What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a tailored, precision-based approach to health care. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contributing to an individual's health challenges. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on what disease you have, functional medicine aims to uncover why you are unwell and address the root causes of your condition.

Key principles of functional medicine include:

• Personalized Care: Treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals.

• Patient-Centered Approach: Your story, history, and experiences are central to understanding your health.

• Focus on Root Causes: Rather than masking symptoms, we aim to identify and resolve underlying issues.

The Three Pillars of Functional Medicine

Functional medicine at Foothills Wellness Clinic revolves around three critical pillars of health:

1. Metabolic Health

Metabolic health is the foundation of overall well-being. Poor metabolic function is linked to chronic inflammation, which is a driving factor behind many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions.

How Functional Medicine Supports Metabolic Health:

• Reduce Inflammation: Using dietary strategies, stress management, and anti-inflammatory therapies.

• Balance Blood Sugar Levels: Through personalized nutrition plans and lifestyle changes.

• Optimize Mitochondrial Function: Enhancing energy production at the cellular level.

“Inflammation is the silent contributor to many chronic diseases. Addressing it improves not only lifespan but also healthspan.”

2. Hormonal Health

Hormones play a crucial role in aging and overall vitality. Conventional thinking often attributes hormonal decline to aging, but functional medicine takes a different approach: hormonal imbalances are often drivers of aging, not merely a consequence.

How Functional Medicine Optimizes Hormonal Health:

Restore Hormonal Balance: Using natural therapies and, where needed, bioidentical hormone replacement.

Address Underlying Causes: Identifying stress, toxins, or lifestyle factors that disrupt hormonal function.

Support Longevity: Balanced hormones improve energy, mood, and resilience to age-related conditions.

“Age is not the reason your hormones decline; your hormones declining is why you age. Functional medicine can help you age gracefully and healthily.”

3. Gastrointestinal Health

Gut health is often called the "second brain" for its profound influence on overall well-being. An unhealthy gut contributes to inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, and chronic disease.

How Functional Medicine Enhances Gut Health:

Restore the Gut Microbiome: Using probiotics, prebiotics, and targeted dietary interventions.

Identify Food Sensitivities: Eliminating triggers that cause inflammation or discomfort.

Support Digestive Function: Improving digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.

“A healthy gut isn’t just about digestion; it’s about building the foundation for systemic health and resilience.”

Dr. Dewald Jurgens: Leading the Way in Functional Medicine

Dr. Dewald Jurgens brings unparalleled expertise to Foothills Wellness Clinic, having completed his Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Metabolic, and Functional Medicine (FAAMFM). He also regularly attends international congresses to stay at the forefront of advancements in functional medicine.

Dr. Jurgens combines the best of conventional and functional medicine to create integrated, personalized care plans for every patient.

The Hallmarks of Aging and Functional Medicine

Aging is not just about growing older; it’s about how our biology becomes unbalanced over time. Functional medicine offers solutions to address these imbalances by targeting the root causes of aging.

Examples include:

• Addressing metabolic dysfunction to reduce inflammation and prevent chronic disease.

• Balancing hormones to maintain energy, mood, and physical vitality.

• Restoring gut health to support immune function and nutrient absorption.

Virtual Consultations for Personalized Care

At Foothills Wellness Clinic, we offer virtual consultations to bring functional medicine solutions to you wherever you are.

Explore how functional medicine can improve:

• Metabolic Health: By reducing inflammation and enhancing energy.

• Hormonal Health: To age well and maintain vitality.

• Gastrointestinal Health: As the foundation of overall wellness.

"True health begins with understanding the root causes of imbalance and creating personalized solutions for every individual." – Unknown

Contact Us
📍 78 Elma St W, Okotoks, AB T1S 1J9
📞 403-938-3860
🌐 foothillswellnessclinic.ca