So much of modern medicine relies on treating symptoms and conditions. But there is another approach to medicine that gets to the root of problems and provides solutions that improve overall health and well-being: functional medicine.

The term “functional medicine” is used to describe a range of practices that treat the underlying causes of disease. Unlike modern medical practices that address the symptoms of a condition, functional medicine uses lifestyle changes, diet, and other natural methods to treat the cause of ailments.

This blog will give you a basic understanding of how functional medicine works and why it can be beneficial. For more information or to find functional medicine Denver, reach out to the team at Dr. Harrison’s Center of Functional Medicine.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine practitioners understand that many medical conditions and diseases are caused by disruptions in a person’s biological processes caused by nutritional deficiencies, exposure to toxins, and other causes. Modern medicine may offer solutions to treat the symptoms of these disruptions but fail to address the root causes of the disease.

Functional medicine doctors treat the body as a whole rather than simply looking at isolated symptoms or focusing on just one part of the body. They consider how all of the body’s systems are connected and work to correct systematic imbalances–and this can result in whole-body healing. 

How Does Functional Medicine Work?

Functional medicine doctors take a holistic, comprehensive approach to healthcare. The process of functional medicine begins with a thorough evaluation that can provide valuable insight into your lifestyle, history, and general health. The evaluation includes:

• Medical history
• Lifestyle practices, including movement, nutrition, and stress levels
• Diagnostic tests
• Lab work

This evaluation can help your doctor identify conditions and create a personalized plan to address them. Then, the doctor will make recommendations to treat the underlying causes of your health concerns. These may include changes to your diet, exercise, and vitamin and mineral supplements.

What are the Benefits of Functional Medicine?

For years, many have wrongly believed that functional medicine relies on unproven or “wacky” methods of treating disease. But at its core, functional medicine is a proactive form of medical care intended to treat the root causes of health issues instead of simply treating the symptoms of disease with medications that have their own side effects. Functional medicine takes a personalized, holistic approach to medicine instead of relying on one-size-fits-all methods.

Some of the many benefits of functional medicine include the following:

• Treating the body as a whole instead of treating just one area or cluster of symptoms
• Long-term solutions that improve overall health and well-being for life
• A trusting, personal relationship with your doctor
• Innovative technologies and testing provide valuable information, allowing people to anticipate and prevent diseases
• Proactive healthcare that can improve all areas of your health–not just address conditions when they arise

Functional medicine can help you feel better, avoid developing chronic disease, and have the energy you need to live a fulfilling life. 

Find Functional Medicine in Denver 

If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to your healthcare, find functional medicine Denver by reaching out to Dr. Harrison’s Center of Functional Medicine. A healthier, happier life is waiting. Call us today to get started.