A lot of people don’t properly understand what functional medicine is – or how it could benefit them. However, the reality is that functional medicine can help almost anyone, of any age.
If you too are lacking an understanding of the basics of functional medicine, here is an easy beginner’s guide to get you started. We’ve answered all of the most common questions – all in one place.
What is functional medicine?
By definition, functional medicine is a systems biology-based approach to health that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease in a patient. This holistic approach takes into account things like a patient’s lifestyle, diet, environment and genetics. Functional medicine specialists believe that in many cases, changing lifestyle choices is the best and most effective way of achieving better overall health.
How is functional medicine different to conventional medicine?
Most conventional medicine focuses on managing and reducing the symptoms of disease, through medication which can have other unwanted side effects. While the medication might mask the symptoms – at least in the short term – it might not make your problem go away entirely. By addressing the root cause of a disease, functional medicine can act as a better, long-term solution.
Finding the root cause of a disease can often help eliminate or decrease not only one but sometimes multiple symptoms. Functional medicine is also more proactive than conventional medicine and can act as a form of preventative care. By improving overall health and wellbeing, you can also help to prevent illness in the future.
Is functional medicine backed by science?
Yes, functional medicine takes a patient-centred, science-based and evidence-based approach to improving one’s health. Functional medicine practitioners will often have samples of a patient’s blood, urine, stool, hair or saliva sent to a lab for testing as part of their treatment.
What are ‘The Four P’s of Functional Medicine’?
You might have heard of The Four P’s of Functional Medicine.
They are: Preventative, Precision, Personalised and Partnership.
These are the cornerstones of functional medicine.
Treatments aim to be preventative, find the root cause of diseases and other issues with precision, come up with personalised treatments and work in partnership with patients to achieve optimum outcomes.
What diseases can functional medicine treat?
You name it and chances are that functional medicine can help with it. Some of the most common chronic conditions treated by functional medicine practitioners include arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, thyroid disorders, menopause, autoimmune disease and cancer prevention.
Can functional medicine help people without major chronic diseases?
Absolutely!
Even people who consider themselves to be relatively healthy can benefit from seeing a functional medicine practitioner. Functional medicine can help prevent future disease, bring about weight loss and improve overall health. Your body has the ability to not only heal but also prevent a lot of the diseases that come with aging.
Functional medicine practitioner in Melbourne
If you are interested in hearing more about functional medicine and what it might be able to do for you, contact Luke Clarke today for a free 10 minute consultation. Based in Melbourne, Luke is an experienced practitioner with decades of experience who provides the highest level of care for his patients to ensure the best results.
Contact Luke today by calling 03 8820 0010.