Seed Wellness offers Functional Medicine across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Hertfordshire.
Functional medicine is a holistic, patient-centred approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It views the body as an interconnected system, where imbalances in one area can affect overall health. Functional medicine practitioners aim to understand the complex interactions between genetics, environment and lifestyle factors that contribute to illness and chronic disease.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, functional medicine uses personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual. This often includes in-depth assessments, such as advanced lab testing, and takes into account the patient’s history, diet, physical activity, stress levels, sleep habits, and more. By addressing these factors, practitioners can develop strategies to restore balance and promote long-term wellness.
A key aspect of functional medicine is its emphasis on prevention and proactive care. It encourages patients to take an active role in their health through education, lifestyle changes, and collaboration with their healthcare providers. This might involve changes in nutrition, detoxification protocols, stress management, or targeted supplementation to support specific bodily functions.
Functional medicine is often used to manage chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic issues. While it shares some principles with integrative and alternative medicine, it combines traditional Western medical practices with evidence-based complementary therapies. Its goal is not only to alleviate illness but also to optimize health and enhance quality of life.
Functional medicine can help with a wide range of health conditions, especially those that are chronic, complex, or not well-managed by conventional approaches alone. Here’s a list of health conditions commonly addressed with functional medicine:
Chronic Conditions
-
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
-
Chronic fatigue syndrome
-
Fibromyalgia
-
Chronic pain
-
Migraines and chronic headaches
Digestive Disorders
-
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
-
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
-
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
-
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
-
Food sensitivities and intolerances
-
Celiac disease
Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders
-
Thyroid disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism)
-
Adrenal fatigue or dysfunction
-
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
-
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms
-
Diabetes and insulin resistance
-
Metabolic syndrome
-
Obesity and weight management issues
Mental and Neurological Health
-
Depression and anxiety
-
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
-
Cognitive decline and early Alzheimer’s disease
-
Autism spectrum disorders
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions
-
High blood pressure
-
High cholesterol
-
Heart disease prevention
-
Asthma
-
Allergies (environmental and food-related)
Skin Disorders
-
Acne
-
Eczema
-
Psoriasis
-
Rosacea
Others
-
Infertility
-
Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia)
-
Immune system dysfunction
-
Detoxification issues (e.g., mold or heavy metal toxicity)
Functional medicine aims to uncover the root causes behind these conditions and support healing through personalised, integrative care plans.
