What is functional Medicine

Functional medicine, as a concept, originated in 1919 through the scientific inquiry and investigation of Sir William Mackenzie. He and his colleagues emphasized this approach at St. Andrew Institute of Clinical Research in Britain . There, they employed laboratory testing in order to determine the underlying causative factors for such symptoms as pain, fatigue, malaise, and shortness of breath. Today, functional medicine has developed into a comprehensive discipline of health care based on both clinical and scientific underpinnings, whose emphasis is to specifically identify and treat the underlying bioenergetics, biochemical, physiological, environmental, emotional and cognitive factors that are issues in the restoration of health.

Functional medicine embraces the tenet that an individual is a biologically unique organism and each case must be approached and treated with absolute "individuality". It attempts to understand the mediators that create the biochemical and physiological dysfunctions which ultimately produce disease. Therefore, the consideration of the psyche, nutritional imbalances, toxicity, oxidation reduction, gastrointestinal and immunological dysfunctions and their interactions are essential in understanding the etiology and ultimate manifestation of disease as well as its treatment. With appropriate functional treatment, homeostasis will be restored to the intracellular environment, to all the organ systems, and to the organism as a whole. The ultimate manifestation of a truly homeostatic organism is its optimal expression of a truly vibrant vital force.

Today, we are plagued with chronic degenerative diseases in almost pandemic proportions. Diseases like chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction disorder, fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, and arthritis, to name only a few, are widespread, evading immediate and satisfactory resolutions. From the perspective of functional medicine, the etiology of the aforementioned disease entities can be easily explained. It begins with the consumption of inappropriate foods which lead to nutritional imbalance, ultimately manifesting in the imbalance of the gastrointestinal (Gl) environment. As a result, the formation of mucoid plaque, putrefaction, fermentation, and a distorted ecosystem occurs. An inflammatory response may occur in the Gl lining as a reaction to the consumption of certain foods. This occurs because of the deteriorative process caused by the specific consumption of meats and fats, as well as the wrong food combinations. As a result, transit time is compromised, slowing down the evacuative process which ultimately leads to putrefaction and a disordered state of the ecosystem. This can give rise to an enhanced state of yeast production, which can bring about symptoms like mental "fogginess" and fatigue. ln fact, the use of certain synthetic pharmaceuticals can specifically enhance the overgrowth of yeast. On the other hand, fermentation is enhanced as a result of the carbohydrate-rich foods, typical of an American diet. This can lead to the following symptoms: distention, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and malaise.

Should these processes go unchallenged, a more ominous condition may occur, namely hyperpermeability or leaky gut syndrome. In this edition, the mucosal and submucosal membranes can not block the absorption of toxins and partially digested food proteins as they pass from the lumen of the GI tract, through the mucosa, and into the blood stream. These toxins and proteins are foreign to our bodies and can potentially create an autoimmune response. 

This autoimmune response appears to have a specific affinity for the joint membranes and elastic tissues, leading to either localized or generalized inflammation, and ultimately to degenerative manifestations such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. In addition, toxins specific to the nervous and immune systems can have a devastating effect on the human organism. Multiple exposures to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and silver, and toxic chemicals like carbon tetrachloride, styrene, and benzene, neurological and immunological systems are compromised, causing such symptoms as loss of balance, sensory problems (prickling, tingling sensations or lack of sensations), and brain chemistry imbalances. Appropriate diagnostic testing is imperative in order to determine the contamination. This will also reveal the severity of the contamination so that appropriate therapeutic measures can be taken.

Fortunately, with the development of functional diagnostic laboratory testing, the functional basis of the aforementioned conditions can be determined. For example, with a comprehensive digestive stool analysis, the state of digestion, absorption, microfloral balance, parasitic infestation, yeast overgrowth, transit and retention time can be assessed. Additional functional tests many be necessary based upon the requirements mandated by the case being investigated; Based on the result of the history, physical examination, and the appropriate functional tests, the most advantageous natural therapeutic protocol will be determined. This will consist of nutraceuticals, botanical medicines and homecpathics, as well as other modalities of treatment.

Upon initiating treatment, the primary objective is the restoration of the mucosal integrity of the GI tract. In preparation for the appropriate clinical therapeutic protocol, a Gl detoxification procedure must first be implemented. Next, the elimination of unwanted microorganisms in the imbalanced ecosystem must be addressed. Thereafter, we must introduce pancreatic enzymes and hydrochloric acid, which may be lacking. Then, we must replenish the microflora to the point at which it restores the micro-ecological system to its optimum state. And finally, we can assist in the reconstitution of the hyperpermeable mucosa through direct treatment. The detoxification of the liver is also integral to the process of recovery. Obviously; other therapeutic modalities must be considered in the process of restoring the human organism to a state of optimum homeostasis, but this will be determined on an individual basis.

For the purpose of this treatise, I have attempted to simplify the principles of functional medicine. All of the components are essential in the process of application, but without consideration to individuality their effectiveness is compromised. Considering the plethora of degenerative diseases, the application of a new clinical approach that incorporates the totality of the individual requires our foremost consideration. To do less than this will perpetuate the present system which strictly adheres to a palliative approach to health care. Needless to say our society is in dire need of a system that defies this model. Functional medicine offers such a solution.

Dr. Lad Santiago