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What Is It Like to Work with a
Functional Medicine Coach?

work with a functional medicine practitioner

 

The Functional Medicine Coach Approach:
Personalized Wellness Plans for Every Individual

Traditional health care usually approaches health and wellness are often approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality. Functional Medicine Practitioners understand that each person is unique, with individual needs, preferences, and health goals. Rather than prescribing uniform medication-based protocols, they tailor their approach to address the specific requirements of each individual using natural methods. This personalized strategy encompasses a holistic view of health, considering not only physical symptoms but also emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

At the heart of the Functional Medicine philosophy lies the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when provided with the right support. Therefore, the role of the Functional Medicine practitioner is not to simply treat symptoms but to identify and address the root causes of illness or imbalance. This involves a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s lifestyle, diet, environment, genetics, and personal history.

Interconnectedness

One of the fundamental principles of Functional Medicine is the recognition of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Therefore, a holistic approach to wellness encompasses various aspects of life, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep quality, social connections, and spiritual practices. Functional Medicine practitioners take all of these factors into account when designing personalized wellness plans for their clients.

Foundational Elements of Functional Medicine

While there are certain foundational principles that apply to nearly everyone, such as the importance of whole foods, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques, the specifics of each individual’s plan can vary significantly. For example, one person may benefit from a plant-based diet rich in leafy greens and lean proteins, while another may thrive on a Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of olive oil and fish. Similarly, while some individuals may find solace in yoga and meditation for stress management, others may prefer more vigorous activities like running or weightlifting.

Individualized Goals and Plans to Get There

One of the first steps in creating a personalized wellness plan is to assess the individual’s current health status and goals. This may involve conducting thorough health screenings, reviewing medical history, and discussing lifestyle habits and preferences. Armed with this information, the Functional Medicine practitioner can then formulate a tailored plan that addresses the specific needs and goals of the individual.

Central to many personalized wellness plans is the emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods and the removal of processed foods and harmful additives. Functional Medicine practitioners advocate for a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins, while minimizing intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and artificial ingredients. Additionally, they may recommend the inclusion of organic and locally sourced foods whenever possible, to minimize exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other toxins.

Another key component of personalized wellness plans is the identification and removal of potential allergens or intolerances. By conducting food sensitivity tests or elimination diets, Functional Medicine practitioners can help individuals identify foods that may be triggering inflammation or digestive issues. Removing these foods from the diet can lead to significant improvements in overall health and well-being.

In addition to dietary recommendations, personalized wellness plans often include strategies for optimizing hydration, improving gut health, and supporting detoxification processes. This may involve ensuring adequate intake of water and fiber, as well as incorporating supplements or herbal remedies to support liver function and elimination of toxins.

Beyond nutrition, Functional Medicine practitioners also focus on promoting physical activity and stress management techniques as integral components of a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s through regular exercise, mindfulness practices, or relaxation techniques, finding ways to manage stress and promote relaxation is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Furthermore, Functional Medicine practitioners recognize the importance of addressing spiritual and emotional needs as part of a comprehensive wellness plan. This may involve incorporating practices such as meditation, prayer, journaling, or spending time in nature to nurture the soul and cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in life.



Getting started with working with a Functional Medicine Practitioner can be a bit intimidating. It is normal to have a lot of questions such as:
  • What will it be like?
  • How often will we meet?
  • What will we discuss each time?
  • What is the cost of the consultations?
  • Will I need to be on a special diet or buy supplements?

These are all very important questions to get answered.  While each person will come with different needs, which can cause the program to vary from one person to the next, I wanted to take a minute to illustrate what a typical initial 4-month program looks like.