The Promising Future with Functional Medicine.
There is a not so quiet revolution occurring in medicine that is called functional medicine. This fascinating approach to medicine used by functional medicine doctors has the potential to greatly extend your lifespan. At the same time, it can make that extended life free of chronic pain and the ravages of disease. Imagine attending your great grandchild’s college graduation, and
doing so without the aid of a walker or wheelchair.
Consider the opportunity of living into your 90’s or even 100’s while remaining healthy, productive, coherent, and happy.
These are real possibilities with the amazing discoveries being made in relation to the human genome, DNA expression, molecular science, and biology. The practical application of this knowledge through the practice of functional medicine creates a very promising outlook for human health and longevity.
A Personal Story Shows the Problem of Traditional Medicine.
Aging Parents
As I have seen my parents age they began suffering from the same chronic illnesses that plague so many of our parents and grandparents: heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, digestive disorders, to name a few. (Many younger people are too.) I had seen them taking over the counter pain relievers and prescriptions for many years. Never thinking about why or if that could have any detrimental effects.
I saw my Father deteriorate from the picture of health and strength to a frailty which barely allowed him to hold himself upright. Even though he remained free of any diagnosed disease, he suffered from chronic nausea, loss of appetite, depression, memory loss, and his quality of life deteriorated right along with him. Unfortunately, I relied, on his well-meaning doctors to diagnose his illness and prescribe the “magic pill” which would cure him, and bring back the health to him that we all so desired.
Chronic Disease Has Its Sights on Me
I began having a few issues of my own. Having been an athlete, I have always been somewhat concerned about trying to live a healthy lifestyle. At the same time, I have struggled most of my adult life with being, shall we say “huskie”. I like to think I “carry it well”, but I seem to fluctuate between 20-60 lbs overweight, while occasionally reaching the vicinity of my ideal weight. Can anybody relate?
My Annual Visit to the Doctor Begins to Involve Serious Discussions:
- High Cholesterol
- Statin Drugs
- High blood pressure
- Pre-Diabetes
What solutions did my doctor offer? Prescription medications and a little advice to cut fat, cholesterol, and salt out of my diet (In another post you’ll hear why this was horrible advice.) were his suggestions.
Surgery to Remove the Gallbladder.
Then I get slammed with gallstones. I spent a week in the hospital and had surgery to remove the “bastard” organ, since “I don’t really need it.” Seeing my parents deal with issues that were thought to be just a part of aging, and nothing I could do anything about was one thing. But now I’m beginning to see the same things coming my way. This prompted me to begin seeking out information on these chronic ailments with which my parents suffered. I wanted to know if they could be improved or eliminated, as well as how to avoid them in my life and those I love.
I Discover the Hope of Functional Medicine.
This began a multiyear search for knowledge which culminated in my discovering the benefits of functional medicine.
The Institute for Functional Medicine Defines Functional Medicine as:
“ …an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness. It requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors and leverages that data to direct personalized treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes.”
Let’s break down and expand on the parts of that definition to give us a good introduction to the subject of functional medicine.
Functional Medicine is Individualized and Patient-focused.
Bio-individuality
First of all, Functional Medicine is individualized and patient-centered. We have made phenomenal advancements over the last few decades in the study of the human genome and in our understanding of the inner workings of the human body. This is especially true at the cellular level. This has allowed us to see that our individuality on the outside extends to the inside of our bodies, all the way down to the molecular level. This is called bio-individuality.
It is a common belief that we are genetically predetermined toward certain health outcomes. “He is more healthy because he has good genes.” “She obviously got cancer because of an inherited gene, and there was nothing she could do to change that.” This was one of the great hopes of mapping the human genome. The hope was we would be able to identify defective genes that caused certain diseases and figure out a way to change or repair them.
Epigenetics
This particular hope has been all but dashed on the rocks of scientific discovery. However, we have learned that even though our DNA may include defective genes, they have an on/off switch. The good news is, though each person may be genetically predisposed toward a particular disease, the activation of that gene can be influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are under our control. This is called epigenetics.
To summarize, you and I each have a unique DNA and the “expression” of our DNA is influenced by a number of lifestyle factors. Many of these lifestyle factors are in our control. This means that the on/off switch of our genes can be controlled by us in a much greater way than previously thought. In other words, your future health is not written in concrete. You will play the most active role in determining the length and quality of your life. God willing.
Functional Medicine is a Science-based Approach to Wellness.
If you have a heart attack or a traumatic accident, our current medical system is excellent at saving your life. (If someone gets you to them in time.)
It is also very good at prescribing medications to relieve symptoms or performing surgery to remove, repair, or replace things.
They are not so good at preventing chronic disease, identifying the underlying causes of disease, or customizing treatment to the individual patient.
Functional medicine practitioners work to acquire a variety of vital data on the patient. They then strive to empower the patient to make necessary changes to experience better outcomes. They help their clients improve their overall health through lifestyle changes, medical foods, supplements, as well as medications, when necessary. The primary goal is to help the patient reach optimal health, thereby improving outcomes in the treatment of specific illnesses or disease.
Functional Medicine Puts the Power Back in Your Hands.
Functional medicine puts responsibility and power back in the hands of each of us for our health. You can control and do the things that will give you optimal health, with the help and advice of a doctor practicing functional medicine.
I encourage everyone to take responsibility for their own health and seek the help of a functional medicine practitioner. In 
future posts, we will discuss practical ways to implement a holistic, functional medicine approach to your own health. This will help you to improve the likelihood of a healthy, productive, and long life. For help in finding a qualified, functional medicine doctor in your area please see the link below.
The Institute for Functional Medicine
Further Reading: The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life by Dr. Jeffrey S. Bland
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