It’s been said that, “The greatest obstacle to discovering the shape of the earth, the continents, and the oceans was not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge.” The same can be said for medicine. What we think we know about disease just isn’t working.

Today, we talk about a revolutionary approach to health called Functional Medicine, and how you can have a healthy doctor-patient relationship.

Functional Medicine is the future of conventional medicine–available now. It seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease, and views the body as one integrated system, not a collection of independent organs divided up by medical specialties. It treats the whole system, not just the symptoms.

Functional Medicine is the medicine of why not what. Not, “What disease do you have and what drug do you use?” but, “Why do you have those symptoms and how can we fix the root causes and optimize your health?”

I truly believe that one day, this is how most physicians will practice—grounded on a foundation of personalized medicine.

Thanks for tuning in.

~ Dr. Mark Hyman

Audio only: 

Are you willing to work with me as a partner in my health?
Seems pretty clear the answer you want is, “Yes!” but if your doctor appears uncomfortable or impatient with the question, maybe notice that.

What’s your point of view on nutrition and health? Do you think food is medicine?
It is important that your primary care doctor understands the role of a whole foods diet in preventative health.

Would you be willing to have an in depth discussion about my lab results and tell me what they mean?
We hope you are inspired to becoming the CEO of your health. If your doctor does not have time to explain your lab results to you then you need to find someone that does.

If I don’t have any symptoms, how are you going to keep me healthy?
Prevention is KEY! Even if you do not have symptoms there are a lot of diet and lifestyle interventions that can be put in place so you never get symptoms. Routine lab work is also essential to ensure that your lab ranges are not only “normal” but “optimal.”

How do you feel about the role of vitamins and supplements in health?
Even with a perfect diet, the combination of many things—including our depleted soils, the storage and transportation of our food, genetic alterations of traditional heirloom species, and the increased stress and nutritional demands resulting from a toxic environment—make it impossible for us to get the vitamins and minerals we need solely from the foods we eat. Your doctor should help you discover any nutritional deficiencies you may have.

How would you treat me if you didn’t have your prescription pad?
It is essential your doctor have more than one tool in his or her toolbelt. In order to treat chronic disease and enhance longevity, your doctor must have an understanding of the lifestyle, nutritional changes, and supplementation that can create a foundation for health.

How are you going to find and treat the cause of my disease, not just the symptoms?
In functional medicine we believe in testing, not guessing. It is important to find a doctor that is willing to dig to find the real cause of your symptoms instead of just masking them with prescriptions.

Do you believe that food allergies or sensitivities can cause health problems such as arthritis, asthma, sinus problems, irritable bowel disease or autoimmune diseases?
Food sensitivities cause inflammation that can be experienced as a wide variety of symptoms (joint pain, fatigue etc). Finding a practitioner that understand that root causes for inflammation is essential in identifying the real cause of your symptoms.

Do you think cholesterol or sugar is the most important cause of heart disease?
Sugar, flour, processed foods, and lifestyle choices that contribute to diabesity are at the root of most cases of heart disease, not dietary fat/cholesterol. It is important to find a doctor that understands the latest research.

What can you recommend to protect my brain from premature aging and memory loss?
It is important your doctor understand how to optimize mitochondrial health to prevent cognitive decline and halt premature aging. Your mitochondria are the energy producing centers of your cells and are central to brain health.

Do you think some chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis are reversible?
Your doctor must understand that these chronic diseases can be reversible with diet, lifestyle, and supplementation.Your health is within your control, and having a doctor who also believes this is essential for a good doctor-patient relationship.

The content in this course has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is provided on the understanding that it does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Always work with qualified healthcare practitioner when making changes to your medication, diet or overall healthcare plan.