Chronic Illness Therapy In Functional Medicine

Six in ten adults in the United States are living with at least one chronic illness. What’s more the prevalence of chronic diseases such as autoimmunity and diabetes is expected to continue to rise in the coming years. With such alarming statistics, it’s crucial that we get to the bottom of it and begin taking a more holistic approach to healthcare.

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease such as hormone imbalances, chronic stress, and nutrient deficiencies. By approaching patient care in a holistic way, a functional medicine doctor can successfully treat, manage, and sometimes even reverse many chronic illnesses. That means finally getting your life back after years, maybe even decades, of debilitating symptoms! Chronic illness therapy can be complex, so working with a skilled physician is key to developing a treatment plan that is right for you.

Functional Medicine Vs Conventional Medicine

Conventional medicine often focuses on symptom management with medications, offering temporary relief without addressing the underlying cause. For instance, acid reflux might be treated with acid blockers, but symptoms often return once medication stops. Functional medicine, on the other hand, investigates the root cause of the symptoms, such as high cortisol, nutrient deficiencies, or gut imbalances, to provide lasting relief and promote true healing. By identifying and addressing the underlying factors contributing to a condition, functional medicine aims to restore optimal health and prevent future recurrences.

Functional Medicine and Chronic Illness

Functional medicine addresses chronic illnesses holistically, recognizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems often impacted by these complex conditions. Unlike conventional medicine, which may focus on isolated symptoms, functional medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes of illness, often found in diet and lifestyle habits. Treatment plans emphasize personalized lifestyle interventions and supplements to address nutrient deficiencies, with pharmaceuticals and invasive procedures used sparingly as a last resort. This approach offers comprehensive care for chronic illnesses, extending beyond the limits of conventional medicine.

Contributing Factors to Chronic Illness

Most chronic conditions have several contributing factors that create a “perfect storm”. Although genetics do play a small role, a patient’s behavior typically contributes much more to their risk factors than their genetic predisposition does. Some of the most common contributing factors to chronic illness include:

• Nutrient deficiencies
• Hormone dysfunction
• Immune system dysfunction
• Chronic stress
• Blood sugar imbalance
• Gut infections or imbalances
• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Food sensitivities

In many cases, patients find that their symptoms are significantly improved, if not eliminated, after addressing these factors. Rather than mask their symptoms, these lifestyle interventions actually work to heal their chronic illness at the source.

How Functional Medicine Treats Chronic Illnesses

Functional medicine addresses chronic illnesses by identifying and correcting underlying imbalances in the body’s various systems. This holistic approach prioritizes safe, non-invasive treatments to restore optimal function and alleviate symptoms. By addressing root causes rather than merely managing symptoms, functional medicine can not only manage but potentially reverse many common chronic conditions. Moreover, this approach enhances overall health, reducing the risk of future illnesses.

At Five Journeys, we utilize functional medicine techniques and chronic illness therapies that are tailored to each individual patient. We never use a cookie-cutter approach, and believe that your treatment should be just as unique as you are. We offer a wide range of services and treatment options including IV therapy, nutrition counseling, and functional medicine to treat a variety of chronic illnesses including gut health issues, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, thyroid dysfunction, and more! To find out how we can help you reclaim your health, schedule a consultation today!