Functional Medicine
Our physicians trained in Functional Medicine have advanced training in nutrition, supplementation, diagnostic procedures, and pathophysiology. They possess the unique ability to see the patient as a whole, utilizing the latest diagnostic testing procedures, specialized lab testing, and quality nutraceuticals/botanicals/pharmaceuticals to build a comprehensive treatment plan that will allow patients to express their optimal level of health.
Treating Acute & Chronic Disease
Functional medicine identifies genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence health and complex, acute and chronic disease. We work with patients to identify and correct nutritional, biochemical, or physiological imbalances with the goal of restoring normal function to the human body. Care plans include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes and may include nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
Laboratory Testing
The purpose of functional medicine laboratory testing is to evaluate nutritional, biochemical, or physiological imbalance and to determine any need for medical referral. These lab tests are not intended to diagnose disease. We utilize conventional lab tests as well as functional medicine assessment. Functional medicine assessment is designed to assist doctors and other healthcare providers in finding the underlying causes of a condition. Functional medicine has evolved through the efforts of scientists and clinicians from the fields of clinical nutrition, molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, conventional medicine, and a wide array of scientific disciplines. Functional medicine evaluates the body as a whole, with special attention to the relationship of one body system to another and the nutrient imbalances and toxic overload that may adversely affect these relationships.
Nutritional Supplements
According to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, Section 201(g)(1), the term “drug” is defined as an “article intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Technically, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, herbs, or homeopathic remedies are not classified as drugs. However, these substances can have significant effects on physiology and must be used rationally. In this office, we provide nutritional counseling and make individualized recommendations regarding use of these substances in order to upgrade the quality of foods in a patient’s diet and to supply nutrition to support the physiological and biomechanical processes of the human body. Although these products may also be suggested with a specific therapeutic purpose in mind, their use is chiefly designed to support given aspects of metabolic function.
Our physicians trained in Functional Medicine have advanced training in nutrition, supplementation, diagnostic procedures, and pathophysiology. They possess the unique ability to see the patient as a whole, utilizing the latest diagnostic testing procedures, specialized lab testing, and quality nutraceuticals/botanicals/pharmaceuticals to build a comprehensive treatment plan that will allow patients to express their optimal level of health.
Functional medicine in our clinic should not be considered a replacement for your primary care physician. Furthermore, functional medicine is not intended to replace any specialty physician. Functional medicine serves a complimentary role in efforts to specifically improve symptoms and not necessarily treat disease. It is our goal to work as a team for our patients and not replace any standard physicians - serving patients with a true integrative approach.
What to expect?
Seeking care from our Functional Medicine experts is valuable and tedious process that will leave no stone unturned.
As a patient, you can expect to:
- Discuss your case history in detail
- Receive a comprehensive physical exam including clinically indicated lab tests
- Be educated about your body’s specific dietary and nutraceutical needs
What conditions do our Functional Medicine experts treat?
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Hypertension
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Difficulty Losing Weight
- Low Functioning Thyroid
- Chronic Fatigue
- Irritable Bowel Disease
- ADHD
- Allergies
- Much More…
Schedule a Functional Medicine Appointment with Dr. Baxter or Dr. Kohler Today