How A Functional Medicine Practitioner Treats Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases are on the rise in America. According to the CDC, 6/10 Americans have a chronic disease and 4/10 have multiple chronic illnesses. These kinds of diseases are long-term and not easily curable. Diabetes, asthma, and heart disease are all examples of chronic diseases.

As anyone who struggles with a chronic illness knows, the toll that extended discomfort takes on the body can be draining. Patients often report lower quality of life, higher stress, and difficulty engaging in activities they once loved. Chronic illness can also strain families and caregivers who must assist in managing continual symptoms. 

Unfortunately, our pharmaceutical-centered medical system has forced patients into maintenance mode when treating chronic diseases. Doctors prescribe an endless stream of medications that can only delay or cover up worsening symptoms. 

But what if there was a treatment that could address the root of the disease? Functional medicine practitioners are gaining popularity across the country for their unique approaches to chronic disease. Here, we’ll dive into how a functional medicine practitioner might provide true, lasting relief for your chronic disease.

What is a Chronic Disease?

It’s important to understand that “chronic disease” is a broad term that does not share one single definition among doctors and medical organizations. One article published in Frontiers in Public Health notes that MedicineNet describes a chronic disease as “one lasting three months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear.” One academic paper by a geriatric researcher defines chronic illness as “conditions that last a year or more and require ongoing medical attention and/or limit activities of daily living.”

What do these multiple definitions mean for patients? 

It means that expert consensus on chronic diseases isn’t always absolute, emphasizing the importance of seeking multiple opinions – especially from top autoimmune doctors – before committing to a treatment plan. Don’t get boxed in by a diagnosis; many chronic conditions can be significantly improved or even reversed with the right approach.

While some diseases may remain chronic, Five Journeys’ functional medicine practitioners dedicate time to explore lesser-known causes and overlooked treatment options. We prioritize personalized care, going beyond symptom management to address the root causes of your condition with functional medicine.

How to Find a Functional Medicine Doctor for Chronic Disease: Understanding the Difference from Conventional Medicine

Functional medicine doctors, unlike traditional practitioners, focus on identifying and treating the root cause of chronic diseases like adrenal fatigue, rather than merely suppressing symptoms. While a conventional doctor might prescribe medication for pain or dismiss vague symptoms as a “pseudo disease,” a functional medicine practitioner delves deeper, recognizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems and the impact of lifestyle factors.

Instead of asking “What medicine can I prescribe?”, functional medicine practitioners inquire about your lifestyle, stress levels, and overall well-being to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your condition.

This holistic approach considers how factors like career stress can affect your immune system, gut health, and even emotional state. By understanding these complex relationships, functional medicine doctors can help you achieve optimal health and lasting relief from chronic disease.

If you’re seeking a more comprehensive approach to healthcare, consider exploring functional medicine. Searching online for “functional medicine doctor near me” or “holistic medicine vs conventional medicine” can help you find a practitioner who aligns with your health goals.

The Five Journeys Approach to Treating Chronic Diseases

Functional medicine doctors in Boston at Five Journeys believe that true healing goes beyond treating symptoms. We take a holistic approach, addressing the physical, chemical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of your health to uncover the root causes of your chronic disease.

Massachusetts has become a hub for functional medicine, attracting patients from across the country who seek a more comprehensive and personalized approach to healthcare.

Unlike traditional medicine’s band-aid solutions, our personalized treatment plans empower you to reclaim your well-being and live a vibrant life. Your chronic disease deserves respect, and at Five Journeys, you’ll receive the comprehensive care you need to thrive.

What Might A Functional Medical Practitioner Recommend for Treating Chronic Diseases?

After your initial consultation, where a practitioner sits down with you and listens to your history, symptoms, and overall health goals, you will be given a personalized treatment plan that will get you feeling back to normal.

Testing

Five Journeys believes in rigorous medical testing to determine the root cause of your discomfort and pain. For example, we do extensive blood work to see how your body is delivering oxygen, immune response, and energy. We also test the digestive system to make sure you’re absorbing the necessary ingredients from your daily meals.

Diet

A functional medicine nutritionist or practitioner will create a custom diet plan tailored to your unique needs and health goals. Many foods, especially highly processed foods, cause bodily inflammation, which is a major contributor to symptoms of chronic illness. Prolonged exposure to unhealthy foods can eventually damage your digestive tract. A healthy diet can repair this damage and have you feeling good again. And don’t worry, we have recipes that taste great, so you won’t feel as though you’re living on cardboard!

Holistic Therapies and Lifestyle Changes

Your functional medicine practitioner may recommend various therapies like massage, chiropractic care, or bodywork to improve body alignment and energy flow, aiding in the body’s natural healing process. Additionally, they will encourage you to find ways to stay active and make healthy lifestyle changes tailored to your specific needs and the severity of your chronic disease, emphasizing the importance of exercise and restorative sleep for overall well-being.

Emotional and Mental Well-being

Functional medicine practitioners understand that emotional and psychological stress can significantly contribute to chronic disease. A stressed body struggles to heal itself. By connecting patients with therapists and support communities, we create social environments that foster emotional freedom and treatment plan accountability, especially for women experiencing hormonal imbalances or other challenges related to women’s health.

Are you dissatisfied with your current chronic disease treatment plan? You may benefit from the personalized care of a functional medicine provider. Click here to learn more about getting started with 5 Journeys.