Functional medicine offers numerous benefits that greatly distinguish it from conventional medicine.
Functional medicine focuses on the root cause: It seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of a poor health condition rather than just treating symptoms. In addressing the root cause of the problem, functional medicine can lead to a much more effective treatment with longer lasting results1.
The unique requirements and needs of each individual patient are taken into account, this includes their lifestyle, genetics and their daily environment. This type of individualistic approach leads to a specifically tailored and effective treatment plan for each patient.
The holistic approach of functional medicine views the human body as an interconnected system, interacting with one another rather than a collection of separate parts. Using this approach recognizes how diet, environmental toxins and stress can have a significant effect on overall health.
Functional medicine practitioners often use a wide range of healing modalities, including nutrition, stress reduction techniques and supplements along with other complimentary therapies. This type of approach offers a comprehensive and effective treatment plan rather than merely treating the symptoms of the disease.
For example, it has been shown that just by increasing fibre consumption, prioritizing healthy fat intake, and avoiding trigger foods, these are just some nutritional factors that are associated with preventing, treating, or managing different chronic diseases. Plant-based diets have been linked to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Having a preventative focus, functional medicine emphasises just how important preventative care, screenings, regular check ups and various lifestyle modifications are when reducing the risks of developing chronic diseases.
Functional medicine practitioners prioritise the education and empowerment of their patients, thus encouraging patients to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing.
The personalised nature of functional medicine offers a holistic, individual and preventative approach to healthcare which leads to more effective and longer lasting results. By identifying and addressing the root causes of disease along with a comprehensive view of health and wellness, functional medicine practitioners can help patients achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
