Functional medicine

Limited support in the conventional healthcare system

Health professionals see clients every day with chronic issues that are not adequately addressed within the traditional system. Complications such as increased autoimmunity, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances related to stress or reproductive health, headaches, widespread muscle discomfort, dizziness, digestive issues, and low energy levels are just some of the symptoms that can be connected to nutrition and lifestyle.

Every individual is different — and that means the root causes of these symptoms may vary from person to person.

Conventional vs functional medicine

Generally, functional medicine aims to look at the entire organism rather than focusing on a single region or diagnosis.

For example: A thyroid issue would not just be about thyroid hormones for a functional medicine practitioner, but also all the interconnected systems that contribute to how the thyroid functions.

This is why the approach is broader — to optimize the conditions for the body to naturally regain its function.

As a starting point, natural medicine is used, including nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes, sometimes in collaboration with conventional doctors and medical treatments.

It is not a replacement for traditional medicine, but rather a supplement, an alternative — or an option when conventional systems offer no clear solution.

Functional medicine consultation

A functional medicine consultation does not have to be in person, as it is based on the conversation and the treatment plan developed between the practitioner and the client. That’s why we also offer online consultations, making it logistically easier for people across the country.

Treatment is based on your health history, lifestyle, and symptoms.

Using a deep understanding of biochemical and physiological processes, the practitioner will guide the client through lifestyle changes, diet, supplements, and possibly relevant tests that can support or clarify the clinical approach. This may involve tests within the public healthcare system, where many doctors are open to collaboration — or, in some cases, more advanced private testing may be necessary.

Functional medicine as a profession

Functional medicine is a growing field internationally, offering a science-based, patient-centered approach focused on addressing root causes rather than symptoms. In order to practice functional medicine professionally, practitioners typically need a background in healthcare — such as medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, biomedical science, biology, osteopathy, or nutrition.

Becoming a certified practitioner often involves access to specialized laboratory testing, clinical tools, and continued education from expert-led seminars and webinars. This ensures that the practitioner stays updated on the latest insights in areas such as fertility, autoimmunity, thyroid health, digestive conditions, chronic fatigue, and metabolic dysfunction.

Common stool tests

• GI MAP
• Gi 360
• GIFX

Common urine tests

• IPA Test — assesses the body’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients, often related to gut barrier integrity
• Metabolomix+ — provides detailed insight into metabolic processes, nutrient levels, and potential biochemical imbalances

What to prepare before a consultation

• Access to previous lab tests and reports that may be relevant
• A list of current medications and supplements (a photo is sufficient)
• A 3-day food and beverage journal, either documented or photographed
• A list of key questions or concerns to address during the consultation

Diet, research, and disease

Diet provides both energy and building blocks for our cells — but it can also be used strategically to support gut health, the immune system, and more.

Food has the potential to help regulate inflammation, but certain ingredients can also trigger autoimmunity and uncontrolled inflammatory responses.

While research on nutrition is growing rapidly, there are still major gaps. This is partly due to limited financial support, poor self-reporting, and the complex web of influencing factors. Historically, there has also been a lack of attention or understanding of how food affects immunity and the body’s internal balance.

The influence of diet on disease still leaves many unanswered questions, and depends greatly on the condition being targeted. While there are many “religious” approaches to food, functional medicine focuses on tailoring nutrition to the individual and the goals of the treatment.

That means there is no single perfect diet. What works best will always be specific to the person and their health context.

Below are selected studies showing how food may correlate with or improve specific health conditions:

• The relationship between diet, gut microbiota, and autoimmune conditions such as thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, IBD, Crohn’s disease, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis
• Diet and metabolic disease — especially type 2 diabetes, one of the world’s fastest-growing health challenges
• Dietary strategies to lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk

Functional medicine indications

Functional medicine can address a wide range of conditions. Below is an overview of diagnoses and symptoms where this approach may offer support or improvement:

• Hormonal imbalances: PCOS, endometriosis, irregular or painful menstruation, low libido, fertility challenges, chronic fatigue, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, thyroid dysfunction
• Autoimmune disorders: Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic skin conditions
• Chronic conditions and markers: Fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension or hypotension, systemic inflammation
• Digestive issues: Nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux
• Other symptoms and conditions: Joint pain, osteoporosis, headaches and migraines, dizziness, tendon or muscle inflammation, chronic muscle pain or cramps, skin conditions, general swelling and fluid retention

Digestive health and functional medicine

As mentioned earlier, a wide range of conditions and symptoms are relevant to functional medicine—digestive issues being one of the most common.

Digestion is essential for breaking down, absorbing, metabolizing nutrients, and eliminating what the body no longer needs.

Many people experience digestive discomforts, and the root causes are often linked to core lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, diet, medication, genetics, physical activity, alcohol, and smoking. Most often, it is a combination of these that creates dysfunction.

Conditions like IBS, IBD, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, dyspepsia, Crohn’s disease, and food allergies or intolerances may be addressed through functional medicine—either alongside conventional medical treatment or as a complementary approach. In other cases, there may be no formal diagnosis, but treatment still focuses on improving gut health based on symptom profile and health history.

Symptoms may include bloating, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, hemorrhoids, acid reflux, and more.

Treatment may involve lifestyle adjustments, dietary prioritization, and targeted support for chemical processes such as stomach acid production, bile flow, pancreatic enzymes, pre- and probiotics, and relevant cofactors and enzymes.

In addition to basic lifestyle factors, testing may be relevant to assess how well the body breaks down, absorbs, processes, and eliminates various substances.

Functional medicine and testing for digestive issues

Stool analysis

• GI-MAP: This test evaluates the composition of gut bacteria, as well as the presence of parasites, immune markers, and metabolic byproducts that indicate gut environment and functionality. The composition of stool can also reflect the body’s ability to process certain dietary components.
• GI-360: Similar to GI-MAP, but with additional focus on the presence and impact of parasites and viruses related to gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Zonulin test: Zonulin is a key marker related to intestinal permeability (commonly referred to as “leaky gut”). Elevated levels are associated with various conditions including gluten sensitivity, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, asthma, and fatty liver.

Urine testing

• IPA test: A urine-based assessment that measures nutrient absorption and usage efficiency. It may also indicate impaired intestinal permeability.

Blood testing

• Genetic and DNA tests: These tests can help explain individual predispositions and provide insights into how to support and compensate for genetic variations.

General diagnostic tests

• Stomach acid levels: These can be tested directly (via belch-based tests) or indirectly through urine analysis. Normal stomach acid pH during digestion is typically around 1.5 to 3.5. Stomach acid is essential for breaking down proteins and fats and for absorbing key vitamins and minerals.
• Specific markers: Tests can also target lactose or gluten sensitivity, inflammatory bowel conditions, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Helicobacter pylori, genetic and hormonal influences, and various immune or antibody-related markers.
• There are numerous testing options for gut health, but each individual’s symptoms and medical history help determine which assessments are most appropriate.

Metabolism and functional medicine

Metabolic issues are an increasing global concern and can stem from multiple factors. Metabolism refers to the cellular conversion of nutrients into energy and structural components. Every cell has its own metabolic function, regulated by macro- and micronutrients, enzyme activity, the nervous system, and hormonal signals. These regulatory mechanisms are influenced by our environment — in other words, by what we expose ourselves to.

Functional medicine testing and treatment for thyroid issues

Testing and treatment options for thyroid-related symptoms that are not always covered by conventional care.

Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, medication use, sleep quality, and stress all influence thyroid health.

These elements are foundational for the body’s ability to restore balance and promote self-healing.

If these factors are reasonably stable, or if you want to narrow down potential contributors to thyroid dysfunction, targeted testing may be useful.

Thyroid function is impacted by numerous physiological systems, and root causes may originate in several areas of the body.

Thyroid hormones are a powerful catalyst for cellular activity and are regulated through a negative feedback loop in the brain, this hormonal pathway is known as the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis (HPT Axis).

T3 and T4 are the active thyroid hormones, and their production and activation depend on a variety of physiological processes.

These processes rely on the availability of key nutrients, immune signaling, genetic factors, absorption and excretion capacity in the gut and kidneys, as well as the balance of sex and stress hormones.

Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions exist, and their symptoms are typically opposite in nature:

• Hypothyroidism may result in fatigue, constipation, weight gain, cold sensitivity, muscle weakness, and dry skin.
• Hyperthyroidism may lead to weight loss, increased sweating, high energy levels, diarrhea, a racing heart, and sleep difficulties.

What tests can help assess thyroid function?

Blood tests for thyroid health

Key markers that can be evaluated:

• Reverse T3: Inactive thyroid hormone that can block T3 activation.
• Free T3 and T4: Biologically active forms of thyroid hormones.
• TSH and antibodies: Antibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase (commonly included in standard medical tests).
• Sex and stress hormones: Can be measured via DUTCH testing or salivary analysis; they play a role in regulating free T3/T4.
• Albumin, TBG, SHBG, Transcortin: Proteins related to liver function and hormone transport that influence thyroid metabolism.
• Vitamin panel: Key vitamins and coenzymes involved in cellular metabolism.

Stool testing

• GI-MAP: Assesses microbiome composition, pathogens, inflammation markers, and digestive function.
• GI-360: Similar to GI-MAP, with a stronger focus on parasites and viral influences.

Urine testing

• DUTCH test: Measures production, breakdown, and elimination of sex and stress hormones that influence thyroid function.
• Urine toxic & essential elements: Evaluates toxic exposures and key minerals relevant to thyroid metabolism.
• Genetic testing (DNA): Identifies predispositions and helps pinpoint which biological systems may need support.

Thyroid-related symptoms often arise from dysfunction across multiple systems. Testing helps clarify where to intervene to restore proper function.