Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is an approach that uses modern lab tests and other assessments to understand what supplements or diets may be best for you.

At the most essential level, we look at your dietary intake and any supplements you are taking to optimize your nutrition.

At the next level, if needed, we can find out from your body fluids (blood, urine) what specific nutrients are lacking.

We can also check stool samples to know the condition of your microbiome, which has widespread effects on your health. We can then use that to determine specific dietary and supplementation recommendations to balance the microbiome and the gut health.

Your hormone levels and function can also be tested this way, including stress hormones and reproductive hormones, as well as metabolic hormones related to the thyroid gland.

With my academic background in nutritional biochemistry, I find these tests to be fascinating and very helpful, when needed. I take a minimalist approach to functional medicine, leaning on the basic evaluation of your diet and supplementation and using as few lab tests as possible, and only when needed.