Functional medicine is a science-based whole systems approach looking at the fundamental underlying causes of clinical symptoms. A functional medicine doctor is looking for not what is wrong with this person but why this person has an issue. The main question here would be: How to find the right doctor.  Functional Medicine is not alternative medicine and it's not the Western approach either, it simply takes some of the new findings from systems biology and finds out how all kinds of different influences can impact the person's health. When you can understand the underlying causes of the disease versus just diagnosing the disease itself, you can have expanded options on how to treat that disease.

This model is completely individualized, science-based and patient-centered compared to Western/Complementary medicine where doctors treat the disease as the disorder of separate and independent organs and systems of the body. Functional medicine doctors are spending more time with patients through the healing period and understand the patient's genetic, biochemical factors and the lifestyle he is running. All this data would be converted into individualized treatment plans that lead to improved health conditions.

Conditions Treated by Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a perfect solution for patients with chronic diseases. We are living in a world full of toxins and this can be the root cause for the immunological issues, allergic and atopic diseases that increase inflammatory burden and can be the reason for other conditions as well. Functional medicine combined with the Allergy Research Group supplements can dramatically ease symptoms.

Functional medicine treats:

• Atopic Dermatitis

• Autoimmune Disorders

• Allergies

• Cancer Support and Prevention

• Cardiac Disease Prevention and Risk Reduction

• Chronic Constipation/Diarrhea

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Depression

• Digestive issues

• Diabetes

• Environmental Toxicity

• Fibromyalgia

• Hypothyroidism, Subclinical

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Insomnia

• Metabolic Syndrome

• Migraines

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• etc.

This list can be longer, but these are the major disorders.

How to Find the right doctor?

Usually Functional medicine doctors use a holistic approach considering the body as a unit of spirit, mind and the body. They use special techniques and training to find the root causes of the complex health issues. They will look through your history that includes genetics, physical, mental and emotional health conditions. They will ask additionally about your lifestyle, including:

• sleep condition 

• physical activities (exercise habits)

• stress factors

• symptoms timeline

• personal relationships

• emotional wellbeing

• nutrition

• diet

The idea of the treatment is the following: One condition has many different reasons likewise one reason may result in different conditions. Below are some key characteristics of a good functional doctor:

• They specialize in complex chronic conditions.

• They recommend a plant based organic diet.

• They are building a relationship with you as a partner in health.

• They help you prioritize the lifestyle changes and the decisions you need to make. 

• They clearly point out the changes you will go through and you know what to expect. 

• They make you feel comfortable and unjudged treating you as an individual.

• They spend much more time with you.

Final Notes

Our body is a complex web that consists of organs and systems that are interconnected with each other and always working together. Keeping them in balance should be the number one priority for us. Once a year you should get examined by a doctor, and you need to choose which medical approach is closer to you. Avoid synthetical supplements if you can and choose more green and eco. Keep a healthy lifestyle and treat your body and mind with tenderness. Stay safe and hydrated!