What is Functional Medicine (FM)?
The easiest way to introduce FM is to make a comparison between my current and previous medical practice.
I had been working in hospitals as a consultant physician for almost 40 years. The main focus at the time was to come up with a clinical diagnosis.
Once I made the diagnosis, I matched it with the pharmaceutical agent (drug) designed to cover that area. Then I reached for the pad to issue the medical prescription, and the job is done and dusted.
But I realised drugs only treat symptoms, while the underlying chronic disease continues to progress, resulting in early death with severe complications and/or disability and drug and care dependency later in life.
I have now shifted my medical practice to FM, asking Why? Instead of What?
Why has this person developed this condition? Why is this patient diabetic? I wanted to know more about the person, their genetic background and any changes in their social and environmental circumstances that may have caused the medical condition.
We undertake extensive medical intelligence work and investigation with high technology tests to understand the driving forces behind the disease.
Why? Instead of What?
This new approach requires a deep understanding of cellular biochemistry and molecular biology to identify the underlying causes of the disease. These are usually related to an accumulation of toxins or deficiency of essential nutrients. These imbalances interfere with cellular machinery and hence result in dysfunction.
So, my job is to remove those toxins or add desperately needed essential nutrients to restore body function, applying natural remedies such as food and food supplements.
By doing that, I can help my patients to restore their normal body function, to feel better without the need to take medications for the rest of their life.
This approach applies to all chronic health conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, dementia and even cancer.
The elements that we introduce include:
- Nutrients
- Movement
- Relaxation
- Sleep
- Purpose
- Love
- Sunshine
- Fresh air
Those we get rid of include:
- Toxins
- Infections
- Allergens
- Stress
- Toxic relationships
These processes are life transforming, helping to enhance diet, physical activity, sleep, relaxation, a positive attitude and social relationships.
Your genes are not your destiny
FM can give hope to people with chronic medical conditions running in their families. Recent advances in medicine say your genes are not your destiny. You can modify your environment (lifestyle) to change your genes’ impact. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can “switch off” disease-causing genes and activate good genes so that you can enjoy good health and vitality despite your family history. This process is known scientifically as epigenetics.
I run my clinic in Weybridge, Surrey and in London to see individual patients, run health courses designed to help specific groups of people, and health retreats for those who would like to achieve more within a short period in a supervised environment.
Please get in touch to learn more about FM and let us help you to transform your life to enjoy a lasting, happy, healthy life.