Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on addressing the root causes of disease and treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It is a patient-centered, integrative approach that combines aspects of conventional medicine with a focus on lifestyle factors, nutrition, genetics, and the environment.

Key principles of functional medicine include:

Individualized Care: Functional medicine practitioners consider each patient’s unique genetic makeup, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors to create personalized treatment plans.

Holistic Approach: Rather than focusing solely on treating isolated symptoms, functional medicine looks at the interconnectedness of various bodily systems and aims to restore balance to achieve optimal health.

Patient-Centered Care: Patients are actively involved in their own healthcare, and the practitioner and patient work together as a team to address health concerns.

Preventive Care: Functional medicine places a strong emphasis on preventing future health issues by addressing underlying imbalances and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Integration of Multiple Modalities: Practitioners often integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches, including nutrition, lifestyle changes, supplements, and sometimes medications, to address the underlying causes of illness.

Use of Scientific Evidence: Functional medicine is grounded in scientific research and uses evidence-based practices, but it also considers emerging research and views the patient as a partner in the decision-making process.