Typically, conventional medicine treats signs and symptoms of an illness or disease. While this may reduce the discomfort for patients, it does not address the root cause of the problem. The good news is functional medicine in Sandy Springs is an integrative approach that is health-oriented, patient-centered, and holistic. It seeks to establish the root cause of an illness and prevent health problems. Most patients with chronic and complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer can benefit from this type of alternative medicine. Here is more you need to know about functional medicine.
Importance of functional medicine in society
The rate at which people develop chronic, complex disorders is rising by the day. These include health problems such as autism, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, and mental disorders. The symptoms associated with these illnesses can be taxing to endure with each passing day. Most treatment focuses on symptom management and involves medications, therapy, and sometimes surgery. While this may offer relief from discomfort, it does not provide a permanent fix to the solution. Functional medicine seeks to find the genesis of your problems and focuses on addressing the root cause.
Reasons to see a functional medicine doctor
You have a chronic illness
Unlike conventional medicine, which mainly focuses on symptom management, functional medicine seeks to address the root cause of chronic disease. It is well suited for health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
You need a personalized experience
The approach requires detailed information about your personal life, and for this reason, specialists spend quality time with patients. Your treatment plan is also tailored to meet your needs, and your specialist will help determine the right one for you.
You are open to other treatments
Functional medicine specialists may recommend you seek alternative medicine such as acupuncture to address your problems. If you are open to such treatments, functional medicine may be right for you.
What to expect during a functional medicine appointment
A session with your functional medicine doctor is different from your regular consultation with your primary caregiver. Expect to spend more time discussing most details of your life, including your daily habits and family history. The discussion is usually very detailed, and your doctor may ask about your sleep pattern, emotional well-being, personal relationships, stressors, nutrition, and exercise habits.
By understanding the different facets of your life, the doctor can tailor a treatment plan to manage the factors that cause your condition. A treatment plan may include prescribed medications, supplements, lifestyle changes, and therapy. Since people have unique needs, a plan varies from person to person. Specialists uniquely tailor treatment plans to meet the specific needs of a patient. You may need to visit your doctor to monitor your treatment and make the necessary adjustments. Functional medicine is a collaborative approach because a patient’s input matters.
Functional medicine addresses the systems involved and not the diagnosed condition. For example, if you have depression, your specialist researches the multiple causes of this problem and recommends several changes in your lifestyle based on the findings.
If you have further questions about functional medicine, consult your doctor today at Wellife Center.
