122: Differences Between Functional Medicine and Conventional Medicine

We discuss why it may not be just the thyroid causing problems. We dive into the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) and its relationship with the thyroid. We explain why adrenal fatigue and cortisol steal may not be what you think they are.

We discuss the two things that could be happening when someone is sick or having symptoms: their body has something that it should not have or it is missing something that it needs. All human chronic conditions and problems can be broken down into these two categories. We dive into this statement and talk about possible combinations of the two categories and the importance of getting to the root cause of your symptoms instead of treating symptoms one at a time.

We discuss options and foods to eat when going gluten free and dairy-free

We discuss beginner tips for going gluten-free and dairy-free.

We discuss nutrition and nutritional supplements, how to look for and find quality supplements.  We touch on things to avoid, supplements that are beneficial for everyone as well as our own supplement company Optimal Nutraceuticals.

We discuss the differences between the two medical systems, what a patient can expect when they go in to see a functional medicine practitioner versus a conventional medicine practitioner. We talk about how disease and health is viewed differently.

We discuss why cholesterol is not a good measure of heart health. We dive into what cardiovascular disease really is, and what it is not. We cover the link between testosterone and cardiovascular health. We provide information on various natural treatments for common cardiovascular issues.

We discuss the differences between bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We discuss why BHRT is better than HRT, when someone should have their hormones tested, and the long-term issues if hormones remain out of balance. We also address the link between hormones, specifically how thyroid hormone and our sex hormones are linked as well as how our sex hormones affect inflammation in the body. We cover the benefits of BHRT for brain, bones, breast tissue, and our heart as well as common improvements seen in people receiving BHRT.

We answer questions sent to us by our listeners.  The topics of the questions were related to natural sugar/artificial sweeteners, heartburn and the use of antacids, gout, yeast infections, hair loss, and the use of rice cereal in young babies.

We discuss a parent’s number one priority; their children. Like adults, kids are becoming more and more unhealthy. Unhealthy foods are becoming the norm and inactive entertainment is at an all time high. We discuss how to combat these problems and what you can do, as a parent, to help your kids stay healthy.