What’s the biggest difference between conventional and functional medicine?

Conventional western medical doctors diagnose a disease and then assign a drug or surgery to correct it. For instance, many patients with heart disease have narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. A common approach is to insert stents in the arteries to prop them open and maintain blood flow. The same issue, if approached by someone trained in functional medicine, would likely instigate a conversation with the patient about what environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors have been contributing to a narrowing of the arteries. After all, numerous functions — poor diet, inactivity, hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation — can have an impact on blood flow to the heart. The conventional-medicine approach is doomed to fail in an era of chronic disease like the one we are in today. Rather, doctors must strive to identify and treat the underlying causes of illness, engage patients in a therapeutic partnership to co-create a plan for health and healing, and support behaviour changes through empowering and educating patients on wellness care.

Why haven’t I heard of functional medicine before?

The short answer is, you will. The long answer is that altering the course of conventional medicine is like turning a big ship: It takes a while. Functional medicine started in the early 1990s as the brainstorm of a few doctors frustrated with a medical system that expected them to treat chronic disease with drugs and surgery. Now, functional medicine has its own epicentre, the Institute of Functional Medicine. So far, more than 100,000 practitioners from 73 countries have been introduced to the principles and practices of functional medicine. As this number continues to grow, functional medicine will become accessible to all.

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Are You Becoming Frustrated With Conventional Western Medicine?

A growing number of patients are becoming frustrated with the impersonal, ineffective, symptom-centric approach to medical treatment. They are searching for better solutions. And they are finding them in the field of Functional Medicine, a radical new model for the practice of medicine and treatment of chronic disease.

Dr Andrew Greenland’s private and personal clinic in Chiswick, West London can help you understand, and take advantage of Functional Medicine.

Discover a new way of thinking about healthcare

The current health care system is very well designed to treat urgent or ‘acute’ medical problems. If you go to the Emergency Department with a heart attack or a broken leg, the doctors who treat you will know exactly what to do.

However, where conventional medicine can fall short is in the early identification and long-term management of chronic illness, including digestive, metabolic, hormonal, autoimmune and cardiovascular disorders.

What happens when you visit a Functional Medicine Practitioner?

The first thing you can expect when you visit a Functional Medicine practitioner is to be offered a lot more time than you would from a conventional healthcare provider, typically 60-90 minutes for a first visit. You can also expect to do a lot of talking, as a big part of Functional Medicine is exploring your detailed personal and family history, the circumstances around your first symptoms, and the experiences you may have had with other health care providers.

The practitioner will also ask about your mental well-being, spiritual health, and social factors. Considering these areas helps the Functional Medicine practitioner see your health in the context of you as a whole person, not just in terms of your physical symptoms.

The Functional Medicine doctor may undertake a detailed examination of your body to see if there are any visible signs that provide clues to what is going on under the surface.

They may also recommend that you have some laboratory tests. Some of these tests are the same ones used by conventional clinicians, but others are more specialized tests that can help determine the causes of your illness. This might include genetic testing, which can show if the genes you inherited from your parents may make your more susceptible to certain types of health problems.

Personalised Treatment

Once the Functional Medicine practitioner has all the results from your tests, they will ask for your help in designing a treatment plan. The good news is that most health issues can be successfully treated as long as the right causes are identified. Some people can be completely restored to optimum function, while others can see substantial improvement in their condition. You can also take steps to help prevent your disease from worsening.

The treatment plan you help design will usually include making some changes in your lifestyle: what you eat, your physical activity, how you deal with stress, your exposure to potentially toxic substances, and other factors.

The point of these changes is that your genetic makeup (the genes that you inherited from your parents) is designed to work well in a specific environment. Sometimes, when genes are exposed to the wrong environment, they don’t work as they should, and this can lead to health problems.

You can influence your Genes

The good news is that, although individual genes may make you more susceptible to some diseases, your genes may be influenced by everything in your environment, as well as your experiences, attitudes, and beliefs. That means it is possible to change the way genes work in your body. So, changing your environment can make the genes work the way they were designed to, returning you to optimal health and wellbeing.

In addition to lifestyle changes, Functional Medicine treatments may include:

Botanical (herbal) medicines
Nutritional supplements
Therapeutic diets
Detoxification programs
Osteopathic treatment

A Therapeutic Partnership

You will always have a big role in choosing these treatments, because as a patient of a Functional Medicine provider, you become an active partner with them in the design of your own treatment plan. This allows you to really be in charge of improving your own health and changing the outcome of disease.

Frequently Asked Functional Medicine Questions

What’s the biggest difference between conventional and functional medicine?

Conventional western medical doctors diagnose a disease and then assign a drug or surgery to correct it. For instance, many patients with heart disease have narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. A common approach is to insert stents in the arteries to prop them open and maintain blood flow.

The same issue, if approached by someone trained in functional medicine, would likely instigate a conversation with the patient about what environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors have been contributing to a narrowing of the arteries. After all, numerous functions — poor diet, inactivity, hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation — can have
an impact on blood flow to the heart.

The conventional-medicine approach is doomed to fail in an era of chronic disease like the one we are in today. Rather, doctors must strive to identify and treat the underlying causes of illness, engage patients in a therapeutic partnership to co-create a plan for health and healing, and support behaviour changes through empowering and educating patients on wellness care.
Why haven’t I heard of functional medicine before?

The short answer is, you will. The long answer is that altering the course of conventional medicine is like turning a big ship: It takes a while. Functional medicine started in the early 1990s as the brainstorm of a few doctors frustrated with a medical system that expected them to treat chronic disease with drugs and surgery.

Now, functional medicine has its own epicentre, the Institute of Functional Medicine. So far, more than 100,000 practitioners from 73 countries have been introduced to the principles and practices of functional medicine. As this number continues to grow, functional medicine will become accessible to all.

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Genetic Insights: The Power of Knowing Your APOE4 Status in Alzheimer’s Prevention

By Dr Andrew Greenland • 04 Apr, 2024

Alzheimer’s disease, a formidable foe in the realm of cognitive disorders, remains a significant concern in our aging population. Central to this battle is understanding the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s, notably the APOE4 gene. APOE4, a variant of the Apolipoprotein E gene, has been identified as a key genetic factor influencing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The APOE4 Gene: A Double-Edged Sword APOE4 is not just a marker for Alzheimer’s; it serves a broader role in lipid metabolism, impacting cardiovascular health. Individuals with the APOE4 variant may experience altered blood lipid profiles, potentially increasing their risk for cardiovascular diseases. This multifaceted impact underlines the gene’s significance in holistic health assessments. Empowerment Through Genetic Knowledge Understanding one’s APOE4 status transcends mere knowledge; it’s a strategic advantage in preemptive health management. Although genetics are a blueprint we inherit, they are not a fixed destiny. The burgeoning field of epigenetics teaches us that environmental factors and lifestyle choices can influence how genes are expressed. This principle is at the heart of the Bredesen protocol, which recognizes APOE4 status as a pivotal diagnostic marker. The Bredesen Protocol: Tailoring Treatment to Genetic Insights For practitioners and patients alike, knowing APOE4 status is empowering. It allows for specific adjustments to holistic treatment plans, ensuring patients thrive despite their genetic predispositions. The Bredesen protocol, an integrative approach to Alzheimer’s treatment, leverages this genetic insight to craft personalized strategies that address the multifactorial nature of the disease. Genetic Testing: A Proactive Approach to Alzheimer’s Prevention For those with a strong family history of Alzheimer’s, genetic testing, including APOE4 status, is a valuable tool in early prevention strategies. Understanding genetic risks enables individuals and healthcare providers to implement targeted interventions focused on lifestyle, nutrition, and other modifiable factors to optimize brain health and potentially delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. The Role of Qualified Practitioners in Genetic Navigation Navigating the complexities of genetic testing and interpretation requires expertise. Working with a qualified Bredesen practitioner can be invaluable. These practitioners are equipped to not only understand the nuances of genetic tests but also to empower patients with targeted strategies. They focus on optimizing brain health in the face of genetic risks, creating a proactive and personalized approach to Alzheimer’s prevention. Conclusion In the journey of health and wellness, knowledge indeed is power. Understanding one’s genetic makeup, particularly the APOE4 status, offers a unique advantage in preemptively managing health risks. It empowers individuals and healthcare professionals to make informed, targeted decisions, turning genetic insights into actionable strategies for thriving health.

Ashwagandha: The Ancient Herb Shaping Modern Wellbeing

By Dr Andrew Greenland • 01 Apr, 2024

The Ayurvedic Jewel: A Journey through Time Ashwagandha, a name that resonates with a history as rich as its properties, is more than just an herb; it’s a testament to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Originating from the sun-drenched plains of India and the Middle East, ashwagandha has been a cornerstone of traditional Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. Its botanical name, Withania somnifera, speaks of its essence – a blend of vitality and tranquility. Adaptogen: Nature’s Response to Stress One of the key highlights of ashwagandha is its role as an adaptogen. But what exactly does this mean? Adaptogens are a unique class of healing plants. They help restore balance and protect the body by enhancing its ability to cope with stress, fatigue, and anxiety. Think of them as a thermostat; when the thermostat senses that the room temperature is too high or too low, it brings it back to equilibrium. Similarly, adaptogens modulate our body’s stress response, maintaining an optimal balance. A Nervine Relaxant and Cortisol Modulator In today’s fast-paced world, where stress is often a constant companion, ashwagandha’s properties as a nervine relaxant are particularly valuable. It gently soothes the nervous system, acting as a balm to frayed nerves. This calming effect is partially attributed to its ability to regulate cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone. By normalizing cortisol levels, ashwagandha helps reduce stress and enhance mood, offering a natural way to bring about relaxation and tranquility. Beyond Pharmaceuticals: The Gentle Power of Botanicals While modern pharmaceuticals have undeniably contributed to health and wellness, there’s a growing recognition of the benefits of botanicals like ashwagandha. These natural remedies offer a gentler, often safer alternative. Their multifaceted action, coupled with fewer side effects, makes them a preferable option for many seeking holistic wellbeing. Ashwagandha, with its myriad therapeutic actions, exemplifies the potential of botanicals in modern integrative healthcare. Embracing Nature’s Gift As we continue to explore the confluence of traditional wisdom and modern science, ashwagandha stands out as a beacon of hope and health. Its holistic approach to wellbeing – impacting physical, emotional, and mental health – aligns perfectly with the principles of Integrative Functional Medicine. Incorporating ashwagandha into daily life could be a step towards embracing a more balanced, health-focused lifestyle. However, it is important to remember that while botanicals offer immense benefits, they are part of a larger wellness tapestry that includes diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

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Registered Office address: 143 Station Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2AL