Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny: Conventional vs. Functional Medicine & Why It's Time for a Holistic Approach
Overview
Discover the differences between conventional and functional medicine in this episode of the Mom Guilt podcast. I will explain how the body can heal itself with the right support and why a holistic approach is essential. I discuss epigenetics, lab testing, and the use of supplements versus prescriptions. If you're looking for alternative approaches to healthcare and want to prioritize your well-being, this episode is a must-listen.
What you'll learn in this episode:
00:00 | Intro
03:32 | Exploring Functional Medicine in Dermatology Practice
08:58 | Contrasting Modern and Holistic Approaches to Medicine
12:17 | Challenging Conventional Medicine with Functional Approaches
16:24 | Epigenetics: Beyond Genetics and the Power of Environment
18:16 | Functional Lab Interpretation
24:10 | Natural Remedies Versus Prescription Medications
Resources:
The CDC: Epigenetics, Health, and Disease
Red Pill Your Health Podcast
Emily Morrow Instagram
Dr. Charlie 2.0 Instagram
Connect with us!
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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.
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Harnessing Epigenetics and Functional Medicine: A Dermatology Nurse's Wellness Journey
The quest for optimal health and the ability to heal from within are aspirations shared by many. In a world where conventional medicine dominates, it's important to remember that alternate pathways towards wellness exist. Broadening our perspective to embrace functional medicine, holistic approaches, and the power of epigenetics can lead to profound changes in our health and life.
Key Takeaways:
Your genes are not your destiny; understanding epigenetics empowers you to influence your health positively.
Functional medicine provides a proactive and holistic approach to healthcare, in contrast to the reactive measures of conventional medicine.
A comprehensive approach to health includes proper lab testing interpretation, supplements, and lifestyle changes, rather than a reliance on prescriptions alone.
Understanding the Impact of Epigenetics
The concept that "your genes are not your destiny" signifies a revolutionary shift in the healthcare paradigm. Mainstream medicine often points to genetics as the root cause of various diseases, implying a predetermined and unchangeable fate. However, epigenetics offers a different narrative—a narrative where lifestyle and environmental factors play an instrumental role in gene expression. This understanding permeates the philosophy of functional medicine, where practitioners seek to “turn genes on and off,” allowing for the prevention and reversal of disease.
Vanna, a dermatology nurse practitioner, emphasizes that her own enlightenment regarding epigenetics has shifted her to a therapeutic approach which targets optimal health rather than just treating disease:
"Where I think the issue lies is this has become the standard of healthcare. When it's really not health care, at that point, it's more sick care."
By adopting an epigenetic mindset, we empower ourselves to transform our health trajectory. This influences not just individual well-being, but also casts hope for future generations as we understand more about how our behaviors and environment impact our genetic makeup.
The Revelatory Power of Functional Lab Testing
In functional medicine, lab testing goes beyond identifying disease—it's about discovering how to achieve the pinnacle of health. Conventional medical tests often use broad "reference ranges" that reflect averages rather than ideals. In contrast, functional medicine uses more specific ranges that reflect optimal health levels. This nuance is key to identifying issues before they develop into full-fledged diseases and providing invaluable insights into a person's unique biochemical environment.
Vanna shares her wisdom derived from practical experience and her journey into functional medicine:
"It's how you interpret and what you do with the testing that matters."
By thoroughly analyzing lab results through a functional lens, individuals and providers can craft targeted strategies to adjust diet, supplements, and lifestyle in ways that profoundly affect health outcomes.
Prescriptions vs. Holistic Solutions
The conventional route often leads to a prescription tailored for a specific ailment, typically without considering the body as a dynamic, interconnected system. On the flip side, functional medicine opts for a more integrated approach, suggesting that supplements, diet adjustments, and lifestyle changes can be equally effective, often with fewer side effects.
Vanna conveys her preference for a functional approach while still appreciating the role of conventional methods in acute care:
"My intent in explaining this to you... is just expose you to alternative approaches and thinking outside of the box, because a lot of people's stories with functional medicine is that they are at rock bottom."
Within her dermatology practice, she actively educates patients on functional medicine. This proactive approach unlocks the potential for patients to become co-architects of their health, building wellness resilience from the ground up.
Reflecting on her personal practice, Vanna acknowledges a common dilemma:
"And here's the thing, this is important... I cannot help you more than you want to help yourself."
This statement encapsulates the essence of the functional medicine model, which requires active participation from patients in their health journey.
Reflecting on these three powerful themes sheds light on an approach to health and wellness that is adaptive, integrative, and empowering. By weaving together the understanding of epigenetics, refined lab testing, and natural remedies, Vanna, among others, is pioneering a shift toward a functional medicine model that holds the promise of sustainable health and vibrant living.
The journey into the realm of functional medicine and holistic approaches is not just a quest for better health outcomes—it signifies a transformation in how we perceive and manage our well-being. This pathway offers a beacon of hope for those seeking to take control of their health narratives, ushering in an era where the full potential of human vitality can be realized.