What is Functional medicine?
Functional Medicine is a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of diseases rather than just treating the symptoms. It is built on the idea that each individual is unique, and thus, the "one-size-fits-all" method often used in conventional medicine may not be the best approach for everyone. Instead, functional medicine practitioners take into account the complex interactions of an individual's genetics, environment, and lifestyle when devising treatment plans.
Key Principles of Functional Medicine:
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Individualized Care: Recognizes that each person is biochemically distinct and requires a personalized approach to health and healing.
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Holistic Approach: Examines the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. This includes emotional, physical, and environmental factors.
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Root Cause Analysis: Instead of simply prescribing medication to mask symptoms, practitioners seek to identify and treat underlying causes. For example, instead of giving a patient medication to manage symptoms, a functional medicine practitioner might look into potential causes such as diet, stress, or hormonal imbalances.
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Systems Biology-Based: Understands the body as an interconnected web of systems rather than separate organs working in isolation.
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Patient-Practitioner Partnership: Emphasizes a collaborative relationship where patients are actively involved in their healing process.
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Integrative Modalities: Often integrates traditional Western medical practices with alternative treatments. This could include recommendations for dietary changes, stress-reducing techniques, detoxification processes, and supplements.
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Prevention and Lifestyle: Prioritizes preventive care and recommends lifestyle modifications to optimize health.
Why is Functional Medicine Gaining Traction?
With the rise of chronic diseases, there has been a growing realization that conventional medicine's approach may not always offer comprehensive solutions. Diseases such as hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis often have multifaceted causes, and merely treating symptoms often does not provide long-term relief or optimal health. Functional medicine addresses this gap by delving deep into patients' histories and lifestyles, analyzing comprehensive lab tests, and crafting individualized treatment plans that often combine dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, and other integrative therapies.
In summary, functional medicine offers a profound shift from the traditional disease-centered focus of mainstream medicine to a patient-centered approach. It seeks to empower patients and practitioners to collaborate and work together toward achieving optimal health and addressing the root causes of disease.
A Functional Medicine Approach To Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism, specifically Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is one of the conditions where the functional medicine approach can significantly differ from conventional methods. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and a reduction in thyroid hormone production. Here's how functional medicine might approach this condition:
1. Comprehensive Diagnosis:
While conventional medicine might diagnose hypothyroidism based mainly on elevated TSH levels, functional medicine practitioners may order a broader panel of tests including:
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Thyroid Antibodies (TPO and TG antibodies) to confirm autoimmune activity.
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Free T4 and Free T3 levels to understand the hormone levels that are available for the body to use.
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Reverse T3 to check if there's a conversion problem of T4 to the active T3.
2. Identify Triggers:
One of the hallmarks of functional medicine is the identification and removal of triggers:
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Food Sensitivities: Gluten, in particular, has been linked to Hashimoto's. A practitioner might recommend an elimination diet to see if removing potential irritants reduces antibody levels and symptoms.
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Gut Health: There's a recognized connection between gut health and autoimmune disorders. A leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability) might be a contributing factor, so healing the gut becomes a focus.
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Infections: Viral or bacterial infections might trigger or exacerbate autoimmunity. Identifying and treating these can be crucial.
3. Lifestyle Interventions:
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Stress Management: Chronic stress can be a significant factor in autoimmune disorders. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga might be recommended.
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Sleep Optimization: Ensuring the patient gets restorative sleep is vital for healing and overall thyroid function.
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Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help improve thyroid function and reduce inflammation.
4. Nutritional Support:
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Dietary Recommendations: A nutrient-dense, whole-food diet that supports immune regulation, reduces inflammation, and supports thyroid function might be recommended.
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Supplementation: Supplements like selenium, zinc, and vitamin D might be suggested based on individual needs.
5. Hormone Replacement:
While many conventional doctors might prescribe synthetic T4 hormone (like levothyroxine), functional medicine practitioners might consider natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) treatments or a combination of synthetic T4 and T3 medications, depending on the patient's individual needs.
6. Monitor and Reevaluate:
Regular monitoring of thyroid levels, antibody levels, and symptoms allows for ongoing adjustments in treatment. The goal is not just to normalize lab values, but also to optimize overall health and well-being.
7. Addressing Other Autoimmune Conditions:
It's not uncommon for someone with one autoimmune condition to develop others. A functional medicine approach is holistic, keeping an eye on the bigger picture, and potentially preventing or mitigating other autoimmune conditions.
In essence, a functional medicine approach to Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism seeks to understand the "why" behind the condition and address the root causes, rather than just the symptoms. It's a more integrative and holistic approach that takes into account the interconnectedness of the body's systems and recognizes the importance of lifestyle and environmental factors.
PEMF Therapy
Functional Medicine 3.0
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) + Functional Medicine = Functional Medicine 3.0
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is a safe and effective, non-invasive, pain free therapy with no long-term side effects. Since adding PEMF therapy to our 90-day thyroid recovery program nine years ago, we've been able to help a higher percentage of our patients, produce faster results, and help people with conditions that don't respond to Functional medicine alone. Some of the benefits related to hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis include:
Modulating the Immune System:
PEMF therapy may influence cell behavior by inducing electrical changes around and within the cell. This can enhance the cell's ability to perform its tasks, including those related to the immune system. Research suggests that PEMF may increase the cellular production of a molecule called nitric oxide, which is a signaling molecule that plays a critical role in the immune response. This may enhance the body's natural ability to fight off pathogens and recover from illnesses.
Improves Gut Health:
The gut is closely linked to our overall well-being, and disturbances in gut health can lead to various issues. PEMF therapy, by promoting better blood circulation and reducing inflammation, can potentially help in repairing the gut lining and improving the overall gut function. This can also lead to better nutrient absorption and gut motility.
Infections:
The aforementioned boost in immune system efficiency also has implications in battling infections. Increased nitric oxide production and improved circulation can boost the body's ability to both identify and fight off pathogens more effectively.
Stress:
Stress can have profound effects on the body, both mentally and physically. PEMF therapy has been shown to assist in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which can in turn help balance the "fight or flight" (sympathetic) and "rest and digest" (parasympathetic) responses. This balance can lead to decreased stress levels and a more relaxed state of mind.
Sleep:
Good sleep is vital for overall health and well-being. The balancing effect of PEMF on the autonomic nervous system, combined with its potential to improve circadian rhythms, can lead to better sleep quality. By influencing certain neurotransmitters and hormones responsible for sleep regulation, PEMF can help people achieve deeper and more restful sleep.
Pain:
Pain, especially chronic pain, can be debilitating. PEMF therapy has been shown to have analgesic effects, possibly due to its ability to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate endorphin release. This can provide relief to individuals suffering from various types of pain, from musculoskeletal to neuropathic.
Oxygen and Nutrient Absorption:
Improved Circulation: One of the primary benefits of PEMF is its ability to promote better blood circulation. With enhanced circulation, there's a greater potential for oxygen-rich blood to reach cells and tissues efficiently. This means cells can obtain more oxygen from the bloodstream, enhancing cellular respiration and energy production.
Cell Membrane Permeability: PEMF therapy is believed to influence the voltage-gated calcium channels in cell membranes. By doing so, the permeability of the cell membrane may be improved. This can allow for more efficient uptake of nutrients from the surrounding environment into the cell and better waste removal out of the cell.
Detoxification:
Lymphatic System Stimulation: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in detoxification, helping remove waste products from tissues and cells. PEMF therapy can stimulate lymphatic drainage, promoting the more efficient removal of waste products and toxins.
Cellular Detox: By improving cell membrane permeability and stimulating cellular energy (in the form of ATP), PEMF can promote the efficient removal of waste products from cells. Cells with higher energy levels can carry out detoxification processes more efficiently.
Support of Liver and Kidney Function: These organs are the primary detoxifiers in the body. While more research is needed, there's potential that by enhancing overall cellular function and promoting better blood circulation, PEMF therapy could indirectly support the liver and kidneys in their detoxification roles.
ENERGY!!!
The #1 concern for patients with an under-active thyroid is FATIGUE!
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is often referred to as the "energy currency" of the cell. It is used by cells to carry out many vital functions, from muscle contraction to synthesis of molecules. The potential for PEMF therapy to increase ATP production is one of the reasons for its growing popularity in various therapeutic contexts.
Here's how PEMF therapy is believed to contribute to increased ATP production:
Stimulation of Cellular Mitochondria:
The mitochondria are the cell's powerhouses, where most of the ATP is produced through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. PEMF therapy can stimulate mitochondrial function, leading to more efficient ATP production.
Increase in Cell Membrane Permeability:
PEMF therapy can influence the voltage-gated calcium channels in cell membranes. An influx of calcium into cells can stimulate various metabolic processes, including those linked to ATP production. By increasing cell membrane permeability, PEMF may help cells uptake nutrients more efficiently and remove waste products, creating a conducive environment for optimal cellular function and energy production.
Stimulation of Electron Transport Chain:
The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane and plays a pivotal role in ATP synthesis. PEMF is believed to enhance the function of the ETC, particularly at the level of Cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV), thus optimizing the production of ATP.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress:
Oxidative stress can inhibit ATP production by damaging mitochondrial structures and enzymes involved in the ATP synthesis process. By reducing oxidative stress, PEMF can create an environment where the mitochondria can function efficiently.
Patient Testimonials
REGENERATIVE THERAPY of Lady Lake
510 CR 466, Lady Lake, FL 32159
Phone: 352-268-0199
We are in the Sabal Palms Executive Suites Building in suite 201-G. Park in the back of the building. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Exit the elevator to your right, walk through the double doors, and our receptionists will be there to greet you and show you to our office.
