Functional Medicine: The Healing Theory

What is functional medicine and what does functional medicine do?

Many chronic health concerns are in fact rooted imbalances in body ‘systems’ (digestive, nervous, hormonal, brain chemicals etc), and we recognise that it can be challenging for regular medicine to help. By measuring how well these systems function via functional tests, we can see where there are gaps, and correct these via nutrition, diet and natural remedies.

Functional Medicine Tests | Gut Health Tests | Hormones

• Functional Test form a key part of our approach. Once we have formed our theory about what’s going on for you, we often want to measure your health in that (or several) body systems. Functional tests are not diagnostic tests and they are not perfect, but they allow us to gather an idea of why your body is not cooperating.

What are we testing with our functional tests?

• Functional tests will show us where your health or function has been compromised. As an example, Gut Health tests allows us to measure your gut microbiome, hormone tests looks at whether your body is making the right hormones but they’re not active, or we may look at your genetics to see if you need to eat differently. We may get you to track your glucose to see how you react to your foods.

• We call these tests functional because to measure function. They are driven by new and emerging science which shows us that these blood sugar or gut microbes are important. We want to understand what’s causing your health symptoms.

• Are they scientific? Yes and no. They’re based on how the body works and what it needs to work, but they don’t diagnose disease. They can require experience and special training to really get the most out of.

Is it better to see a functional medicine doctor?

• see more info here 

Your GP and medical professionals will always remain responsible for keeping you safe from serious disease and you should always seek medical advice before seeing us.