From the Desk of Dr. Lavell

Introduction to Functional Nutrition

Dear Patients and Friends,

Have you ever wondered, "What is functional nutrition?" It’s a question worth exploring because functional nutrition is at the heart of how we can achieve better health by addressing the root causes of common health issues rather than just managing symptoms.

Functional nutrition is a branch of functional medicine that uses dietary changes and supplementation to focus on the “why” behind health concerns, offering a more personalized and holistic approach to wellness.

The “Why” Behind Your Health Concerns

Let’s look at an example: If you have high cholesterol, a conventional approach might involve prescribing medication to lower it. Functional nutrition, on the other hand, asks why you have high cholesterol in the first place. By identifying and addressing the root causes, we can work toward a long-term solution.

Some common causes of high cholesterol include:

• Poor Gallbladder Function: The gallbladder is the primary elimination route for cholesterol. If it’s not functioning properly, cholesterol levels can rise.
• Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels as the body tries to repair damaged tissues.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Cholesterol is a building block for hormones. If your thyroid or other hormone-producing systems are out of balance, it may initially show up as high cholesterol.

Interestingly, these underlying issues often don’t show up in standard lab work right away. Instead, high cholesterol might be the first indicator of a deeper problem, such as a thyroid issue or systemic inflammation.

A Focus on Health, Not Just Disease

The goal of functional nutrition is to support health and wellness, not just manage disease. By addressing the root causes of health concerns, we can correct imbalances and promote long-term vitality. This approach uses nutrition and supplementation as tools to restore balance and create better overall health.

If you’re curious about how functional nutrition might help you, or if you’d like to dive deeper into your health concerns, I’m here to help. Together, we can work to uncover the “why” behind your symptoms and find a personalized path to better health.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Lavell