Conventional medicine, also referred to as mainstream or Western medicine, is defined as a system in which healthcare practitioners manage the symptoms of disease by various approaches, such as medication, surgery or radiation to treat symptoms and diseases. The focus is mainly symptom management. rather than investigating the root causes of health issues.
Functional medicine, on the other hand, does not diagnosis disease. A diagnosis is just a name. It doesn't change the reason the body is experiencing ill health. Functional medicine approaches it in a different way- it aims to identify and address the root causes of diseases and health concerns, focusing on understanding the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions in the body's systems, considering the interconnectedness of various systems in the body, and the impact of lifestyle, environment and nutrition for the individual patient.
Functional medicine integrates a diverse range of evidence-based therapies and treatments, including both conventional and complementary approaches. This integration may involve the use of nutrition, supplements, mind-body practices, and alternative therapies alongside conventional medical interventions.
Functional medicine fosters a collaborative and ongoing relationship between the patient and the practitioner, with an emphasis on patient education, empowerment, and engagement in their own health journey.
Don't expect a typical 10 minute appointment with your functional medicine practitioner- your appointment will likely be 60 to 90 minutes long! Your symptoms will not be taken lightly, as they are your body trying to tell you something.
The following is an example of a possible scenario between a conventional doctor and a patient versus a functional medicine practitioner and a patient: This patient's main complaint is heartburn.
Conventional:
Patient: "Dr. Smith, I am still experiencing heartburn after meals and the medication you prescribed me does not seem to be working. What else do you suggest?"
Doctor: "I see. How about we up the dose of the medication. Here is your new prescription. Try that and let me know if it works or not."
Patient: "Umm.. okay.."
The patient really doesn't want to take more pills and decides to take her friend's advice and books a call with a functional medicine consultant:
Patient: "Hi Jane, I hope you can help me, I am still experiencing heartburn even though my doctor has me on heartburn medication."
Jane (Functional Medicine Practitioner):
"I am sorry to hear that. I can suggest some easy changes you can incorporate into your day that will help you to feel better. Believe it or not, heartburn is often cause by not having enough stomach acid. Stomach acid is necessary for the stomach to empty in a timely manner. Common drivers of low stomach acid are eating in a rushed or stressed state, drinking too much water with your meal, insufficient magnesium, and food sensitivities. And, believe it or not, certain medications used to treat heartburn, such protein pump inhibitors, can lower stomach acid even more and can actually make heartburn even worse. I can suggest some easy changes you can incorporate right away, and once you start to feel relief, you can work with your doctor to wean off of your medication."
Patient: "Interesting! I also figured it was too little stomach acid! However, I had no idea that too little could be a cause of heartburn. I am ready to make the change!"
So hopefully I have helped clear up what the difference between Conventional versus Functional Medicine!
If you have a particular issue you would like addressed through the functional medicine lens and are interested in working together, or if simply wish to learn more, feel free to schedule a complementary discovery call with me!
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