

Usually, the cause of the disease and its symptoms is an underlying dysfunction or an imbalance of bodily systems. Named diseases are just the tip of the iceberg. Below the surface, according to Functional Medicine, are the real causes of a patient’s health problems. If health care treats just the tip of the iceberg, it rarely leads to long-term relief and vibrancy. Identifying and treating the underlying root cause or causes, as Functional Medicine does, has a much better chance to successfully resolve a patient’s health challenge.

Using scientific principles, advanced diagnostic testing, and treatments other than drugs or surgery, Functional Medicine restores balance in the body’s primary physiological processes. The goal is the patient’s lifelong optimal health.

How Functional Medicine Heals a Key Health Care Gap


The Two-Pronged Healing Approach of Functional Medicine
To battle chronic health conditions, Functional Medicine uses two scientifically grounded principles:Add what’s lacking in the body to nudge its physiology back to a state of optimal functioning. Remove anything that impedes the body from moving

Treating Symptoms Versus Treating the Person

The Roots of Functional Medicine
You may be surprised to learn that the concept of Functional Medicine isn’t new. It actually represents a return to the roots of modern scientific medicine, captured in this statement by Sir William Osler, one of the first professors at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and later its Physician-in-Chief:”The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” Another important saying by Osler is: “If you listen carefully to the patient, they will tell you the diagnosis.” This encapsulates the importance that Functional Medicine places on taking a thorough history from the patient.

Your Experience of Functional Medicine

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CASE 1: Sinus Infections and Allergies

Functional Medical Approach:

CASE 2: Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Fatigue
Traditional Medical Approach:The patient was a 27-year-old female with an 11-year history of irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue. She had previously consulted with four medical physicians before scheduling an appointment with Dr. Grisanti. Medical testing included an upper and lower GI study and colonoscopy, all of which were found to be negative for any pathologies. Treatment consisted of the prescription Hyoscyamine. Rults were poor.

Functional Medical Approach:
Based on an extensive history and review of her medical records, Dr. Grisanti ordered a Digestive Stool Test and Allergy Blood Test. Two bacterial pathogens were found to be infecting her intestines: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Citrobacter freundii. The medical literature clearly linked these two pathogens to diarrhea disease. In addition, her allergy test revealed significant sensitivity to gluten and rice. The patient was prescribed a natural pharmaceutical that help eradicate the two bacterial pathogens
and was placed on an elimination diet addressing the rice and gluten. After one month, she was symptom free.

CASE 3: Menopausal Symptoms
Traditional Medical Approach: The patient was a 61-year-old female with menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, decreased libido, and weight gain over a period of five years. The patient had previously consulted with one medical physician, who performed no medical testing. Treatment consisted of the prescription Estrace. Results were fair, but the patient was concerned about the drug’s potential side effects.

Functional Medical Approach:
Based on an extensive history and review of the patient’s medical records, Dr. Grisanti ordered a Women’s Hormonal Panel. The results were quite revealing. Her estrogen/progesterone balance was significantly compromised, with too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. This imbalance was the main cause of the patient’s roller-coaster emotional challenges. After presenting this information to her physician, she was prescribed the proper balance of estrogen and progesterone. The patient eventually went to a compounding pharmacy and has a special formula of estrogen/progesterone made. She became symptom-free and experienced an increase in energy.In addition, she lost 54 pounds in eight months.

Interested in Learning more about functional medicine?

If so, CLICK HERE, to learn more about what Functional Medicine University has to offer and how it can impact your practice and the lives of your patients.

Ronald Grisanti DC, D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N., MS, is the director of Functional Medicine University.If interested in improving your diagnostic skills and increasing your community reputation and recognition, we strongly suggest you learn more at FMU.