From the Desk of Dr. Lavell

What Is Functional Nutrition?

Dear Patients and Friends,

Many of you have asked me, "What exactly is functional nutrition?" It’s a great question, and I’d like to take a moment to explain what makes this approach so unique and impactful for improving your health.

Functional nutrition is a branch of functional medicine, and its focus is not on treating a disease directly, but on addressing the underlying nutritional deficiencies that may be negatively influencing your health.

A Different Approach to Wellness

Here’s an example: If you have hypertension (high blood pressure) and see your doctor, the standard approach would likely involve prescribing medication to lower your blood pressure.

In functional nutrition, however, we ask a deeper question: Why is your blood pressure elevated? By identifying and addressing the root causes, we can often correct the issue naturally.

Some common underlying causes of hypertension include:

• Trace Mineral Deficiencies: Many people lack the essential minerals needed to balance fluids in the body, contributing to high blood pressure.
• Dehydration: Believe it or not, simply not drinking enough water is one of the most common reasons for hypertension. Without proper hydration, the osmolarity of your blood becomes imbalanced, leading to elevated blood pressure.

These issues are often easy to address. By increasing your water intake and supplementing with the right minerals, we can support your body’s natural ability to regulate blood pressure and achieve better overall balance.

Functional Nutrition vs. Traditional Medicine

In short, traditional medicine focuses on treating diseases and managing symptoms, while functional nutrition focuses on uncovering and correcting the root causes of those symptoms. The goal is to help you achieve wellness rather than simply managing a condition.

If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to your health, functional nutrition could be the solution you’re looking for. As always, I’m here to help guide you on your journey to better wellness and long-term health.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Lavell