What is Functional Medicine?

If you’ve been keeping up with health trends, you might have noticed the recent rise in the popularity of functional medicine. But what exactly is it? And what sets functional medicine apart from other health trends? Let’s explore the difference between functional medicine and other treatments so you can make an informed decision about what kind of care is best for you.

Functional medicine is a science-based approach to healthcare that looks at the whole person rather than individual symptoms. It takes into account your lifestyle, environment, and genetic makeup to identify underlying causes of disease, such as imbalances in hormones or nutrient deficiencies. The goal of functional medicine isn’t just to treat symptoms but to find the root cause of illness and restore balance in your body. The core modality of functional medicine is nutrition, not a handful of supplements!

What functional medicine is not.

Handfuls of supplements. 

How Is Functional Medicine Different Than Other Treatments?

Functional medicine is unique because it takes a holistic approach to treatment. Rather than simply looking at individual symptoms, practitioners look for patterns and connections between different systems in your body in order to determine underlying causes of illness or dysfunction. This allows them to create personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs. In addition, practitioners take into account factors such as lifestyle, diet, stress levels, and genetics when creating a plan for each patient—allowing them to create highly individualized treatments that are tailored specifically to their needs.

The biggest difference between functional medicine and other treatments is its focus on prevention rather than cure—practitioners work with patients to identify potential risks before they become problems so they can prevent illness before it begins. This proactive approach allows practitioners to intervene early on and prevent diseases from developing in the first place. Additionally, functional medicine practitioners typically use natural therapies such as nutrition counseling rather than relying solely on medications or surgery—allowing patients to heal naturally without resorting to more invasive treatments.

Functional medicine differs from other treatments because it takes a holistic approach by considering all aspects of a person's life when evaluating potential causes of illness or dysfunction—including lifestyle choices, diet, stress levels, and genetics—and creates personalized treatment plans based on this information. Additionally, practitioners focus on prevention rather than cure by intervening early on before diseases develop so they can be prevented entirely. For these reasons and more, functional medicine has become increasingly popular among those who are looking for natural ways to heal their bodies without relying solely on medications or surgery. Whether you’re looking for preventative care or want help managing an existing condition, consider consulting a practitioner trained in the principles of functional medicine today!