Yes, you read that correctly…NOT (see a Functional Medicine Doctor). This might seem like a strange article to be writing, especially since I am a doctor who practices functional medicine (FM). The reason I feel this should be discussed is because the functional medicine approach is not necessarily a good fit for everyone. It is my hope that this article will help people decide if functional medicine is right for them. Do I think that most people who have a chronic health problem would benefit from FM? Yes, I do.  But that does not mean that everyone with a chronic health problem will want to pursue a health-restoration program.

I believe that anyone considering this approach to help restore their health should be made aware of what is involved in achieving this goal. It is better for everyone involved; patient and doctor if both parties have realistic and mutually understood expectations.

Unfortunately, some people think that by simply consulting with a functional medicine doctor their chronic health problems (many of which by the way, no other doctor has yet been able to help them with) will simply melt away in a couple of weeks by taking a simple vitamin tablet once per day.  While it would be fantastic if the human body (and life in general) worked out this way, the truth of the matter is that it does not. Transforming your body from a state of illness and dysfunction does not occur overnight and does require lifestyle changes and participation from the patient. There are 3 factors that might make functional medicine the wrong choice for you, these are  #1 Time, #2 Commitment and #3 Cost.

Time

Functional medicine is really ideal for chronic health issues; meaning you have had the problem for several weeks, months or years. It is also important to understand that most chronic health problems do not develop overnight. Normal, healthy bodily functions begin to deteriorate long before the first symptoms of illness appear. So in order to reverse this deterioration of health, once again, time will be necessary. It takes time for health to erode and it takes time to build it back up again. So if you are looking for a “quick-fix” then functional medicine may not be the ideal option for you. This does not mean that many people do not experience positive changes early in the treatment, but the more severe and chronic the illness, the longer it generally takes to improve and stabilize health.

Commitment

The functional medicine model is deeply rooted in a health partnership between the patient and the doctor. Unlike traditional medicine, much more participation is required of the patient. If the goal is to reverse chronic disease, then the individual will be required to do things differently than the way they have been doing them. You may need to change our diet or take dietary supplements to get a bit more exercise for example. If you are not willing to take some personal responsibility for our own health and body, then functional medicine is probably not a good fit for you.

Cost

Let’s take a look at the cost of pursuing functional medicine. First of all, cost is relative. If we think something costs a lot then we should ask ourselves the next question….”compared to what?” If you have a consultation with a functional medicine doctor and it costs $200-$300, then it may seem like it costs a lot. But compared to what? Compared to the $25 co-pay you were charged when you saw the specialist? Yes, $25 is less than $300, but did that visit put you on the path you want to be on? Do you want the path of drugs and medication to suppress your symptoms or do you want to improve your body’s ability to function and increase your health? What guidance were you provided with to get you on the road to better health? Or were you provided with a diagnosis and prescription? What was the “value” of that encounter if that is not the route you wanted to take? So again, when we think something costs a lot we need to ask ourselves…”compared to what?” If all you wanted was a diagnosis and prescription for medication, then it was a good value. If that was not what you wanted, then was it really time and money well spent?

Here is another way to look at cost; what is your health worth? What price tag would you put on your own health? Have you thought about what it will “cost” to not take care of yourself? Not just the financial costs, but the price an individual pays in “life-currency” when they live with chronic health problems. Think of someone you know who is chronically ill…what is their life like? Does investing in your own health now seem so “costly?”

As you can see, functional medicine is really ideal for the individual who is willing to take time for their body to heal and respond to treatment. There also needs to be commitment to the process of getting well and willingness to make lifestyle changes. Lastly, if cost is the primary concern, then the process and of getting well may be too stressful and simply not a beneficial choice.

Hopefully this information can help you make an informed choice when deciding whether functional medicine right for you. If, however, you want to give your body time to restore itself and are committed to improving your health and willing to invest in your own health….then functional medicine may be just what you have been looking for.

If you would like more information on functional medicine or Dr. Sexton go to napervilleintegratedwellness.com or contact our Naperville office today.

Do your own research, inform yourself and ask lots of questions. When collecting information you MUST consider the source. There is no shortage of false, misleading, outdated, profit-driven and utterly biased information in healthcare today; even from the most respected sources.