Functional Medicine

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is a health model based on the basic principles of medicine, but with a different perspective than the traditional approach. This approach, which is complementary to modern medicine, focuses on lifestyle, nutrition and environmental factors that cause diseases. Dr. Nurcivan ÜNSAL ÜZ defines this approach as "a medical approach that focuses on treating the patient, not the disease."

What Is Not Functional Medicine?

• It is not an alternative medicine method: It complements and supports modern medicine.

• It is not a sub-branch or specialty: It is an approach that can be applied by every physician.

• It is not a device or tool-based treatment method: It focuses on human biology and lifestyle elements.

Features of Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine is based on these key features:

1. Patient-Centered Approach: Functional Medicine evaluates each patient uniquely and creates personalized treatment plans.

2. Focus on Root Causes: Instead of temporarily suppressing symptoms, it identifies and corrects the factors that cause these symptoms.

3. Holistic Perspective: It considers body systems as a whole and focuses on the interactions between these systems.

4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors: It takes into account factors such as nutrition, stress, sleep patterns, physical activity and toxin exposure.

5. Preventive Approach: It aims to manage risk factors before diseases occur.

Differences Between Functional Medicine and Modern Medicine

In modern medicine, diseases are usually defined by organs or systems, and specific treatment methods are applied for each problem. For example, a patient with stomach problems is evaluated by a gastroenterologist, while a patient with hormonal problems is evaluated by an endocrinologist. However, Functional Medicine evaluates these systems as a whole, not independently of each other.

Dr. Nurcivan ÜNSAL ÜZ expresses this distinction with the following words: "While modern medicine treats the disease, Functional Medicine heals the patient." This approach allows the underlying causes of a disease to be addressed, rather than focusing only on its consequences.

Treatment Processes with Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine applications begin with a comprehensive assessment that covers the patient's entire health history, lifestyle, and genetic characteristics. The following steps come to the fore in Dr. Ünsal Üz's treatment processes:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

The patient's medical history, lifestyle, eating habits, sleep patterns and stress management skills are evaluated. This is an important step in understanding the root causes of the disease.

2. Laboratory Tests

Detailed tests that go beyond traditional tests and evaluate the individual's biochemical and genetic structure are performed. These tests help determine hormonal, immune and metabolic imbalances in the body.

3. Determining Root Causes

Functional Medicine goes beyond symptoms and investigates the causes of these symptoms. For example, hormonal imbalance, nutrient deficiencies or intestinal health problems are investigated in an individual experiencing chronic fatigue.

4. Personalized Treatment Plan

Treatment plans designed specifically for each patient are created. These plans usually include the following elements:

Nutrition regulation
Stress management strategies
Use of appropriate supplements and vitamins
Physical activity planning
Improvement of sleep patterns

5. Continuous Monitoring and Feedback

The treatment process is supported by regular check-ups and monitoring. The patient's health status is continually evaluated to determine whether the treatment plan is effective.

Conditions Treated with Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine offers an effective approach to many chronic diseases and disorders. Some of the situations that stand out in Dr. Nurcivan ÜNSAL ÜZ's treatment processes are:

1. Chronic Diseases:

   Diabetes
   High blood pressure
   Autoimmune diseases (e.g. thyroid problems)
   Rheumatic disorders

2. Digestive System Problems:

   Leaky Gut Syndrome
   IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
   Food Intolerances

3. Hormone Imbalances:

   Menstrual irregularities
   Menopause symptoms
   Cortisol imbalances

4. Mental and Emotional Health:

   Stress
   Anxiety
   Depression

5. Immune System Problems:

   Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
   Frequent Infections

Case Studies of Functional Medicine

Example 1: Headaches and Hormonal Imbalance

A patient who complains of a headache is usually referred to a neurologist in modern medicine and the symptoms are tried to be relieved with painkillers. However, Functional Medicine has an approach that evaluates that headaches may be related to hormonal imbalances. Dr. Ünsal Üz applies a treatment plan that aims to regulate hormone levels in such cases.

Example 2: Joint Pain and Gut Health

In a patient with inflammation and pain in their joints, Functional Medicine also evaluates their gut health. Since digestive problems and intestinal flora disorders can be related to the immune system, correcting these problems can improve the patient's overall health.

Advantages of Functional Medicine

• Treating Root Causes Instead of Symptom Management: Addresses the causes of the disease and offers longer-term solutions.

• Personalized Treatment: Plans are made according to each individual's genetic and lifestyle characteristics.

• Holistic Approach: Body, mind and lifestyle are considered as a whole.

• Side Effect-Free Solutions: Minimizes unnecessary drug use.

Functional Medicine Experience with Dr. Nurcivan ÜNSAL ÜZ

Dr. Ünsal Üz integrates the Functional Medicine approach into individuals’ lives, helping them live healthier and more balanced lives. By combining the strengths of modern medicine with lifestyle changes and natural treatment methods, he offers his patients long-term health solutions. This approach, which focuses on patients, not diseases, opens a new door in individuals’ health journeys.

Are you ready to embark on a healing journey with the guidance of Dr. Nurcivan ÜNSAL ÜZ to radically improve your health and increase your quality of life with Functional Medicine?

Questions Frequently Asked by Our Patients About Functional Medicine

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is a modern medical model that aims to improve an individual’s health with a holistic approach by addressing the root causes of disease. It considers the body as a whole and focuses on lifestyle, nutrition, and environmental factors.

Does Functional Medicine replace modern medicine?

No, Functional Medicine complements modern medicine. It supports the strengths of conventional medicine and makes treatments more effective by personalizing them.

Who is Functional Medicine suitable for?

Functional Medicine is suitable for anyone dealing with chronic illnesses, stress, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or digestive problems. It is also effective for individuals seeking to prevent future health issues.

What conditions are treated with Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is used to treat various conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression.

What does the treatment process in Functional Medicine look like?

Functional Medicine analyzes a person’s health history, lifestyle, and biochemical structure. It includes a comprehensive assessment, lab tests, and a personalized treatment plan targeting the root causes of symptoms.

What methods are used in Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine uses methods such as nutritional adjustments, supplemental vitamins and minerals, stress management techniques, physical activity planning, and lifestyle changes.

Why does Functional Medicine focus on root causes rather than symptoms?

Symptoms are often the result of underlying issues. Instead of temporarily suppressing symptoms, Functional Medicine treats the root causes to provide long-term health solutions.

How does Functional Medicine change one’s lifestyle?

Functional Medicine promotes a healthy lifestyle by working on diet, sleep quality, stress management, and physical activity. These changes improve overall health and enhance quality of life.

How long does the treatment process take in Functional Medicine?

The duration of treatment depends on the individual. Some may see results within a few months, while those with chronic conditions may require longer follow-up.

What is the main difference between Functional Medicine and conventional medicine?

Conventional medicine typically focuses on symptoms, whereas Functional Medicine investigates the root causes of illness and tailors treatment plans to the individual. It also views the body as an interconnected system.