What Is Functional and Integrative Medicine?

There are most of us nutrition professionals now aligning ourselves with Integrative Medicine. I consider myself in this group. Maybe you're asking yourself just what this really is and most importantly, does it really matter?

To answer that question, let's first address the region of conventional medicine. For a while now modern medicine has sought to deal with the presenting symptoms. This could mean treating a fever or perhaps a cough, for instance, or addressing pain or other discomforts. Sometimes this approach is entirely appropriate, however more often this functional medicine approach misses the underlying cause and anyone is never completely restored to health. Think of lingering health conditions such as for example acid reflux disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome recovery, and headaches, just to mention a few. Drugs tend to be prescribed and the patient is sent on her way, but the symptoms persist if the drugs are discontinued.

Additionally, there is almost no discussion with the patient regarding how their condition came about. Unfortunately, and not the fault of our doctors, there is limited time available to pay with patients and so remedies must be delivered quickly. Without more in-depth dialogue there is little chance the practitioner even has the ability to see below the surface of what's really going on.

From the dietetic perspective, a main-stream way of diet intervention could be something similar to prescribing the same diet to everyone with the same disease. Everyone with heart problems would get guidance on exactly the same heart healthy diet, for instance, without consideration given to their culture, preferences, cooking ability, or genetics. Similarly an individual seeking to lose excess weight could be advised for a passing fancy general diet as another without consideration given as to the they've tried in the past or an understanding of what foods work or don't benefit them. These could be types of conventional approaches. chronic fatigue syndrome specialist

Now let's flip to the functional side. Functional practitioners are looking less at masking symptoms and more at how the body is functioning as a whole. They are wanting to uncover where the body is malfunctioning and how do we restore it to its normal, healthy state. Symptoms are simply clues to lead us towards the underlying cause.

Along with symptomatic clues and obviously a real exam, if appropriate, functional medicine practitioner will also be looking in-depth at a person's unique health history to get more clues regarding how and why the body isn't functioning because it should. What this means is sitting yourself down with someone for a significant length of time (often 45 min to an hour) and asking some pertinent questions to paint an image of anyone before them. What may seem off-topic to the patient is often valuable information to the practitioner, as random side notes about vacations, new pets, change of jobs, or significant loss can give further clues right into a person's current state of health. They are topics rarely discussed in the standard model.

Additionally, if necessary, laboratory tests may be conducted to provide further insight into treatment options. These might include not only standard blood work but additionally food allergy tests, digestive stool testing, hormone testing, etc.

The target then, after these details is obtained, is to find out how exactly to best gently nudge the body back to an optimum state. Pharmaceutical choices are a last resort as we know these only mask symptoms and leave the initial condition unresolved. mitochondriopathy Potential nutrient deficiencies tend to be addressed, exercise recommendations may be made, and stress reduction techniques may be employed as well. Some may go further and prescribe other treatment modalities such as for example massage, acupuncture or chiropractic care to check their recommendations. Once initiated these treatment plans often need time. Patients don't develop chronic health conditions in a day or perhaps a week. Likewise these treatments need weeks if not month to revive the body to proper function and balance.

So how can this model benefit the dietitian? Thankfully, we already have the immense fortune of being able to sit back with someone for a great hour or even more to delve into health and diet history. This provides us a solid place to start when it comes to tailored diet advice. While we're not credentialed to prescribe or "treat" per say, now allows us to get a complete picture, both past and present, of what clients are dealing with; therefore we could devise and educate on a suitable diet strategy. Often we suggest helpful supplements as well, especially where nutrient deficiencies are apparent. We are able to also advise on exercise and stress and provide additional referrals when needed.

While both modalities have their place, consider looking at functional medicine online, especially if you have chronic conditions that the typical medical model isn't effectively addressing. Remember, more medications is certainly not the answer and in reality can lead to yet more symptoms that need more drugs. Trust in me, I have clients in these predicaments and it's a smooth slope.

So consider seeing a naturopath, an operating dietitian like myself or other holistic care providers for a far more thorough look into your condition; as well as contemplate it for another opinion. It really may be the nudge the body needs to finally heal and restore.