My Approach to Health
PATIENT-CENTERED
My approach is centered on YOU, promoting YOUR health as a positive vitality that goes beyond the absence of disease. In other words, lack of diagnoses or normal lab values do not mean optimal health.
INTEGRATIVE AND SCIENCE-BASED
I look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in YOUR history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to dysfunction. YOUR unique genetic makeup is considered, along with both internal (mind, body and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
INTEGRATING BEST PRACTICES
I integrate traditional Western medicine practices with integrative medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, exercise and lifestyle; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and combinations of botanicals, supplements, therapeutic diets or stress-management techniques (like breathing and mindfulness).
WHY DO YOU NEED A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH?
Chronic diseases are on the rise
Diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, mental illness, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders are all on the rise globally.
You have unique needs
The current healthcare system ignores your unique genetic makeup, as well as the influence of food, toxins, and other environmental factors on your gene expression. The interaction of your genes with environmental factors is key in the development of chronic disease and is a crucial element of the Functional approach.
Diet and nutrition can make a change
Chronic diseases are diseases that are caused by a person’s diet and lifestyle, and they require dietary and lifestyle changes. The focus on the molecular mechanisms that underpin disease, which provides the foundation for targeted, innovative solutions that can restore health, is a major strength of Functional Nutrition and Functional Medicine.
It is the future of healthcare
The majority of health practitioners are unprepared to integrate nutrition assessment at the molecular and cellular levels with new research in nutrition and nutritional genomics. These advanced practice skills are critical for preventing and managing chronic diseases today.
WHAT MAKES MY APPROACH SO SUCCESSFUL?
I honor, investigate and explore deeply, genuinely and non-judgmentally the following factors about your health and lifestyle
Antecedents
Family history, genetics, birth and delivery circumstances, and other factors that predispose you to acute or chronic illness. The disease diathesis is formed by antecedents when you are sick. Antecedents are your risk factors from the standpoint of prevention. The breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are examples of genetic antecedents.
Triggers
Discrete entities or events that may provoke symptoms or disease (e.g., microbes). Because your health, reserve capacity, and resilience are all critical components of your reaction, a single trigger may not be enough to cause disease. Triggers are crucial indicators of sickness and dysfunction.
Mediators
Intermediaries that contribute to your continued manifestations of disfunction. Mediators do not cause disease; rather, they are responsible for how you react to triggers. Examples include biochemical factors (e.g., cytokines and leukotrienes) and psychosocial factors (e.g., reinforcement for staying ill).
START YOUR HEALTH JOURNEY
If you’re ready to get your health back but aren’t sure where to start,
book a free 15-minute Discovery Call with me by clicking here.