What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine is an integrated approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases and imbalances in the body. It aims to understand the underlying factors that contribute to an individual’s health issues rather than just treating symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners consider a person’s genetics (using epigenetics), environment, and other factors to create personalized treatment plans that promote optimal health and well-being. This approach often incorporates a combination of conventional medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and evidence-based natural therapies. The goal is to support the body’s natural healing processes and restore balance for long-term health.
Functional Medicine is also known as Functional Diagnostic Medicine, Precision Medicine, Mitochondrial Medicine, or Orthomolecular Medicine
Dr. Chester Dickerson is our clinic's Functional Medicine practitioner.
What Is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics refers to the study of changes in gene expression that occur without alterations in the underlying DNA sequence. It involves modifications to the structure of DNA or its associated proteins, which can affect gene activity. These modifications can be influenced by various factors such as those from the environment, diet, lifestyle, and stress. Epigenetic changes can have long-lasting effects on gene expression and can contribute to the development and progression of diseases.
Duties of a Functional Medicine Practitioner
Assessing the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, environmental factors, and genetic makeup to determine the root cause of their health issues
Conducting comprehensive diagnostic tests to evaluate the patients health status, including blood tests, hormone tests, gut microbiome analysis, and genetic testing.
Developing personalized treatment plans that focus on addressing the underlying causes of the patient’s health concerns, rather than the symptoms experienced
Educating and guiding he patient on nutrition, stress reduction, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.
Prescribing and monitoring the use of supplements, herbs and other natural treatments the support the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
If you suffer with any of these symptoms we can help…
Weight gain, Fatigue/Tiredness, Insomnia, Fibromyalgia, Metabolic Disease, Fatigue/Tiredness, Diabetes, Constipation/Diarrhea, Autoimmune Disease, Thyroid Dysfunction, Adrenal Fatigue, Headaches, Digestive Disorders, Dermatological Disorders
Schedule a free consultation to learn more.
