Health & Wellness

What is the Difference Between Functional Medicine and Conventional Medicine?

January 15, 2024

Many people are discouraged by conventional healthcare methods that need a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Chronic illness continues to rise in today’s society, and prescription medications don’t seem to provide the answers people are looking for regarding their health. A functional medicine approach offers hope for chronic illness recovery and enhances overall health and wellness.

The Difference Between Functional and Conventional Medicine

Genetics, nutrition, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors significantly affect our health. Chronic diseases plague about 45% of the American population, triggering unexplained symptoms. Most of these people suffer from underlying conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or digestive issues, which conventional medicine approaches often overlook.

When you visit a healthcare physician for a cold or another ailment, you usually receive a prescription medication to alleviate the symptoms and “feel better.” The truth is medications mask the symptoms rather than focusing on the root cause of unwanted symptoms. Additionally, these medications have several side effects, suppressing the immune system and increasing inflammation. Functional medicine focuses on treating the whole body rather than isolating individual body systems or organs.

Benefits Of Functional Medicine

Focusing on a whole approach to treating underlying health issues is essential for optimal health and wellness. Many chronic illnesses occur because of the foods we eat, the air we breathe, and the stress we experience. The body has the unique ability to self-heal after injuries or infections. Using natural therapies and treatment methods, functional medicine facilitates the natural healing process and provides numerous benefits.

Combines Science With Unique Biology

Regarding healthcare, what works for one patient’s needs may not work for another. Functional medicine understands that each person has a unique biological makeup, requiring a different approach to healing. By combining science-based data, biological factors, environmental awareness, and genetic markers, doctors can uncover the source of illness and help patients begin healing.

Locates the Sources Of Chronic Health Issues

Recovering from health issues first means understanding why you suffer from unexplained symptoms. Functional medicine focuses on treating the root cause instead of the symptoms, which is crucial for recovery. These physicians learn about patients’ genetics, medical history, and current lifestyles and how they affect patients’ health. Addressing patients concerns and considering chronic symptoms can help patients recover underlying issues, such as:

  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Endocrine distributions
  • Skin conditions
  • Allergies
  • Mold toxicity
  • Hypertension
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Metabolic dysfunction

Focuses On Personalized Treatment

One of the best things about functional medicine is the ability to customize a treatment that meets the patient’s unique physical and mental health needs. This step also strengthens doctor-patient relationships as the doctor learns more about the patient’s history and listens to their concerns. Functional medicine is concerned with helping you heal from the inside out and learning how to manage chronic conditions.

Experience Better Health With Heal Functional Medicine

Whether you’re frustrated with conventional medicine methods or you’re considering a holistic approach to your health, we can help. Contact Heal Functional Medicine today to learn how you can experience the benefits of functional medicine.