Functional Medicine Q & A

What is functional medicine?

California Functional Internal Medicine Clinic provides functional medicine as a holistic approach to health care that focuses on treating the root cause of illness rather than just managing symptoms.

The overall approach of functional and integrative medicine views your body as a whole person with an interconnected system, recognizing the intricate relationships between genetics, environment, lifestyle, and physiology. 

Unlike traditional medicine, which often compartmentalizes symptoms and treats them independently, functional medicine seeks to understand the underlying imbalances that contribute to disease and dysfunction.

What issues can functional medicine address?

Functional medicine can address a wide range of health issues, including:

  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Digestive problems
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Mental health disorders

It’s particularly effective for complex, chronic conditions where multiple factors may be contributing to the disease process.

How does functional medicine treat sickness and disease?

Dr. Ansari’s functional medicine treatments focus on restoring balance and optimizing function in your body. This may involve a combination of interventions tailored to your specific needs that include traditional medicine, along with:

  • Dietary and lifestyle modifications
  • Targeted supplementation
  • Stress management techniques
  • Detoxification protocols
  • Addressing environmental factors such as toxin exposure

Dr. Ansari may also use traditional medicine to support your body's natural healing mechanisms and empower you to take an active role in your health.

What are the benefits of functional medicine?

One of the key benefits of functional medicine is its personalized approach to care. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Ansari takes the time to understand your unique genetic makeup, environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and health history to develop your treatment plan. This personalized approach can lead to more effective outcomes and improved long-term health.

Functional medicine also emphasizes prevention and early intervention, focusing on optimizing health and wellness to prevent disease before it occurs. By addressing underlying imbalances and promoting healthy lifestyle habits, you can achieve and maintain optimal health throughout your life.

In addition, functional medicine often leads to improved patient-doctor relationships. You’ll find that Dr. Ansari spends time listening to you, understanding your concerns, and collaborating with you to develop treatment plans. This patient-centered approach can result in greater satisfaction for you and better adherence to treatment recommendations.

To learn more about functional medicine, or to schedule an evaluation,  book an appointment online today.