What is Functional Medicine and why do I need a Functional Medicine Doctor?
What is Functional Medicine?
Questions I often get asked is “What is Functional Medicine?” and “How does a Functional Medicine Doctor differ from an NHS GP?”
I am fortunate to operate in both worlds and so can offer a thorough insight into each model.
Functional Medicine is a science-based medical model that emphasises nutrition, health, and well-being with a focus on finding the root cause of disease not just treating the symptoms.
The model is based on the premise that the body exists in a state of balance, and thus a problem in one area of the body is not only limited to that area but has consequences in other parts too.
Why is Functional Medicine Unique?
Functional medicine is unique in incorporating the latest cutting-edge research from the medical sciences.
At the same time it also embraces ancient healing modalities like herbalism and orthomolecular medicine (vitamins, minerals & supplements.)
If you have had no joy with a condition you have despite seeing numerous doctors and specialists then functional medicine will likely provide the answer.
Millions of patients around the world implement its principles to improve their health and well-being.
Functional Medicine: The Future
In my opinion, functional medicine is without a doubt the future of medicine.
Let’s look at an example of the functional medicine approach using the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome - commonly known as IBS.
Whilst a GP might prescribe a drug like Mebeverine for all cases of stomach pain or diarrhoea in IBS, a functional medicine doctor recognises the causes of IBS are different and will seek to find the cause in your case.
In other words, two patients with so-called IBS will get different treatment plans based on different underlying root causes.
Functional Medicine is a perfect fit for chronic disease.
It recognises genetic variability, diet, lifestyle, environmental factors & their interaction with the various body systems which ultimately leads to symptoms.
This means every case is different & your treatment plan is tailored to you.
FAQs About Functional Medicine
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All three are closely related, with similar philosophies of treating the body as a whole. Functional medicine typically goes a step further by honing in on the root cause of disease
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A 6-month Care Package costs £5000
Additional Add-On Consultations are £250 for One Hour
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It depends entirely on your condition, and how long you have had it for.
Chronic disease can be complex requiring painstaking time and effort.
My overall aim is to make you independent as soon as possible, so you take your health into your own hands.
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It depends entirely on your condition, and how long you have had it for.
Chronic disease can be complex requiring painstaking time and effort.
In general, recovery varies from as little as six weeks to a few years.
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In my capacity as a functional medicine Dr and Wellness consultant, I am unfortunately unable to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs.
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Unfortunately in my capacity as a wellness consultant, I am unable to be your GP.
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I use high-quality supplements, some of which are pharmaceutical grade.
Prices vary depending on the supplement, but generally start from about £30 per bottle.
