How Does Functional Medicine Address the Root Causes of Disease?
Functional medicine addresses the root causes of disease by considering a wide range of factors that contribute to health problems, such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and nutrition. Instead of merely focusing on the symptoms, functional medicine practitioners conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history, family background, and current health status to identify underlying imbalances or dysfunctions within the body. For example, a person suffering from chronic fatigue might have an underlying issue like adrenal dysfunction, thyroid imbalance, or nutrient deficiencies, which could be overlooked in conventional medicine. By identifying these causes, functional medicine creates personalized treatment plans that aim to restore balance and optimize overall health.
In functional medicine, practitioners often use a variety of diagnostic tools, including lab tests, to identify specific imbalances such as hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, or nutrient deficiencies. Once the root causes are identified, treatment focuses on natural, evidence-based interventions like dietary changes, exercise, stress management, and supplementation to restore proper function. This comprehensive approach allows the body to heal itself and promotes long-term wellness by correcting the imbalances that contribute to disease.
