1. What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine is a type of medicine that takes a holistic approach to health and healing. It focuses on the person as a whole, rather than just treating the symptoms of a disease.
Functional medicine is based on the principle that the body is a complex system with many interconnected parts. When one part of the system is not functioning properly, it can have a ripple effect on the rest of the system.
Functional medicine practitioners take a comprehensive approach to health, including the mind, body, and spirit. They use a variety of techniques, including herbs, supplements, and lifestyle changes, to restore balance and promote well-being.
Functional medicine and chronic fatigue syndrome go hand in hand. If you are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), functional medicine may be able to help. In this article, we will explain what functional medicine is and how it can be used to treat CFS.
2. How can functional medicine help treat chronic fatigue syndrome?
When it comes to treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), functional medicine aims to get to the root cause of the problem. Functional medicine practitioners will evaluate you on a case-by-case basis to build an individualized treatment plan.
By taking an integrative approach to treating CFS, they may include a variety of treatments such as lifestyle changes, nutrition therapy, herbal and dietary supplements, medications, and stress management.
The goal of functional medicine is not just to manage the symptoms of CFS, but to restore the body’s natural balance and get to the root cause of the disease.
Specific treatments and their effectiveness will vary from person to person, as each person has their own unique needs. However, some of the most common treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome include:
- Dietary changes – Eating a healthy and balanced diet can help with managing CFS, as well as other illnesses.
- Exercise – Regular exercises, such as walking, swimming, and yoga, can help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.
- Stress management – Stress can worsen symptoms of CFS, so practicing stress reduction techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can be beneficial.
- Herbal and dietary supplements – Herbs such as ashwagandha, kava, and Rhodiola rosea have been used to help manage fatigue and improve energy levels in people with CFS. However, it is important to note that not all supplements are safe, so it is
3. What are some of the benefits of functional medicine?
Functional medicine is an integrative medicine approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause of an illness, not just the symptoms. By utilizing different treatments such as lifestyle changes, nutrition therapy, herbal and dietary supplements, medications, and stress management, functional medicine practitioners aim to restore the body’s natural balance and help prevent future illnesses. This is, also, known as holistic, alternative or naturopathic.
There are many potential health benefits to using functional medicine treatments for chronic fatigue such as:
- Increased energy levels – Treating the underlying cause of CFS can help restore energy levels.
- Improved sleep – Treatments such as nutritional therapy and herbal supplements can help reduce inflammation, promote relaxation and encourage deeper sleep.
- Stress management – Stress can worsen symptoms of CFS, so reducing stress through treatments such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be beneficial.
- Improved overall health – A healthier overall lifestyle is often beneficial for CFS and other conditions. By incorporating nutrition therapy and lifestyle changes into the treatment plan, patients may experience reduced symptoms and an improved quality of life.
4. What are some of the drawbacks of functional medicine?
Despite its potential benefits, there are some drawbacks to functional medicine treatments for CFS. It is a relatively new approach to treating CFS and it can be expensive, as some insurance companies do not cover the cost of these treatments. Additionally, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments is still largely unknown, as more research is needed. As a result, patients need to be aware of the risks, speak to their doctor, and make sure they understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of the treatment they are considering.
5. Is functional medicine right for me?
Before deciding if functional medicine is right for you, there are a few important questions you should ask yourself. Do you feel like current CFS treatments are not addressing your underlying issues? Are you looking for a more personalized approach to managing your symptoms? Would you like to use holistic approaches to CFS? Do you want to take a proactive approach to managing your health and wellbeing?
If you answered yes to these questions, functional medicine may be right for you. However, it is always important to speak to your doctor about any treatment you are considering, as it may not be suitable for everyone. But if it does seem like a viable option, you can begin to explore functional medicine treatments and start to take control of your chronic fatigue syndrome.
6. Where can I find a functional medicine doctor?
Finding the right functional medicine doctor may seem daunting, but luckily there are resources to help you find a practitioner. From the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) to the American Association of Integrative Medicine (AAIM), there are a number of different organizations and websites offering listings of practitioners.
Dr Melinda has convenient office hours in her Overland Park office, as well as offering remote follow-up options. A lifelong chiropractic wellness patient, Dr. Melinda grew up understanding the value of chiropractic (helping the body heal itself). She later became interested in the study of Functional Medicine after seeing firsthand the struggles her mom had with an autoimmune disease and witnessing the positive impact Functional Medicine could have on disease progression and quality of life.
7. How do I know if my insurance will cover functional medicine?
Functional medicine can be costly and is not always covered by insurance policies. That being said, many health insurance plans do offer coverage for some aspects of functional medicine, as long as your provider or practice is licensed or certified by an accepted healthcare body such as the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM).
To determine whether your insurance will cover functional medicine services, start by contacting your provider or insurance company. They should be able to tell you whether or not the care will be covered, as well as any restrictions or limits that may be in place. You can also ask if your provider will work with you to create an individual plan for treatment, or if they will incorporate your existing insurance policy into a proposed treatment plan.
In addition to insurance coverage, you should also check to see if your functional medicine provider is accredited by any of the aforementioned healthcare bodies, such as the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). Accreditation is a good indication that a provider offers evidence-based care, and thus can be more likely to be covered by insurance.
8. What should I expect during my first visit to a functional medicine doctor?
When you visit a functional medicine doctor in Kansas City for the first time, you should expect to have a detailed conversation about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and diet. Dr Melinda of Functional Health KC may be interested in how you spend your time outside of work, as well as when and how you exercise. She will ask you a series of questions to gain an understanding of your stress level, sleep quality, and overall energy level.
When visiting Dr Melinda in her Overland Park office she may also ask you to provide blood work or lab results to assess your metabolism. All of this information will help to paint a picture of your overall health that the doctor can use to create a treatment plan.
You can also expect to discuss any medications you are taking with the doctor. Be sure to jot down all of the medications you are taking, including supplements and vitamins, so that you are prepared when you visit the doctor.
Finally, after the initial appointment, you should expect to create a personalized plan with your doctor. This plan may involve lifestyle modification, diet changes, and even incorporating alternative therapies, such as supplements or herbal remedies.
9. What are some of the common treatments used in functional medicine?
When it comes to treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other underlying causes, functional medicine takes a comprehensive approach. Some of the most common treatments used in functional medicine include:
- Botanical Medicine – The use of herbs to provide therapeutic benefit and relief from chronic illnesses.
- Homeopathy – A holistic approach to healing that works to bring the body back into balance, using diluted forms of medicinal substances.
- Nutritional Therapies – Using a variety of nutrients and vitamins to provide relief from underlying causes of illnesses.
- Mind-Body Medicine – Utilizing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation, to help the body relax and reduce stress levels.
- Detoxification – Using diet changes and supplements to address any underlying toxicity in the body.
- Hormone Balancing – Utilizing nutritional changes, dietary supplements, and lifestyle modifications to address imbalances in hormones.
- Acupuncture – A traditional Chinese medicine therapy that uses needles inserted into various points along your body to reduce tension, improve energy levels, and balance the flow of energy.
10. How long does it take to see results from functional medicine?
When it comes to seeing the results of functional medicine, it can vary from person to person. Depending on the severity of the condition being treated, some people may begin to see results almost immediately, while others may take more time to notice a difference in their condition.
It is important to remember that functional medicine takes a holistic approach to healing and treating chronic illnesses, and as such, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each individual case is different and requires a tailored approach to create an effective treatment plan.
In order to best understand and determine the impact that functional medicine is having, it is essential to track your progress. A functional medicine practitioner may suggest tracking markers such as symptom severity, energy levels, and blood work to help measure the progress of treatment.
It is also important to have realistic expectations when it comes to functional medicine. It may take time to find the right balance of treatments and to begin to see positive results. It is also important to include lifestyle modifications into the process in order to ensure long-term results.
