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Doctor Taking Notes

Functional Medicine

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is all about looking at the bigger picture. Instead of just treating symptoms, practitioners focus on understanding the root causes of health issues.

 

Think of it as a health detective work—examining how genetics, environment, and lifestyle all play a part in your well-being.

 

Common practices might include personalized nutrition plans, stress management techniques, and a whole lot of lifestyle tweaks aimed at promoting long-term health.

What Symptoms Do Functional Medicine Practitioners Treat?

Functional medicine practitioners often work with patients who experience a wide range of symptoms and chronic conditions.

 

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Some common issues include:

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  • Digestive Problems:  Bloating, constipation, and food sensitivities.​

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  • Fatigue:  Chronic fatigue syndrome and general tiredness not relieved by rest.

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  • Autoimmune Disorders:  Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

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  • Hormonal Imbalances:  Issues related to perimenopause or menopause, thyroid dysfunction, or adrenal fatigue. Learn more about Hormone Therapy.

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  • Mental Health Issues:  Anxiety, depression, and mood swings linked to physical health.

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  • Chronic Pain:  Fibromyalgia or other unexplained pain syndromes.

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  • Skin Conditions:  Eczema, psoriasis, or acne that may have underlying causes.

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By addressing these symptoms through a holistic approach, functional medicine aims to improve overall health and prevent future issues.

What is Traditional Medicine?

On the flip side, we have traditional or conventional medicine, which most of us are more familiar with.

 

This approach tends to focus on diagnosing and treating specific symptoms or diseases. It’s evidence-based and often involves medications, surgeries, or other standardized treatments.

 

If you have a fever, a traditional practitioner will likely give you something to lower that fever and address the underlying illness, but they may not dive deep into lifestyle factors.

Functional Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine: What’s the Difference?

One of the biggest differences is in approach. Functional medicine takes a holistic view, while traditional medicine often focuses in on the immediate issue.

 

Additionally, functional medicine practitioners tend to spend more time with patients, digging into personal histories, lifestyle habits, and even emotional health.

 

In contrast, traditional visits are usually shorter and more focused on quick solutions.

Pros and Cons

Functional Medicine Pros:

  • Personalized care tailored to your unique situation.
     

  • A holistic approach that considers mind, body, and spirit.
     

  • Emphasis on prevention and wellness.

Functional Medicine Cons:

  • Less standardization can lead to varying practices.

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  • Insurance may not cover visits or treatments.

Traditional Medicine Pros:

  • Quick access to treatments for acute issues.

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  • Strong evidence base and established protocols.

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  • Generally more widely covered by insurance.

Traditional Medicine Cons:

  • May overlook underlying causes and focus primarily on symptoms.

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  • Shorter appointment times can mean less individualized care.

We're Here to Help!

In the end, choosing between functional and traditional medicine often comes down to your personal health philosophy and needs.

 

Some people thrive with a holistic approach, while others prefer the structured methods of traditional medicine.

 

The key is to find what works best for you on your health journey!

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Schedule your free consultation and let us help you achieve your health goals with functional medicine.

 

Redefine Health and Wellness is located in Huntington Beach, CA. Serving the Orange County area.​​

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