The aim of the functional medicine approach is to address the root causes of diseases. It focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle, supporting detoxification systems, repairing a damaged gut barrier, restoring the microbiota, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins. The individual’s nutrition plan is designed based on these goals.
In functional medicine, the individual is examined holistically, and factors such as their autoimmune disease status, toxic exposures, food sensitivities, allergies, and the mechanisms of substances like casein, gluten, and lactose in the body are evaluated.
Based on this assessment, various therapeutic nutrition approaches are implemented according to the individual’s lifestyle, such as Elimination diets, Mitochondrial nutrition, Intermittent fasting, Ketogenic diet, Low FODMAP diet, Candida diet, and others.
Functional Nutrition adopts a personalized approach to promote health and healing. It focuses on how foods “function” in our bodies. Foods are considered information and can have medical properties to help heal the body, prevent diseases, and achieve optimal health.
When it comes to the best ways to eat and live for optimal health, there are endless theories. Which one is the best for you?
A functional nutrition practitioner works with you to design a personalized approach that honors all of the following:
Environment: Your current diet, the quality of foods available to you, level of physical activity, air and water quality, and any exposure to toxins.
Mind-Body Elements: Psychological, emotional, and social factors can deeply impact your health. Your health is seen not just as a set of isolated symptoms but as a whole human being within your context.
Genetic : While your genes and family history may make you more susceptible to certain diseases, your DNA is not an unchangeable blueprint for your life. Emerging research shows that your genes can be influenced by your environment as well as your experiences, attitudes, and beliefs. You can modify how your genes are activated and expressed.
Healing
The root cause of many symptoms and diseases includes imbalances. Functional nutrition can help you address certain imbalances that can significantly improve your health. If you are experiencing current health issues, a functional nutrition practitioner can assist you in determining healing strategies.
Appreciating your unique genetic makeup and family history provides important information.
Empower yourself and ensure that your body receives essential nutrients to prevent diseases.
Functional Nutrition Approach
The Functional Medicine Tree is a visual that helps explain these concepts. Leaves and branches represent symptoms and diagnosed health conditions. A functional approach delves deeper into the trunk of the tree, where systems are imbalanced and contribute to chronic disease symptoms. This perspective allows you to design a healthy nutrition plan based on simple yet powerful lifestyle strategies to restore balance and optimize health.
“Food is much more than calories. Every bite provides information for well-being.”
Dr. Light. As Topcu Health Beauty and Functional Medicine Clinic, we are at your service in the fields of personalized aesthetics and healthy nutrition with our experienced doctors.
© 2022 LifeZone. All rights reserved.
