Benefits of A Functional Medicine Doctor

Posted by Keelie on October 15th, 2021

Functional medicine may be a new term to some people, but it has been around for about 30 years. It is a form of alternative medicine that treats your body as a whole. It not only addresses the symptoms you are having but why they exist in the first place. This type of medicine is more geared to understanding the root cause of your symptoms and centers around the patient. A functional medicine doctor has many benefits, and we want to touch on 3 of them.

Customized Health Plan

You are a unique individual, and your health care plan should be tailored to you. Standard American medical care has a focus on symptom management. This means identifying the symptoms and using medical interventions to minimize them; this can give you positive results temporarily, but in the long run, is it really what is best for you? This approach does not take into account your unique circumstances, such as your history and lifestyle. A Functional Medicine doctor will take a comprehensive view of your overall health. They will then come up with a unique and personalized plan for your medical concerns. 

Patient-Doctor Relationships

Functional medicine puts the patient and doctor relationship first. Doctors will conduct an in-depth consultation and take a very extensive personal history for you. This usually includes about a one-hour visit your first time. This strategy allows the physician time to gather all the small details needed to see your overall health concerns. In-depth visits also give you the time to speak up, have a say so in your health, and build trust and a relationship with your doctor.

Diagnosis and Treats Core Disorders

When you are trying to get healthy, you have to know what is making you sick. When you tell your doctor you are having trouble with fatigue, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol; you want to know why. A standard medical doctor may give you a few pills and a speech on why exercise and diet are essential. However, taking a few medications each day will not fix your problem, and changing your exercise routine and diet isn\'t easy without support. You could leave that visit feeling a little overwhelmed and worried. 

A Functional Medicine doctor will look at your lifestyle circumstances and environmental challenges and find out why you are sick and having specific symptoms. They will help you identify what you need to change to get healthy and will help coach you to a better and healthier lifestyle. Your doctor will create a personalized health plan that will fit your needs and help you every step of the way. Your doctor will also schedule follow-ups and check-in to see how you are doing. If your health plan ever needs changing, they also have you covered.

Just Makes Sense

With all the benefits that come along with functional medicine, it just makes sense to give it a try. You will get a more personalized approach to all your health care needs, get to the root cause of your symptoms, and have a say in your treatment. All this while developing a solid relationship with a doctor who wants you to live a healthier lifestyle and be there for you.