What is Functional Medicine?

Learn about functional medicine from the team at The Healthplex in Wheeling, WV

When most people hear of functional medicine, their first thought is, “What is that?” Functional medicine is a relatively new concept to most people. We’re so used to the conventional healthcare model that we might not even realize alternatives exist. 

So, while some aspects of functional medicine may be familiar, there are also new and transformative elements that set it apart from traditional medical practices. If you’ve been searching for relief from unresolved health issues, it’s time to discover the benefits of functional medicine offered by The Healthplex in Wheeling, WV.

What is Functional Medicine? It’s About Uncovering the Root Causes of Disease

At its core, functional medicine is centered around uncovering and addressing the root causes of disease rather than merely treating symptoms. In Wheeling, WV, patients are looking for alternatives to the conventional approach that relies solely on medications, surgeries, and insurance-driven care to solve health issues. Functional medicine offers a fresh perspective, focusing on finding the underlying imbalances and dysfunctions in the body to promote true healing and wellness.

Functional Medicine in Action

To better understand how functional medicine works, let’s consider an example. Suppose a patient is struggling with chronic fatigue and experiencing a lack of energy that hinders their daily activities. Instead of prescribing stimulants (or just drinking coffee) or dismissing the symptoms altogether, a functional medicine provider at The Healthplex would delve deeper into the possible causes. 

They may investigate factors such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, gut health, or chronic infections that could be contributing to the fatigue. By addressing these underlying issues, the patient can experience lasting improvements in their energy levels and overall well-being.

The next step is to put a personalized treatment plan into place. Our experienced practitioners develop a roadmap for your healing journey. This individualized approach allows us to address the root causes of your health concerns and design a treatment protocol that incorporates targeted nutrition, natural remedies, lifestyle modifications, and other evidence-based therapies. With a personalized treatment plan, you can experience the power of tailored wellness plans, optimized outcomes, and a renewed sense of well-being.

When you ask, “What is functional medicine?” you should know that functional medicine is about action and results. We won’t just tell you that you have a problem. We will guide you step by step toward the solution. 

Five Foundations of Functional Medicine

Functional medicine encompasses five key foundations that work synergistically to promote optimal health and wellness. Each foundation plays a vital role in the patient’s journey toward healing and restoration.

1. Testing: Functional medicine relies on advanced laboratory testing to gain comprehensive insights into a patient’s unique biochemistry. By analyzing blood work, genetic markers, hormone levels, nutrient status, and other relevant markers, practitioners can identify imbalances and tailor treatments accordingly.
   
2. Natural Remedies: Functional medicine prioritizes the use of natural and evidence-based therapies to support the body’s innate healing capacity. This may include personalized nutrition plans, targeted supplementation, fitness routines, detoxification protocols, and lifestyle modifications to optimize overall health.
   
3. Holistic Health: Unlike conventional medicine’s fragmented approach, functional medicine recognizes the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. By considering the complex web of factors such as diet, stress, sleep, exercise, and environmental exposures, functional medicine practitioners create holistic treatment plans that address the root causes of disease.
   
4. Disease Prevention: One of the fundamental tenets of functional medicine is proactive disease prevention. Instead of waiting for symptoms to manifest, functional medicine focuses on identifying risk factors and implementing strategies to mitigate them. This approach empowers individuals to take control of their health and minimize the chances of developing chronic conditions.
   
5. Personalized Wellness Plans: Functional medicine emphasizes personalized care because it recognizes that each person is unique. By understanding an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, environment, and health history, practitioners develop tailored wellness plans that address their specific needs, promoting optimal health outcomes.

What Functional Medicine is Not

Sometimes the best way to understand a new concept is to define what it is not. Here are some approaches that functional medicine doesn’t embrace.

• Functional medicine is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare.
  
• It is not about simply suppressing symptoms or providing temporary relief.
  
• Unlike conventional medicine, functional medicine does not solely rely on medications or invasive procedures to treat diseases.
  
• Functional medicine is not a standalone solution but a collaborative partnership between practitioners and patients, working together to optimize health and well-being.

Discover an Effective Health Alternative in Wheeling, WV

In Wheeling, WV, functional medicine has emerged as a highly effective alternative to conventional medical practices. By addressing the root causes of disease, prioritizing natural remedies, considering holistic health, focusing on disease prevention, and providing personalized wellness plans, functional medicine offers a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to healthcare.

If you’re seeking an alternative approach to healthcare that goes beyond symptomatic relief, functional medicine at The Healthplex in Wheeling, WV, might be the solution you’ve been looking for. By understanding the five foundations of functional medicine and embracing its holistic principles, you can embark on a journey toward optimal health and well-being. 

We encourage you to schedule a discovery call with our experienced functional medicine team.