect the nervous system or endocrine glands)
  5. Genetic and epigenetic factors affecting gene expression (how genes are expressed)
  6. Clinical laboratory assessments including comprehensive metabolic panels and measures of genetic polymorphisms (genetic variations in individuals)
  7. Evaluation of inflammation

WHY DO WE NEED FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

  • Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. 
  • There’s a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in basic sciences and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years—particularly in the area of the complex, chronic illness.
  • Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic diseases and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.
  • Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic diseases.

HOW IS FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE DIFFERENT?

Functional Medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic diseases.  Hallmarks of a Functional Medicine approach include:

  • Patient-centered care. The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease
  • An integrative, science-based healthcare approach. Functional Medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
  • Integrating best medical practices. Functional Medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with what are sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.

Functional medicine is a holistic approach to health care that focuses on treating the whole person, instead of just the symptoms.

At Arka Anugraha Hospital, we embrace the principles of functional medicine, a holistic approach to healthcare that prioritizes treating the whole person rather than just addressing symptoms. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals is committed to understanding the unique needs and underlying factors contributing to your health concerns. By focusing on personalized care, we aim to restore balance and optimize your overall well-being. Experience the transformative power of functional medicine at Arka Anugraha Hospital and embark on a journey towards improved health and vitality.

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