Functional medicine achieves its purpose by restoring functional integrity to the various systems of the body. These systems include the digestive, immune, hormonal (endocrine), neurological, etc.
The various systems of the body control the functions of the body. Functions include but are not limited to; detoxification, healing and tissue repair, defense, nutrient absorption, sleep, mood, energy production, metabolism, etc.
Supporting the health and vitality of the body’s systems improves the quality of the functions they are performing. Some systems of the body can be considered more fundamental when it comes to restoring health. Not because they are more important, it is because we can influence them more directly.
For example, the neurological system can be influenced and improved by supporting the digestive system. This is because the digestive system can be more easily “accessed” than the nervous system and healthy neurological function depends on good digestion. When the health of the digestive system is improved, many problems of the nervous system can be corrected. This leads to even higher levels of function because the improved neurological function leads to more efficient and effective digestion; initiating a snowball effect of improvement. Just as chronic disease starts with small levels of dysfunction that grow into significant levels of disorder; functional medicine creates a snowball effect of increased function and health. The systems of the body are intimately connected and influence each other. Increasing the health and vitality of any system will lead to improvement in other systems simultaneously.
This is the “magic” of functional medicine but the only reason this occurs is because we are working with and not against the natural laws of biology, physiology and health. Supporting and working in harmony with your body always leads to better long-term outcomes.
Functional medicine not only recognizes but embraces the fact that chronic illness can only be reversed by supporting the systems of the body so that natural function and health can be restored. Pharmaceutical-medicine still refuses to accept the laws of nature and health. It clings to the false assumption that it can do a better job than nature can. One only needs to look at the increase in chronic diseases to see that this system is outdated and ineffective. Diabetes, heart disease, dementia, cancer, autoimmune disease... all chronic diseases are on the rise today and are projected to rise in the future.
Functional medicine is the result of an evolving healthcare system. We had to take many steps forward in our thinking to recognize that we had to go back to the basics; work with the natural laws of the body and health; not against them.
Most of our new patients have no idea what to expect when they come to our Naperville office for the first time. This is understandable since most people have not been to a functional medicine office before. Your first will be approximately 45 minutes; some take longer and some require less time; depending on the nature of the health problem(s).
Your initial visit is a one-on-one meeting with your treating doctor. During this visit the doctor will go over the information you have provided and the forms you have filled out (we will provide you with forms to complete before arriving for this visit). The doctor will also review any recent diagnostic testing that has been performed by other healthcare facilities.
Your doctor will then discuss with you their initial assessment of the data at hand. If you are accepted for care, the doctor will then discuss with you what the next step will be in your care. In most instances this will include expanded blood tests. This is because functional medicine physicians often need more information than is contained in most standard blood tests. In our Naperville office, we have created unique test panels that help isolate areas of dysfunction in the body. Other recommendations may be given but that will be determined by the information available at that time. The first blood test often provides sufficient information to determine which additional tests will be required to construct a comprehensive treatment plan for you.
There is a process of information collection before treatment recommendations are given. To do otherwise would be of little benefit to you since your doctor would be attempting to make treatment decisions before the necessary information about you is known.
As relevant information is gathered and the underlying cause of your health problem is more fully understood, treatment recommendations can then be made and implemented. Your doctor will then work with you and help you successfully implement the treatment recommendation as well as monitor your progress. The relationship is actually a partnership between you and your treating physician. It is our purpose to help you achieve your health and wellness goals but your full participation is necessary for successful outcomes.
We look forward to meeting you and helping you make lasting changes in your health!
We are committed to helping our patients discover the underlying cause of their health problems and restoring wellness to their lives. We specialize in isolating decreased or altered function in the body and restoring it. Contact our office for your initial consultation to find out how functional medicine can help you.**