Dear Kosterina Family,
If you’ve ever felt like the conventional healthcare system only scratches the surface of your health concerns, you’re not alone. Many people are turning to functional medicine—a forward-thinking approach that digs deep to uncover the "why" behind your symptoms.
Instead of treating symptoms like isolated problems, functional medicine works to address the root causes of illness, providing personalized, long-term solutions for optimal health. Let’s break it down, explore the tests and insights it offers, and give you a roadmap to get started.
What Is Functional Medicine?
Think of functional medicine as detective work for your health. While traditional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms, functional medicine asks: What’s causing this issue in the first place?
Dr. Mark Hyman, a leading voice in functional medicine, puts it this way:
"Functional medicine is the science of creating health, as opposed to the science of treating disease."
This perspective emphasizes viewing the body as an integrated system, aiming to identify and address the root causes of health issues rather than merely managing symptoms. At its core, functional medicine considers your unique biochemistry, genetics, and lifestyle to create a personalized plan for healing and, most importantly, prevention.
The Tests That Dig Deeper
Functional medicine doctors often run specialized tests that go beyond what you’d find in a routine checkup. Here are a few examples:
- Comprehensive Blood Panels: These tests measure nutrient levels, hormones, glucose levels, triglyceride levels, and inflammation markers like C-reactive protein.
- Gut Microbiome Analysis: Your gut health is the foundation of overall health, and these tests assess your microbiome’s balance.
- Advanced Hormone Testing: Includes cortisol (stress hormone) levels, thyroid function, and reproductive hormones.
- Food Sensitivity Testing: Identifying foods that trigger inflammation can be life-changing for chronic conditions like IBS or migraines.
Dr. Robin Berzin, founder of Parsley Health, explains: "When you test deeper—whether it’s looking at gut health or nutrient deficiencies—you’re able to understand what’s driving your symptoms and address it from the source."
Robin Berzin is an expert on functional health, and we interviewed this superstar CEO, doctor, and mother a couple of years ago. Check it out here. She also wrote a complete guide to resetting your mind and mood and igniting a new baseline of energy and flow. Her book, Prescription for Happiness (formerly State Change), dives deep into a data-backed, step-by-step way to rethink your health and take back control of your life. Her motto is: "When you take care of your body, you unlock your life."
Typical Findings and Their Impact
Functional medicine often uncovers hidden imbalances that explain persistent health issues. Common findings include:
- Chronic Inflammation: A root cause of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Low levels of magnesium, vitamin D, or B vitamins can contribute to fatigue, poor sleep quality, anxiety, and more.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Issues like estrogen dominance or thyroid dysfunction can wreak havoc on energy and mood.
- Gut Dysbiosis: An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to bloating, brain fog, and even depression.
By addressing these findings, functional medicine helps you feel better now while preventing chronic diseases down the road.
How Functional Medicine Can Transform Your Health
The beauty of functional medicine is its ability to tackle everything from brain fog to autoimmune conditions. It’s particularly effective for:
- Improving energy and sleep.
- Balancing hormones during perimenopause or menopause.
- Managing chronic conditions like diabetes or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Supporting mental health by addressing gut-brain connections.
Functional medicine isn’t just about healing; it’s about thriving. Food and lifestyle interventions, guided by functional medicine principles, will help you transform and achieve optimal health.
How to Get Started
If functional medicine resonates with you, here are a few options to explore:
- Parsley Health (founded by Dr. Robin Berzin): Combines advanced testing with virtual doctor visits and health coaching.
- Function Health: A platform offering twice-a-year, in-depth blood testing to help monitor early indicators of thousands of diseases.
- IFM-Certified Doctors: Visit the Institute for Functional Medicine’s website to find a certified practitioner near you.
- If you’re already familiar but want to fine-tune your health, consider working with a nutritionist. We highly recommend Robert Yang, who focuses on holistic solutions for nutrition and fitness.
- Read Good Energy or check out our weekly wellness report on this life-changing book by Dr. Casey Means.
Take Control of Your Health
If you’ve been searching for real answers—not just band-aid solutions—functional medicine offers a path to true healing. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, stubborn weight gain, or simply want to feel your best and prevent future health issues, this approach can be a game-changer.
Imagine knowing exactly what your body needs to thrive, understanding the root causes of your symptoms, and making informed choices that support lifelong wellness. Imagine receiving a prescription for lifestyle changes instead of medications.
Ready to take the first step toward lasting health? Start by exploring one of the resources above, whether it’s connecting with a functional medicine doctor, ordering advanced health tests, or shifting your mindset to ask why instead of just what. Your health is too important to leave to guesswork. Functional medicine gives you the tools to take charge—because when you address the root, everything changes.
Let us know on social media if you sign up with any of our recommendations—we can’t wait to hear about your journey!
Peace, Love, & EVOO,
Katina and The Kosterina Team
