Your Health, Your Rules: Embracing Functional and Integrative Medicine in Midlife
At Shala, we believe that true wellness is achieved by understanding and supporting the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. This philosophy aligns with the principles of functional and integrative medicine, an approach that seeks to identify and address the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms.
In our recent podcast episode of The Complete Woman, titled “Your Health, Your Rules | Understanding the Personal Approach to Integrative Medicine with Dr. Mallorie Cracroft,” we explored how this personalized approach can be especially beneficial for women navigating the complexities of perimenopause and menopause.
What Is Functional and Integrative Medicine?
Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. It considers the complex interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and chronic disease. Integrative medicine complements this by combining conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies, emphasizing a holistic approach to care.
Key principles of functional medicine include:
Patient-Centered Care: Treating the individual, not just the disease.
Holistic Approach: Considering the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental influences that affect health.
Integrative Science: Combining the best of conventional medicine with alternative therapies.
Preventive Focus: Emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention.
Empowered Patients: Encouraging patients to take an active role in their health journey.
The Origins of Functional Medicine
The roots of functional medicine can be traced back to the early 1990s when Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a biochemist and nutritionist, founded the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). Dr. Bland’s vision was to create a systems-oriented approach that addresses the underlying causes of disease and engages both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership.
This approach was influenced by earlier pioneers like Linus Pauling, who emphasized the role of nutrition in health, and Andrew Weil, who advocated for integrative medicine practices. Over time, functional medicine has evolved to incorporate advances in genomics, systems biology, and an understanding of how environmental and lifestyle factors influence health.
Why We Support This Approach
At Shala, we recognize that conventional medicine excels in acute care, such as treating infections or emergencies. However, for chronic conditions and preventive care, a more comprehensive approach is often beneficial. Functional and integrative medicine provide a framework for understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to health and disease.
This approach allows for personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each individual, leading to improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Supporting Women in Midlife
Perimenopause and menopause are significant transitions in a woman’s life, often accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and weight changes. Functional medicine offers tools to address these symptoms by:
Hormonal Balance: Evaluating and supporting hormonal health through lifestyle changes, nutrition, and, when appropriate, bioidentical hormone therapy.
Nutritional Support: Identifying nutrient deficiencies and creating tailored dietary plans, which often includes the use of dietary supplements.
Stress Management: Incorporating techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and exercise to reduce stress.
Sleep Optimization: Addressing factors that disrupt sleep and implementing strategies to improve rest.
Dr. Mallorie Cracroft, founder of Uplift For Her, embodies this approach by combining her experience as an OB/GYN with functional medicine principles to provide comprehensive care for women. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how the body works to make informed health decisions.
Learn More and Take Charge of Your Health
If you’re interested in exploring functional and integrative medicine further, we encourage you to listen to our latest podcast episode with Dr. Cracroft. Her insights offer valuable perspectives on how this approach can empower you to take control of your health journey.
Remember, your health is personal, and you have the right to choose the path that best supports your well-being. Functional and integrative medicine offer tools and perspectives that can complement conventional care, providing a more holistic view of health.
At Shala, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen.