Functional medicine is a science-based field of health care that looks to restore balance and function within the body through the application of lifestyle modifications {diet and exercise} and specific natural supplementation.
As an example of the value of functional medicine, consider the following. Choosing which supplements to take in order to maintain optimal health is a daunting task even for someone with training in natural healthcare. Functional medicine uses noninvasive, specialized laboratory tests that can show which supplements and substances are indicated to support optimal functioning of the body's many systems - systems that often come under stress from ones environment, lifestyle or genetics.
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What is the difference between Traditional Medicine and Functional Medicine?
What types of things does functional medicine treat?Functional medicine addresses four primary functions in the body and seeks to bring each into balance:
- Nutrition and Digestion
- Detoxification and Elimination
- Immune Function
- Endocrine (hormonal) function
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Insulin Resistance (Diabetes)
- Adrenal Stress (Cortisol levels)
- Thyroid Problems
- Immune Problems
- Reproductive Issues/Menopause
Your appointment will begin by filling out the New Patient Paperwork and the Metabolic Assessment Form. Then you will have a FREE consultation with Dr. Betz in order to discuss your medical history, health concerns, and health goals. If you choose to continue on the functional medicine path you will schedule an exam and set up a time for blood work. At a following visit, Dr. Betz will thoroughly explain the results of any lab tests and give recommendations on Diet, Exercise, and Supplementation.
Why do I need blood work or other labs?
Functional medicine is based on balancing chemical and hormonal levels within your body so it is customary to order blood work or other lab tests to identify any imbalances. These baseline results will help us determine which specific supplements you need and also act as a comparison for improvement when future labs are taken.
Diabetes: The Functional Medicine Approach