Functional Medicine

[jeast]

Anyone had any experience with Functional Medicine.

My initial evaluation consisted of an analysis of my saliva and my urine.

The most positive result was my adrenal system still strong.

I was dehydrated at least my cells said so and my kidneys and liver was toxic.

I have drastically changed my diet and although I have not been on this program very long

I have been pleasantly surprised to find my joints to seemed to be aching as they normally do.

Also taking several different supplements. We will see how it goes.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Steveo]

I can only say that I am an LPN and am not an expert in alternative medicines, but as far as what we might do is a "Urinary Analysis" which can test quickly for bacteria or abnormal things (like blood) in the urine, and other things...... or a "Culture and Sensitivity" to test what kind of infection you have and what antibiotic to use

I dont usually use alternative medicines, esp with discussing their effect with my personal physician ( because I take heart medicines) But I do know there are many beneficial alternative medicines and I kinda use the "Pragmatic" approach ( I see if it ACTUALLY works) on deciding whether or not to use them

I googled Functional Medicine and heres a site that kinda explains it pretty well....The Medical Detectives - FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSTIC MEDICINE I'll be studying it it looks really promising.....

[jeast]

Thanks for the link Steveo.

One of my big concerns with the traditional doctors that I have seen, especially one in particular is he really like to prescribe way to many drugs.

My perception is a lot of them cater to the drug reps. In this one doctors office I believe a drug rep buys their lunch every day and the also keep an freezer stocked with ice cream.

I don't recall ever walking out of his office without some sort of prescription. I finally stopped going.

This is not to say that all doctors are like this one but it seems they are so overwhelmed with making money that they schedule too many patients therefore not being able to give the individual attention needed.

I am going to finish out this current protocol that this functional medicine doctor has me doing and we will see if the outcome is any different.

Edited April 24, 2008 by jeast

[Steveo]

Thats cool, Id love to let a Functional Medicine doctor have at MY diseases!

I got on their Newsletter, here is the first one they sent me....

Hello Steve,

I want to personally welcome you to our Functional Medicine Resource

Guide.

One of the most common questions we are asked is what makes

functional medicine uniquely different from traditional medicine.

Well, first and foremost, traditional medicine focuses almost

exclusively on finding ways to treat the symptoms of a disease.

Spend any amount of time watching television or reading any popular

magazine and you will be bombarded with advertisements promoting

some drug to treat XYZ disease.

In contrast, doctors who are trained in the science of functional

diagnostic medicine are somewhat like CSI detectives. The goal is

to uncover the underlying cause(s) of the disease instead of simply

looking for ways to suppress the symptoms of the illness.

Case in point:

Let's take a person suffering with high blood pressure. The

traditional medical approach is to prescribe one or a combination of

the following:

ACE inhibitors (Lotensin, Vasotec)

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (Cozaar, Diovan)

Calcium Channel Blockers:(Cardizem, Norvasc)

Diuretics (Lasix, Dyazide)

Beta-Blockers (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)

Although the above the medications may be necessary for dangerously

high blood pressure, they do not address the cause(s) of the

elevated blood pressure.

The Functional Medicine Approach:

A patient suffering with high blood pressure may still require

medication to lower the blood pressure, however, the difference

lies in the fact that the doctor trained in functional diagnostic

medicine will evaluate the patient to determine what is wrong

with the patient's physiology to cause the blood pressure to be

high in the first place.

This could be as simple as a magnesium deficiency or could be as

challenging as a patient exposed to the toxic metal cadmium.

The main point is that high blood pressure does have specific

causes and unless your physician is going the extra mile to

identify these causes the likelihood that your blood pressure

will improve on it's on own is nil to none.

This is what makes functional medicine the healthcare of the 21st

century.

Unfortunately, you are unlikely to see the wonders of functional

medicine on mainstream television, radio or print media. The

drug companies simply have nothing to gain by seeking to find the

cause of one's health challenge.

As you continue to learn the benefits of functional medicine, be

sure to spread the word and let others know that there really are

answers to helping them get well.

Please take care,

Drs. Grisanti & Weatherby

References:

Cadmium-induced nephropathy in the development of high blood

pressure. Toxicol Lett. 2005 May 16;157(1):57-68.

Geleijnse JM, et al. Reduction of blood pressure with oral

magnesium supplementation in women with mild to moderate

hypertension. Am J Clin Nutr. Jul1994;60(1):129-35.

4200 East North Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29615, USA

Edited April 24, 2008 by Steveo

[jeast]

I checked out the link, thanks again and it still has my interest.

I have been on a pretty strict diet and have been taking several different supplements but the largest of these is the Omega 3's.

The jury is still out but some of the differences I am noticing is I am usually very stiff in my back and thighs. I could barely tie my left shoe.

It is not like I want to do handsprings yet but there is definitely a difference in my level of discomfort. The only thing I can attribute that to would be a reduction in inflammation.

I go back in 4 weeks for another evaluation and I am interested in seeing how I feel then.

I am also going to see a nurse practioner on some other issues so I am covering all the bases.

I need some resolution before I get to the point of no return.

All the best.