Modern medicine often puts too much effort into managing symptoms instead of addressing the root causes of health issues. Patients end up taking an endless supply of medications for years on end because nobody stops to ask why the symptoms are cropping up in the first place. 

While medications have their place in healthcare, there are more sustainable options available.

Perhaps you’re tired of feeling like you’re running on a treadmill. No matter how many appointments you schedule, you don’t feel like you’re making progress.

Functional medicine offers hope to patients struggling with chronic illness and long-term symptoms. It’s a holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare. But if you’re new to the field, you might be wondering, “What does a functional medicine doctor do?” That’s the question the Elle MD team is going to answer in today’s blog post. 

Let’s discuss our unique approach and share a few ways functional medicine might benefit you.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine seeks to address the root cause of illnesses using a holistic perspective. This is key to what functional medicine doctors can do. Here are three core principles that help functional medicine stand out from other approaches. 

1. Everyone Has a Unique Health Profile

First and foremost, functional medicine seeks to understand and address the unique genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors that influence an individual’s health. Every body is unique, which means wellness plans can’t be cookie-cutter. At Elle MD, we make sure that our recommendations make sense for your situation.

2. The Body is an Interconnected System

Functional medicine doctors believe that the body is an interconnected system where every aspect – from nutrition and lifestyle to genetics and environment – plays a crucial role in overall health. So often, we see that gut health impacts brain function. Autoimmune conditions may be caused by environmental toxins. Etc. So, in an age of specialists, we are here to take a whole-body approach.

3. Symptom Relief Happens When We Address the Root Cause

We totally understand that you want to stop discomfort as soon as possible. Bloating, weight gain, joint pain, and brain fog – these are all common symptoms that we see at Elle MD. But if you want lasting relief, you need to dig deeper. Painkillers and antacids will not fix the issue. Instead, we need to restore underlying imbalances that are leading to your health issues.

The Role of Functional Medicine Doctors

Functional medicine doctors play a vital role in guiding patients toward optimal health and wellness. Here are some key aspects of what functional medicine doctors do.

• In-Depth Patient Assessments

Functional medicine begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and genetics. Functional medicine doctors spend significant time with their patients, listening to their concerns and gathering detailed information about their health.

• Identifying Root Causes

One of the primary goals of functional medicine is to identify the root causes of health issues. So, what functional medicine doctors often do is use advanced diagnostic tools, such as comprehensive blood tests, genetic analysis, and specialized assessments, to uncover underlying imbalances and dysfunctions in the body.

• Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on the information gathered during the assessment, functional medicine doctors develop personalized treatment plans for their patients. These plans often include dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplements, and other interventions tailored to address the specific imbalances and deficiencies identified.

• Collaboration and Education

Functional medicine doctors work closely with their patients, serving as partners in their journey to better health. They educate patients about the interconnectedness of various aspects of their health and empower them to make informed decisions about their well-being.

• Integrative Approaches

Functional medicine embraces a wide range of healing modalities, including nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and mind-body practices. Functional medicine doctors may incorporate these complementary therapies into their treatment plans when appropriate.

• Prevention and Long-Term Health

Functional medicine places a strong emphasis on preventive care. By addressing root causes and making lifestyle changes, patients can not only alleviate current health issues but also reduce the risk of future problems, promoting long-term well-being.

• Chronic Disease Management

Functional medicine is particularly effective in managing chronic conditions such as autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic syndrome. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to these conditions, functional medicine doctors do help patients achieve better symptom control and improved quality of life.



• Patient-Centered Care

Perhaps one of the most significant distinctions of functional medicine is its patient-centered approach. Functional medicine doctors take the time to build meaningful relationships with their patients, listen to their concerns, and involve them in the decision-making process. This collaborative approach fosters trust and empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare journey.

Here’s How Functional Medicine Can Make You Feel

We can talk all day about the tasks and responsibilities of a functional medicine doctor. But really, what matters is what a functional medicine doctor can do for you. What about the benefits of this approach?

Functional medicine has gained popularity in recent years as more individuals seek alternatives to conventional medical care that often falls short in addressing the complexities of chronic diseases. Here are some ways in which functional medicine is making a significant impact in patient lives:

• Feeling Heard and Respected

Few doctors these days make patients feel listened to. But with functional medicine, you will truly feel that you have a health partner. At Elle MD, Dr. Erin and Dr. Maricela will work with you one-on-one to help you navigate the challenges of better health.

• Empowerment and Education

Functional medicine empowers patients to take control of their health. Patients gain a deeper understanding of their bodies and are equipped with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their well-being. This is what functional medicine doctors can do for you.

• Fewer Medications

We all know that medications come with side effects. In some cases, the side effects feel worse than the disease itself. We will do our best to limit your pharmaceutical exposure. We can balance the body naturally without relying on expensive pills. By addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting lifestyle changes, functional medicine is a powerful tool for preventing chronic diseases and promoting long-term wellness.

• Improved Quality of Life

Many patients who have turned to functional medicine report improved quality of life, reduced symptoms, and enhanced overall well-being. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions.

What Do Functional Medicine Doctors Do? A Lot!

Functional medicine represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, offering a holistic and patient-centered approach that goes beyond symptom management. Functional medicine doctors play a vital role in uncovering the root causes of health issues, developing personalized treatment plans, and empowering patients to take control of their well-being.

You deserve a doctor who puts you first, and that’s what we promise at Elle MD. We want to offer hope for those seeking a more comprehensive and individualized approach to health and wellness. But articles can only convey so much. Learn more about what we do and how our functional medicine doctors can take your health to new heights.