Functional medicine uses botanicals and other forms of nutritional supplementation, as well as “food as medicine,” in addition to pharmaceutical agents and other health supportive therapies. Taking a Functional medicine approach to health does not remove the options and recommendations for prescription medications when applicable, but rather applies them amongst the broader scope and approach of root cause holistic medicine as defined in the Functional Medicine Tree and Matrix.

At Mint Health, we approach Functional medicine as an important complement to traditional medicine and not an alternative. Systems of health protection should work together!

Please consider visiting www.IFM.org for more information.

Perhaps you have experienced being evaluated by your provider, only to learn that “everything is normal.” Yet, you instinctually feel that you are unwell. This experience is all too common! After several years of practicing with only the knowledge I gained through my conventional training, I embarked on the journey to find more tools for patients. Following in the footsteps of the Cleveland Clinic (world renowned for being a visionary in healthcare!), I chose Functional Medicine as an option to help people improve troublesome health concerns from a root cause approach.

In FM, we work to treat the system of clinical imbalances in addition to the symptoms or “disease.” FM is not “natural medicine” or even “integrative medicine” – we may use tools from these arenas, but FM is the road map used to navigate a person’s history and understand the root cause(s) disrupting health and balance. Then, we use as many helpful interventions as possible, including lifestyle modifications, nutritional therapies, conventional pharmaceuticals, community connection, and more, in concert.

Health concerns that may fare better in the long run with integration of FM consultation alongside your current treatments include Acne, Adrenal Disorders, Arthritis, Autoimmune diseases, Cancer risk reduction, Chronic Allergies/Sinusitis, txt removed, Diabetes, Digestive disorders (IBD, IBS, GERD/Reflux), Eczema, Environmental and Food Allergies, Fatigue syndromes, Female Disorders (PMS, Menopause, PCOS), Fibromyalgia, Headaches, Inflammatory disorders, Insomnia, Metabolic Syndrome/Pre-Diabetes/Insulin Resistance, txt removed, Headaches, Mood and behavior disorders, and Thyroid and Hormone imbalances.

Why? Although we may “get” pneumonia or a broken arm, we don’t “get” the increasingly common issues above out of thin air. Instead, they develop over time as an interplay between our genes, environment, and nutritional factors. Centered in the science of epigenetics, we know our exposures are actually more impactful than our hard-wired genes. So, first we ask, what is present in the body that is interfering? This may be endocrine disruptors, allergens, microbes, poor nutrition, or various stressors. Second, what is missing in the body that is required for normal function? This may be key vitamins/minerals/nutrients, hormones, macronutrients, or social connection.

Your insurance "covers" (what does that mean in the world of high deductible plans?!?) the same things it would at any other medical practice, including surgeries, prescription drugs to treat symptoms, acute care visits, and conventional screening evaluations such as pap smears and mammograms. It will not, however, cover the entirety of the Functional Medicine model, including the coaching time required.

Think of health insurance like your car insurance: it covers you in times of accident or injury, but doesn’t keep your engine running smoothly from the inside out, or looking and feeling your absolute best. Make the decision to invest in yourself, get to the root cause(s), and learn the tools to promote wellness and prevention, so that you too can live with your health on an upward trajectory!