In an era where modern medicine has advanced significantly, more and more people are now looking for more comprehensive and personalized health approaches. Traditional medicine, focused on relieving symptoms, sometimes leaves individuals unsatisfied, seeking deeper answers to their health problems. It is in this emerging context that functional medicine stands out as an innovative and promising alternative. While conventional medicine often focuses on treating isolated symptoms, functional medicine takes a holistic approach, seeking to understand and treat the underlying causes of health problems.
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine: a global approach to well-being
Founded on a solid scientific foundation, functional medicine is distinguished first of all by its commitment to exploring beyond apparent symptoms , seeking to understand the overall functioning of the body. This innovative approach goes much further than treating the superficial manifestations of a disease by diving into the complex interactions between various biological systems , including the connection between the body and the brain. Compared to allopathic medicine, which adopts a symptomatic vision and a traditional therapeutic approach, functional medicine acts in a preventive manner , offering long-term answers.
Restoring fundamental balance for optimal health
This approach asks the main question: why does the body experience imbalances, and how can they be corrected in a sustainable manner? These systemic imbalances are considered to be the precursors of signs and symptoms, subsequently diagnosed as diseases.
Functional medicine thus aims to improve the management of chronic and complex diseases by acting at various levels to resolve fundamental imbalances, whether they are immunological, inflammatory, digestive, etc. Its objective is to restore the functionality and health of the patient in harmony with their environment and their own physiological processes.
Functional medicine therefore aims to restore physiological balance, anticipate illness and optimize health as a whole . It thus represents a paradigm shift, emphasizing prevention and a thorough understanding of the body to promote optimal health.
The Pillars of Functional Medicine
To realize its fundamental principles, functional medicine relies on two essential pillars: a thorough health assessment and the personalization of treatments. First , the thorough assessment involves the use of advanced laboratory tests, going beyond standard analyses. These tests allow to explore the metabolic, hormonal and nutritional aspects of the body, thus providing a complete picture of the patient's physiology. It takes into consideration the biochemical individuality of the patient (individual variations of metabolic functions resulting from genetics and different environments).
At the same time, functional medicine practitioners analyze in detail the patient's lifestyle, diet, sleep habits and stress level to understand the environmental factors that could influence their health. For example, this medicine promotes rest for better health. Treatment may therefore involve, in particular, hygiene and dietary advice.
Finally, personalization of treatments is also a core principle. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, functional medicine takes a tailored approach. Functional nutrition plans, targeted supplements, and specific lifestyle recommendations are developed based on the patient’s individual needs . This personalized approach aims to address not only visible symptoms, but also underlying dysfunctions, promoting lasting results and continued improvement in health.
Functional Medicine vs Traditional Medicine
To fully appreciate functional medicine, it is essential to compare its approach to that of traditional medicine.
Where conventional medicine can sometimes treat symptoms in isolation, functional medicine views the body as an interconnected system , operating as an orchestrated network of connected systems. Individual systems influence each other. For example, immunological dysfunctions can promote cardiovascular disease, nutritional imbalances can cause hormonal imbalances, ecological pollutants can precipitate neurological syndromes such as Parkinson's disease…
Another key difference is the emphasis on prevention . Functional medicine incorporates preventative practices, seeking to identify and correct imbalances before they lead to overt symptoms . Collaboration between functional medicine practitioners and traditional medicine professionals thus becomes a crucial aspect in providing patients with a full range of treatment options.
Different standards
In conventional medicine, a biological value is considered normal when it falls between certain specified values. However, functional medicine recognizes that in order to function optimally, some patients may require different levels. This takes into account the genetically acquired enzyme heritage, where some people will have an increased need for certain trace elements or vitamins to function well.
Functional values, according to functional medicine, can sometimes differ from normal values. For example, it is increasingly recognized that some thyroid hormone receptors can be resistant, which means that some patients will only see their hypothyroidism symptoms disappear with supranormal thyroid hormone blood values.
Criticisms and Challenges
Despite its many benefits, functional medicine is not without its critics. Some point to the need for a more rigorous approach to scientific research to validate the specific methods used in this field.
The personalization of treatments, although considered a strength, can also be seen as a challenge, as it makes it difficult to implement standardized approaches . In addition, the integration of functional medicine into the current health system raises questions about collaboration between practitioners and the common understanding of treatment protocols.
However, functional medicine advocates stress that these criticisms should not deter consideration of the approach, but rather stimulate continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration . The challenges, while real, should not overshadow the successes seen in many patients, nor the importance of a holistic approach to health in our ever-changing society.
Tips for Exploring Functional Medicine
There are several steps that can help you explore this innovative approach. First, finding a qualified functional medicine practitioner is essential. You can consult online directories or ask for recommendations from health professionals. During the initial consultation, you can also ask questions about the practitioner's approach, their specific training in functional medicine, and the diagnostic methods they prefer.
It is also recommended to share with your doctor detailed information about your medical history, dietary habits, physical activity level and any other relevant elements for a thorough evaluation.
Finally, it is recommended to be open to collaboration between functional medicine and traditional medicine . Informing the general practitioner of the approach and encouraging communication between practitioners will ensure a coordinated approach to health.
In conclusion, functional medicine is emerging as a beacon of innovation in the contemporary healthcare landscape. With its focus on root cause research, prevention, and personalized treatment, it offers a holistic approach that transcends the limitations of traditional medicine. Although facing criticism and challenges, functional medicine continues to gain popularity due to its proven results and commitment to overall well-being. However, it remains undeniable that functional medicine and traditional medicine are two complementary disciplines.
References
School of Functional Medicine. What is Functional Medicine?
Stéphane Résimont (doctor in functional and anti-aging medicine, speaker and lecturer). Functional medicine. Anticipation of illness.
Del Mar Clinic . Functional medicine.
