Lake View is a delightful Chicago neighborhood.  When you need functional medicine in Lake View, we are just in your backyard. Naperville Integrated Wellness serves Lake View patients as the top Chicago functional medicine doctor.  Anchored by a beautiful stretch of shoreline to the east, Lakeview brings together several distinct areas — East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Northalsted, and Wrigleyville. Each spot offers something unique, but they’re all pulled together by Lakeview’s casual, welcoming feel.

At Naperville Integrated Wellness, we especially enjoy Lake View as it is known as a go-to for arts and culture — where we find a thriving theatre, dance, and comedy scene. Blue Man Group is considered world-famous entertainment that brings music, comedy, and performance art together in one unforgettable show. And the Belmont Theater District is home to more than 20 theatres offering endless array of options, from musicals to drama to family-friendly shows. In addition to what it this community offers to us; we are happy to offer integrative medicine to Lake View residents.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE FOR LAKE VIEW RESIDENTS

Functional Medicine Testing for Lake View Residents

The problem with traditional medicine is that too often, the symptoms are treated, not the patient. At Naperville Integrated Wellness, we see you as a whole person, not a list of health conditions. That’s why we offer comprehensive health testing to determine the source of your issues. We utilize specific specialized testing to get the big picture of your health and to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. From food sensitivity testing to hormone evaluations to autoimmune disease, we have many different tools we can use to determine the root cause of your issues.

Functional Medicine Blood Testing

We typically initiate our diagnostic process with a comprehensive functional medicine blood panel, which offers significantly more insights than standard tests conducted in typical medical settings. In addition to routine assessments, we delve deeper into crucial areas often overlooked, such as inflammation, immune function, thyroid health, blood sugar regulation, energy metabolism, liver function, digestion, and cardiovascular risk factors. This thorough analysis allows us to pinpoint areas of diminished function within the body, enabling us to refine our focus and precisely target the underlying causes of your health concerns.

Nutrition Testing with Functional Medicine

Assessing nutrient status involves two primary methods: measuring nutrient levels directly, such as through blood tests for vitamins like B12 or D, and evaluating the body's chemical processes dependent on key nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. A comprehensive approach often combines both methods. While some nutrients have established optimal ranges, many lack definitive thresholds. In such cases, assessing biological processes becomes crucial to determine functionality and balance.

For instance, instead of solely measuring vitamin B12 levels, analyzing methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels provides a more accurate assessment of B12 needs. MMA levels rise with increased B12 requirements, making it a superior indicator of deficiency compared to B12 levels alone. This nuanced approach acknowledges that normal or elevated B12 levels can mask deficiency, underscoring the importance of evaluating biomarkers like MMA for a more precise understanding of nutrient status.

Stool Testing

You may be familiar with stool tests being ordered primarily to detect parasites or detect blood, but this represents only a fraction of their potential utility. Stool testing offers a wealth of information beyond these basic screenings. Through functional stool analysis, we gain insight into the overall functioning of your digestive system. This includes assessing digestion efficiency, identifying malabsorption issues, and detecting signs of inflammation or leaky gut syndrome. Additionally, we can evaluate the spectrum of chemicals produced by gut organisms, distinguishing between beneficial and harmful compounds, and assess the balance of healthy bacteria versus potentially harmful bacteria, parasites, or yeast overgrowth. This comprehensive approach enables us to understand the intricate dynamics of your gut health and tailor interventions accordingly, addressing underlying imbalances and optimizing digestive function.

Adrenal Gland Testing

The adrenal glands play a pivotal role in managing stress and inflammation within the body. While conventional testing often focuses on cortisol levels to rule out major disorders like Cushing's or Addison's disease, this approach provides only a limited view of adrenal function. In reality, the adrenal glands serve a multifaceted role beyond cortisol production. They also produce aldosterone, vital for electrolyte balance, as well as catecholamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which impact mood, energy levels, and stress response. Dysfunction of the adrenal glands can manifest in various symptoms including fatigue, insomnia, mood changes, weight gain, and altered thyroid function, underscoring the importance of comprehensive assessment.

Moreover, healthy adrenal function is particularly crucial during transitional phases like menopause in women. As ovarian hormone production declines, the adrenal glands assume a more significant role in hormone synthesis. Dysfunction or "adrenal fatigue" can disrupt hormone balance, exacerbating symptoms associated with hormonal changes. Our approach extends beyond isolated cortisol tests, encompassing a comprehensive evaluation of adrenal gland function. By assessing key components such as cortisol, aldosterone, and catecholamine levels, we gain a comprehensive understanding of adrenal health, enabling tailored interventions to restore balance and optimize overall well-being.  Learn more about adrenal gland testing now.

Hormone or Reproductive Testing

A reproductive hormone panel typically includes Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, and Luteinizing Hormone. These hormones can be assessed using blood, saliva, or urine samples, each method having its own advantages and drawbacks. Blood testing, or serum testing, is the most invasive option as it requires a blood draw. Results from blood tests provide measurements of both the total hormones (free fraction and protein-bound) but often come with broad lab ranges. Saliva testing offers a non-invasive alternative, measuring the 'free' fraction of hormones not bound to proteins. Urine testing evaluates hormone metabolites, providing insights into the chemicals excreted from the hormones. Each method has distinct clinical applications and limitations that must be considered when interpreting results.

Environmental Mold Toxicity

When assessing a patient for mold toxicity, it's essential to evaluate the mold burden by testing for common toxic molds. This comprehensive test measures levels of 11 different mycotoxins, including Aflatoxin M1, Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone, and Trichothecenes. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by various fungal (mold) species and are pervasive in our environment. These substances disrupt cellular structures and vital cellular processes, often suppressing the immune system and causing harm to the skin, lungs, and gut microbiome. Exposure to mycotoxins is associated with a wide range of health issues affecting the nervous system, reproductive system, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and liver, with some mycotoxins even identified as carcinogens. Testing for mycotoxins is crucial for accurately assessing mold toxicity and understanding its potential impact on overall health.

Detoxification Capacity

The body's primary detoxification pathways encompass the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and lungs. The liver acts as a powerhouse, metabolizing toxins and facilitating their elimination through bile or urine. Meanwhile, the kidneys filter blood, expelling toxins via urine, while the GI tract eliminates waste through bowel movements. Even the lungs play a vital role, expelling airborne toxins through respiration. However, impairment of these pathways can occur due to genetic predispositions, environmental overload, and nutrient deficiencies. When these vital pathways falter, toxins accumulate, paving the way for chronic diseases such as cancer, asthma, and obesity. This cumulative burden underscores the critical importance of supporting and optimizing the body's detoxification mechanisms to safeguard overall health and well-being.

Metabolism and Cellular Energy Production Testing

Energy production within the body primarily occurs within the mitochondria, serving as the cornerstone for overall health and vitality. This process is indispensable for sustaining physical strength, endurance, and even cognitive function. Vital nutrients play a pivotal role in supporting mitochondrial function, ensuring optimal energy production. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to weakness, fatigue, and cognitive impairments, highlighting the critical importance of adequate nutrient intake.

Moreover, as discussed previously, toxins wield a significant influence on the functioning of virtually all bodily systems. These harmful substances can disrupt mitochondrial function at the cellular level, exacerbating health issues across various domains. Therefore, identifying and addressing potential dysfunction in mitochondrial activity is paramount in tackling the root causes of many health conditions. By comprehensively assessing mitochondrial health, healthcare providers can devise targeted interventions to restore function and promote overall well-being.

Schedule An Integrative Medicine Appointment In Lake View 

Once we have determined the source of your issue or issues, we can provide you with integrative medicine treatment. This will look different for every individual, but the foundation of our treatment lies first in your specific lab results, and then in your specific plan based on these results.  It is our health coaching and follow through that sets us apart once we have all the information we need. We can guide you through certain lifestyle changes and nutritional choices that will best support your health today and moving forward.

You can trust that, regardless of the specifics of your treatment, we won’t simply be writing you a prescription and sending you on your way. We are genuinely invested in your health. As noted above, if you are searching for integrative medicine in the Lake View area, don't hesitate to reach out to Naperville Integrated Wellness. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our functional medicine doctor now!