Chicago will always be home… for this Chicago functional medicine doctor

What is functional medicine? 

“Functional Medicine is a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual’s illness.”

https://www.ifm.org/functional-medicine/what-is-functional-medicine/

It’s time for a radical change in healthcare. We want Chicagoans to experience the benefits of restoring their health instead of covering up disease with medications that more often than not leads to more disease. 

Here is something to think about…drugs have side-effects. What is a side-effect? Quite simply a new disease process that is being caused by the drug itself. When a drug works well, the new disease is less damaging or dangerous than the original disease being treated. 

Is this a terrible model? 

No, this is not a terrible model of healthcare; but would you agree the following would be a better model? 

Instead of trading biological dysfunction for more dysfunction, what if we improved function with no side-effects? What if you just felt better and were not putting yourself at greater risk for more disease? What if you work with your biology and your genetics for better health and more life? 

Does functional medicine really work? 

The simple answer is “yes.” Functional medicine works so well because it is working with your body and your biology. Traditional doctors and healthcare focus on disease, not health. The human body is extremely complex and is has a single goal…survival. 

Your body is working 24/7 to heal, restore balance and maintain health. Health is synonymous with life and disease with death. Functional medicine doctors look for the obstacles that are standing between you and health, between you and a better quality of life. The focus in on a greater degree of health and therefore a higher and more satisfying quality of life. 

Why do we need a new approach to healthcare? 

The current model of healthcare practiced in this country is not designed to restore health and wellness; it is a sick-care system that depends almost exclusively on drugs and mediation to alter disease processes in the human body. 

It simply tries to keep people alive but being alive is not the same as living. We are all alive, but many of us are not really living. Are you living the life you want right now or merely existing day in and day out? Are your health issues standing between you and the kind of life you want? 

One well-known advocate of functional medicine is Dr. Mark Hyman and here is what he as to say about our healthcare today…

“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 complex, chronic illness. Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.”

https://drhyman.com/about-functional-medicine/

How is a Chicago functional medicine doctor differ than traditional medicine doctor? 

When you consult your doctor or a specialist, it usually involves a two-step process:

1. Conduct tests to assign a label or diagnosis to your health condition.
2. Once the diagnosis is established to the doctor’s satisfaction, you are typically prescribed medication to manage the condition.

This process involves categorizing the disease and subsequently prescribing medication or medications tailored to that specific condition. In the case of chronic illness, there’s typically no anticipation of improvement, reversal, or the possibility of discontinuing medication. 

Functional medicine primarily revolves around lifestyle interventions.

• Would your body function more effectively if you consumed a diet tailored to its needs?
• If you corrected any essential nutrient deficiencies, would your body operate more efficiently?
• Could your body function better if you obtained sufficient rest for proper repair and rejuvenation?
• Would improved stress management lead to better functioning of your body?
• If you identified and resolved the root cause of your health issue, would your body function optimally?

The answers to these questions are evident. Indeed, your body would function better. Anything that aligns with the natural functioning of your body enhances your overall health experience.

Functional medicine for Chicago 

Naperville integrated is proud to offer functional medicine services to the people of Chicago. We pride ourselves on providing the best in functional medicine. We also so know what we are not the best match to everyone’s needs. For this reason, we encourage your to do some research, check out other functional medicine doctors. 

Read the articles and blogs they have written, watch their videos or listen to their podcasts. Read the reviews from their patients. You want to make sure that you and your doctor are a good match. 

A Natural Solution To Chronic Conditions In Chicago

At Naperville Integrated Wellness, we use a holistic approach to improving health.  Our Chicago functional medicine specialist approaches chronic conditions by focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes rather than just managing symptoms. We conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history, lifestyle, and environmental influences to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan often includes customized dietary recommendations, specific supplements, and lifestyle changes like stress reduction, better sleep, and regular physical activity. Advanced diagnostic testing may be used to understand underlying imbalances or dysfunctions. The goal is to create a comprehensive, individualized approach that fosters long-term health and addresses the foundational issues driving the chronic condition.

Health Conditions We Help With Functional Medicine

As a functional medicine facility, we work with a variety of chronic health conditions. Most of the individuals we work with have not been able to get the help they need from traditional medicine. While we are not able to help everyone, we have a very high success rate with most of the health issues we work with. Below are some of the most common categories of health issues that we work with. 

Autoimmune Diseases 

We have worked with many different autoimmune diseases. As a functional medicine doctor, I search for and address the root causes that result in immune system malfunction and cause damage to the body. A basic and functional explanation of autoimmune disease would be an immune system that has lost the ability to regulate itself and has started to attack the body.

The goal of treatment is to restore the immune system’s ability to regulate what it should be attacking and what it should not be attacking. Some of the autoimmune diseases I have worked with include: Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, Vitiligo, Rheumatoid arthritis, Celiac disease, Sjögren’s disease and more. 

Thyroid and Hashimoto’s Disease 

One of the most common and undiagnosed thyroid diseases is Hashimoto’s disease. This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is attacking the thyroid gland. In the yearly years of this disease, common thyroid tests/thyroid hormone tests are “normal.” This is why many individuals many suffer with this disease for years before a it is diagnosed. Unfortunately, traditional medicine does not offer any treatment for this autoimmune disease.

What typically occurs is that once enough of the thyroid gland is damaged, the levels of thyroid hormone drop low enough to warrant the use of thyroid medication. As mentioned above, it may take years before a diagnosis is made, while and the person continues to suffer from thyroid-related problems. Unfortunately, for many with Hashimoto’s disease, once they begin taking thyroid hormone medication, their health issues do not improve. This is because the root cause of their health issues is an autoimmune disease, which is not being addressed. 

Chicago Hashimoto’s Disease Specialist

Our Chicago functional medicine specialist treats Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by focusing on a holistic, personalized approach to manage the condition and address its underlying causes. This involves recommending anti-inflammatory dietary changes, such as avoiding gluten and dairy, and supplementing with nutrients like selenium and vitamin D that support thyroid health. They also emphasize improving gut health through probiotics and a balanced diet, managing stress with techniques like mindfulness and yoga, and conducting comprehensive testing to monitor thyroid function and autoimmune markers. Additionally, they work to identify and address potential autoimmune triggers, such as environmental toxins, and suggest lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise and adequate sleep. The goal is to improve thyroid function, reduce symptoms, and enhance overall well-being with a tailored treatment plan.  Learn more about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis now.

How To Specifically Spot Hashimoto’s Disease

Signs you might have Hashimoto’s disease in Chicago include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and increased sensitivity to cold. You may also experience chronic constipation, dry skin and hair, and muscle weakness or joint pain. Other indicators include swelling in the neck (goiter), memory issues or “brain fog,” mood changes such as depression or irritability, and irregular menstrual cycles. If you notice these symptoms, seeking medical advice for a thorough evaluation is essential.

Signs Your Need To Chat with a Chicago Thyroid Specialist

Chicago Graves Disease Specialist

I have worked with many patients who suffer from Hashimoto’s disease and another autoimmune thyroid disease called Graves’ disease. Grave’s is disease causes a hyperthyroid state. Hashimoto’s disease can sometimes cause a temporary hyperthyroid state and progress to a hypothyroid state. As a Chicago functional medicine doctor, I focus on the root cause of these thyroid disorders and the focus must be placed on what the immune system is doing to the thyroid gland and how it functions. 

Weight-Loss Center Near Chicago

Weight loss can be very difficult for many people. A functional medicine approach to weight-loss compels us to evaluate the reasons the individual is not able to lose weight. Having worked with patients seeking to lose weight for over 20 years, I have discovered that the problem of weight loss typically falls into 3 major categories. 

• Thyroid 
• Blood sugar and insulin 
• Chronic inflammation 

Assuming the individual is following the basics of weight-loss; improving their diet and getting some physical activity, if they are failing to make progress it is usually due to one or more of the 3 categories above. 

Thyroid problems can include hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) or normal thyroid hormone levels with Hashimoto’s disease. 

Blood Sugar Regulation and Weight Loss

When it comes to blood sugar regulation, common blood tests are insufficient. Most doctors only test your fasting glucose levels and because of this many people suffer from undiagnosed blood sugar and insulin problems. You can have a normal fasting glucose test and be pre-diabetic and you can have a normal fasting glucose test and have insulin-resistance. Prediabetes and/or insulin resistance can make weight loss extremely difficult and in some cases impossible. 

Chronic Inflammation and Weight relationship

Many people have chronic inflammation and do not know it. You don’t need to have pain in order to be inflamed. Many individuals with chronic inflammation do not suffer from pain of any kind. Blood tests can be used to determine the levels of inflammation in your body. Inflammation has a negative impact on metabolism and energy production at the level of your cells. Inflammation tends to aggravate underlying thyroid, blood sugar and the balance other hormones. For example, the most common cause of low testosterone in males is inflammation. Inflammation disrupts the production and balance of hormones is women…which can contribute to weight issues. 

The bottom line that chronic inflammation has a negative impact on every system of your body, not just hormones and metabolism. 

Digestive System Disorders 

Most digestive system problems fall into two major categories. Functional and autoimmune. Functional digestive issues include IBS, leaky-gut and SIBO to name a few. Some of the autoimmune digestion issues include celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and atrophic gastritis. 

I have worked with all of these conditions. I have also found that most chronic digestive systems tend to involve the immune system and the nervous system. Food sensitivities and food allergies are often part of the problem, but there can be microbiome (gut organisms) problems, motility/bowel movement issues, etc. Most digestive system issues require a functional medicine approach in order to identify the root cause(s) that are causing the digestive system to remain dysfunctional. 

Chicago IBS Specialist

IBD Treatment For Chicago Residents

Chicago Leaky Gut Solutions 

Tell-tale signs of leaky gut include persistent digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, along with food sensitivities or intolerances. You might also experience symptoms beyond the gut, such as unexplained fatigue, headaches, joint pain, or skin issues like eczema. Additionally, frequent infections or a history of autoimmune conditions can be indicative. Leaky gut is often associated with an increased permeability of the intestinal lining, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to enter the bloodstream, triggering widespread inflammation and immune responses.

Natural Solution For Leaky Gut

From a functional medicine standpoint, natural treatment for leaky gut focuses on healing the gut and reducing inflammation through a holistic approach. This includes adopting an anti-inflammatory diet that removes processed foods and incorporates gut-repairing foods, taking supplements such as L-glutamine, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, and using probiotics and prebiotics to balance gut bacteria. Stress management, minimizing toxin exposure, and incorporating gut-soothing supplements like slippery elm and collagen peptides are also key strategies. This comprehensive approach aims to address both the underlying causes and symptoms of leaky gut for better overall health.

Ulcerative Colitis Specialist Near Chicago

What to Expect With Your First Functional Medicine Appointment

Therefore if you don’t think we are a good fit for you, then we strongly encourage you to keep looking. Our hope is you find the best functional medicine doctor Chicago can offer.  Don’t give up on your health, don’t settle for less life.   Contact us today to schedule an appointment!