Have you ever felt like a hamster on a wheel in the healthcare system, managing symptoms but never truly addressing the root cause? I know in the world of managed care, HMO’s, Co-Pays and 15 minute appointments, that we are left dismissed, gaslit, and walk out the door with a “pill for an ill” that is not the real solution to the problem.

Getting to the root cause of what is going on is required to unlock our true vitality and why I am passionate about the field of Functional Medicine. This post dives into that world of, a philosophy that empowers individuals to take charge of their health and achieve optimal well-being.

The Dysfunctional Reality

The statistics paint a disturbing picture. Despite boasting advanced medical technology and specialists, the US healthcare system focuses heavily on treating existing illnesses rather than preventing them. This “sick care” approach often overlooks the impact of lifestyle choices and environmental factors on health. Women, in particular, face unique challenges within this system. From dismissive diagnoses to underrepresentation in clinical trials, their health concerns can be sidelined.

My Dysfunctional Dance with Doctors

I can personally relate to this frustration. Years of battling restless leg syndrome led to a quick-fix prescription without exploring the underlying cause. It wasn’t until I encountered Functional Medicine that the culprit – Gluten sensitivity  and heavy metal toxicity – was identified, leading to a path of healing. This experience highlights the limitations of conventional medicine and the potential of a more holistic approach.

Functional Medicine: A Different Approach

Functional Medicine seeks the root cause of health issues, not just a temporary fix for symptoms. It considers various factors like diet, stress, environmental toxins, nutritional deficiencies, imbalances, and genetics to create a personalized roadmap to health. This approach involves comprehensive testing and a focus on the body’s interconnected systems.

For instance, my years adrenal dysfunction causing severe fatigue, initially dismissed as a separate issue, was eventually linked to black mold exposure and weak detoxification pathways. This example underscores the complexity of health and the importance of a comprehensive approach.

Women Deserve Better

Women are often left behind in the healthcare system. Clinical trials, often skewed towards male participants, can produce inaccurate data for women’s health needs. The infamous Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study serves as a cautionary tale. Flawed design and a potential bias against hormone replacement therapy (HRT) led to misleading results, false media about the dangers of hormone therapy, impacting the health and vitality of countless women all over the world!

This incident highlights the importance of women advocating for their health and understanding their bodies. Functional Medicine empowers women to take control of their health journey by addressing underlying hormonal imbalances and optimizing wellness.

The Gift of Taking Charge

While genetics play a role, the vast majority of chronic disease is influenced by lifestyle choices. Functional Medicine recognizes this and focuses on improving diet, stress management, sleep hygiene, and environmental factors. It’s a shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.

The book “Metabolical” by Dr. Robert Lustig critiques the symptom-focused approach of conventional medicine. He emphasizes the importance of nutrition, a field often neglected in traditional medical training. By taking charge of our choices, we can pave the way for a vibrant and healthy future.

Functional Medicine isn’t a magic bullet, but it offers a powerful tool for understanding your body and optimizing your health. It’s about becoming an active participant in your well-being journey, moving beyond band-aid solutions and embracing a holistic approach to lasting health.

Taking Back Your Power

For all of us to own our power and claim the vitality that we are craving, we do need to get to the root cause. Even IF you’re stuck with the same provider network, you can at least get informed and start making wise choices to heal your body. That’s why I’m here. That’s my passion!

If you’d like a FREE 15 minute consultation to discuss how I might help get you on your path to vitality click https://ConsultLori.com to schedule a call.

Here’s to your vitality!