Functional Medicine. Is it really legitimate?

When I get to speak to groups and sometimes in one on one settings, believe it or not, I have been asked this question. Not a lot, but enough that it disturbs me quite frankly!

Usually, the questions come from folks who have never explored or learned anything about alternative sectors of health and well-being.

I for one have been truly blessed from the traditional medical establishment. But, I have also been harmed by it as well.

As a result of that I have sought out, learned and am now a true advocate and spokesperson for Functional Medicine and all of it's professionals practicing in the field of which I classify as GOOD MEDICINE!

Here are some reasons that Functional Medicine and Functional Medicine doctors should never be questioned as to legitimacy:

1. The Functional Medicine professional requires testing and extensive lab work to look at the patient’s hormone levels, inflammation levels, nutrient deficiencies and microbiome imbalances.

2. This holistic approach will also includes a look at the patient’s lifestyle and habits by having them fill out a dietary questionnaire, doing stress assessments and other means of calculating to see which factors might be contributing to their health problems. 

3. After all the data is collected, the Functional Medicine practitioner will tailor a plan that includes natural supplements, dietary protocols, eliminating some foods and focusing on others while helping the patient make lifestyle adjustments to best address poor sleep, toxin exposure and stress levels.

Ultimately, the highly professional and caring functional medicine practitioner can help turn poor health into optimum health by facilitating the body’s own ability to heal and restore itself. And finally, I hope that one day these approaches will no longer be called Functional Medicine. Rather, let’s call it what it is … GOOD MEDICINE.