What is Functional Medicine? Understanding the Holistic Approach to Health
Discover what functional medicine is, its principles, benefits, and how it offers a holistic approach to health. Learn how functional medicine can help manage chronic diseases and improve overall wellness.
Kristen Brown, ARNP-C, IFM Certified nurse practitioner
Functional Medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare that is key to uncovering the root causes of disease and returning patients to optimal health.
As an Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) certified nurse practitioner, I use a systematic approach to get to the root causes of your symptoms. Functional medicine recognizes and addresses each patient’s unique needs and experiences. IFM-certified practitioners have a deep understanding of many factors that contribute to overall health. These include biology, physiology, genetics, mental health, environment, and social health, among others. Uncovering these influences helps create a plan that restores optimal health.
Functional medicine is comprehensive, collaborative, and personalized
According to IFM, 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/ ). We recognize that one diagnosis can have many causes and one cause can result in many diagnoses.
How does Functional Medicine differ from Conventional Medicine?
Functional Medicine focuses on treating the whole person while looking for the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. Personalized treatment plans usually involve guidelines in nutrition and lifestyle as well as natural or prescriptive therapies based on lab results and individual needs.
Conventional Medicine focuses on obtaining a diagnosis and treating symptoms rather than root causes of disease. Conventional treatments are often standardized and applied to all patients with similar conditions.
A functional medicine approach is more comprehensive and tailored to each individual. It is also more proactive than reactive as functional medicine also focuses on prevention and wellness.
How Functional Medicine Works
Prior to the first visit, patients complete a comprehensive intake, providing medical history, a review of symptoms, and lifestyle and nutrition habits. During the 90-minute new patient visit we discuss their health history, lifestyle, concerns, and goals to create a comprehensive plan. The plan can include diagnostic testing and prescriptive nutrition and lifestyle protocols as appropriate. This information is used to personalize treatment and interventions. Follow-up appointments include a review of symptoms and an explanation and plan based on lab results. Ongoing monitoring of symptoms, and lab results allows us to adjust these plans as needed, and healing begins.
Benefits of Functional Medicine
As we address the whole person, you will find that your overall wellness improves. What you used to think was “normal” may not have been “optimal” for you and your new “normal” will most likely be much healthier.
Most patients with chronic diseases continue to experience relief of their concerns with a functional medicine approach because of the iterative and individualized plan.. Our patients are able to focus on abundance instead of avoidance. They have developed habits that serve them instead of detracting from their goals. Patients learn to interpret and act on what their bodies are telling them and begin to feel empowered to take control of their health.
Common Conditions Treated by Functional Medicine
I specialize in treating autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic health. My approach includes identifying and addressing their root causes. This integrative approach includes an evaluation of the patient’s detailed health history including genetics, lifestyle factors, and past toxic exposures. It also includes comprehensive testing to identify underlying causes such as infections, toxins, and bloodwork imbalances. New patients receive counseling about appropriate nutritional interventions including food plans and a prescription for medical-grade supplements.
Optimizing gut health is key to a functional medicine approach to autoimmune disorders. We will work on repairing the gut, implementing a plan to support a healthy microbiome, and addressing identified imbalances in gut bacteria contributing to autoimmune conditions.
Along with the above, it is important to note that addressing stress and lifestyle is key to a functional medicine approach. Each patient will receive guidance about stress reduction techniques, optimizing sleep, and finding joyful movement to help support overall health and reduce inflammation.
How to find a Functional Medicine Practitioner that is a good fit
Start by doing research and gathering information. There are many resources available to help you narrow your search. The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) has a directory of certified functional medicine practitioners. You can also check online reviews to see what other patients have shared about their experiences with potential providers.
Be sure to create a list of practitioners who are certified by reputable functional medicine organizations, like IFM.
Check to see whether the provider is a member of important health associations (like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners). You should also evaluate their educational background so you canI have full practice authority in Washington as well as Nevada. This means I don’t need physician oversight and can evaluate patients, diagnose, order, and interpret tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications.
Getting Started with Functional Medicine
Often, practitioners will offer a free consultation. This will allow you to have dedicated time to chat about your health goals and see if it might be a good fit to work together. No medical advice is given during these consultations, but it is a good way to assess whether you feel comfortable and respected. You will also be able to see whether the practitioner is kind, attentive, empathetic, and thorough.
At the end of this time you will likely be offered a new patient appointment or given information about how to schedule, if desired. You can expect to complete a thorough health history and submit it prior to your appointment so the practitioner has time to review it before your first appointment. This is part of the comprehensive, personalized care that functional medicine provides for chronic disease management.
Functional Medicine is a comprehensive root-cause approach to addressing health concerns. It provides an evidence-based framework to identify and treat the underlying causes of chronic health conditions. Finding a qualified practitioner who helps you feel heard and respected is key to your improvement and success.
If functional medicine seems like the right approach for you, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation.
Please feel free to share your experience with or questions about functional medicine in the comments section.
