Understanding Functional Medicine
Dr. Oz explains functional medicine
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. Specialty laboratory tests may be utilized to identify root causes and correct imbalances before they progress to a disease. Treatments may include lifestyle medicine, nutrition, nutritional supplements, herbs etc. Functional medicine defines health as a state of optimal function and balance between the mind, body, and spirit rather than the absence of disease.
What conditions can be helped with functional medicine?
Functional medicine excels a treating chronic conditions and conditions/symptoms that don't fit a clear diagnosis.
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Cancer Support
- Diabetes
- Digestive disorders
- Headaches/Migraines
- Hormone Imbalances
- Chronic degenerative conditions - Arthritis, Diabetes, High blood pressure etc.
- Mood disorders - anxiety, depression etc.
- Immune Support
- Infertility
- Inflammation
- Prevention
- Skin conditions
- & Others
What is naturopathic medicine?
Broad, all-encompassing integrative medicine approach. Defined by a therapeutic order and guiding principles. Naturopathic medicine encompasses conventional therapies and well as natural treatment modalities such as herbal medicine, nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy.
What is the difference between naturopathic medicine & functional medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a broader discipline. Many aspects of functional medicine are derived from naturopathic medicine, so there is quite a bit of overlap between the two. Functional medicine is considered by many to be a subspecialty of naturopathic medicine.
