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In traditional western allopathic medicine, practitioners tend to focus on, and treat, symptoms.

Functional Medicine practitioners focus on how and why illness occurs, and help their patients restore or improve their health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual.

Functional Medicine (FM) is an approach to healthcare that focuses on understanding the underlying causes of disease and addressing the individual's unique biochemical makeup, environment, and lifestyle. It aims to treat the whole person rather than just managing symptoms. Here are key principles and components of the functional medicine approach to dealing with chronic diseases:

Patient-Centered Care: Functional medicine emphasizes a patient-centered approach, considering the individual's unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Practitioners spend time with patients, listening to their histories and understanding the complex interactions influencing health.

Personalized and Preventive Medicine: Treatment plans in functional medicine are personalized based on the individual's unique biochemical, genetic, and lifestyle factors. The focus is on preventing diseases and optimizing health rather than solely addressing symptoms.

Understanding Root Causes: Functional medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease rather than merely treating symptoms. This involves looking at the interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that contribute to imbalances in the body's systems.

Systems Biology Approach: Functional medicine takes a systems biology approach, recognizing that the body's various systems are interconnected. Imbalances in one system can affect others, and addressing the root causes involves understanding these complex interactions.

In-Depth Patient History and Evaluation: Functional medicine practitioners conduct in-depth evaluations, including detailed patient histories, comprehensive physical exams, and advanced laboratory testing. This helps identify underlying imbalances and informs personalized treatment plans.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Interventions: Nutrition is a key focus in functional medicine, with an emphasis on using food as medicine. Lifestyle interventions, including stress management, exercise, and sleep optimization, are also integral components of treatment plans.

Integration of Conventional and Alternative Approaches: Functional medicine integrates both conventional and alternative therapies. It may involve a combination of pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, lifestyle modifications, and complementary therapies based on the individual's needs.

Patient Education and Empowerment: Functional medicine practitioners prioritize patient education, empowering individuals to take an active role in their health. This includes providing information about lifestyle choices, nutrition, and other factors that contribute to well-being.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Treatment in functional medicine is often an ongoing process that includes regular monitoring and adjustments based on the individual's progress. It emphasizes building a long-term partnership between the practitioner and the patient.

Health Coaches: Health coaches often play an integral role in the prescriptive phase of functional medicine treatments. Functional medicine recognizes the importance of addressing not only the physical aspects of health but also lifestyle, behavior, and the patient's overall well-being. Health coaches are professionals trained to work alongside healthcare practitioners, supporting patients in implementing and sustaining lifestyle changes and treatment plans.