Functional medicine (FM) is an evidence-based scientific approach that aims to identify the causes of disease and optimize 360-degree health. Addressing the problem at the “root” level rather than eliminating symptoms. The functional medicine practitioner understands that a pathology, such as obesity, can be the result of several causes, which in turn can be root causes, as well as factors (mediators), both to that pathology and causing other diseases. Each pathology is influenced by many factors such as genetics, environment and lifestyle. By working with these factors and identifying the root causes, the desired health and wellness results can be achieved more quickly.
The traditional medicine model
The traditional medicine model, which is treatment-based and mainly focused on symptom management, is increasingly considered the wrong approach to treatment. One of the problems with the traditional approach is the lack of prevention of chronic diseases, which are now very common even at a young age.
Chronic diseases result from the interaction between genes, environment and lifestyle, and only by influencing these factors can they be eliminated. This is what functional medicine does at the cellular and genetic level.
Everyone has their genetic predispositions, but that is only 20% of the influence. 80% of genes can be modulated by many factors including environment, lifestyle, diet, nutrition, physical activity, rest, stress, sociality and spirituality. Consequently, our lifestyle and the influence of environmental factors can contribute to or prevent many pathologies by “turning on” or “turning off” gene activity.
Functional medicine does not contradict traditional medicine, it combines a diagnostic approach with innovative methods and considers treatment in new terms, classifying it as “personalized”, “integrated” and “systemic” medicine.
Principles of functional medicine
- Treatment of acute diseases and injuries should take into account the development of medical technologies and be carried out strictly on the existing approaches and achievements of modern medical science and practice, taking into account and developing the invaluable experience and knowledge that our teachers have passed on to us.
- Approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic noncommunicable diseases must be fundamentally changed at all stages: from a complete revision of the curricula of medical educational institutions to the establishment of new standards of medical practice.
- Chronic disease is not a “Diagnosis” that either IS or ISN’T. It is a long continuous process caused by a conflict between unfavorable environmental factors and human physiological processes.
- Diagnosis consists of identifying specific environmental factors that have altered specific functional processes in a particular patient.
- Treatment consists in eliminating the impact of harmful environmental factors and correction of functional imbalances and disorders violated by them, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
- The therapeutic arsenal of functional medicine: changes in nutrition and lifestyle, elimination of the actions of unfavorable environmental factors, replenishing the deficiency of natural substances that ensure normal physiological processes, rather than prescribing toxic substances.
These principles of medicine focus on eliminating the root causes of disease. The path back to health can begin at any stage.
A personalized approach in a functional medicine
Each person is a unique and complex system in which environmental, lifestyle and physiological influences (genetic predisposition) determine the basis for good health or disease.
Integrated approach
Functional medicine utilizes an integrated approach that is based on:
- Good nutrition: choosing quality foods rich in micro and macro elements, quality proteins, healthy fatty acids and carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. Good nutrition is the basis for optimal function of all body systems.
- Physical activity: movement is a major factor for the proper functionality of all organs and systems of our body, and therefore it must be personalized according to the needs at each stage of life.
- Lifestyle: managing stress, sleep and rest. Areas that are considered when building a personal wellness program. Balance in these areas enables the body to recover and recharge on a physical and emotional level.
Functional medicine, in contrast to conventional medicine, which bases its attention on a specific organ, aims at a systemic and cellular approach that transcends anatomical boundaries: nutrient assimilation, defense systems, cellular repair, mitochondrial energy production, structural integrity, detoxification and biotransformation, cellular communication and transport mechanisms.
The body is no longer seen as a collection of individual organs, but in its entirety.
Psycho-emotional state and health
Functional medicine takes into account not only physiological, but also psycho-emotional factors that influence the development of diseases. Prolonged stress, negative emotions and sleep disturbances can cause chronic inflammation, hormonal disruptions and weakened immunity. Therefore, stress management techniques including meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, breathing practices and relaxation techniques are used in treatment.
The future of functional medicine
With the advancement of science, functional medicine is becoming more and more in demand. In the future, it is expected to be integrated with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence for health data analysis, personalized genetic tests and advanced biomarkers for early disease detection. This approach will allow even more precise tailoring of treatment to the individual needs of each patient.
Conclusion
Functional medicine is not just an alternative to conventional medicine, but a holistic approach to health based on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. It combines modern scientific advances, personalized diagnostics and integrative treatment methods, allowing not only to combat symptoms, but also to prevent the development of chronic diseases.
Thanks to an individual approach, taking into account genetic, biochemical and psycho-emotional factors, functional medicine helps each person find his or her way to health and harmony. This approach is already changing ideas about treatment and prevention, and in the future, with the development of technology and personalized diagnostic methods, it will become a key area of medicine that can significantly improve the quality and duration of life.
