What Is Functional Medicine? Benefits For Candida & Yeast Infections

In Candida, Yeast Infection by Candida Specialists

What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a science-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Rather than treating each symptom separately, functional medicine works holistically. It gathers all the symptoms the patients may have along with other contributing factors to reveal and treat the root cause of the issue to promote optimal wellness.

What Is Functional Medicine
Source: institute of functional medicine.[1].

Functional Medicine, Candida Overgrowth & Yeast Infections

The patient and functional medicine practitioner work together to get a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors. The main benefit is a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause and not the symptoms. The plan is specifically designed for each patient unique needs.

This is a critical point. The root cause of candida and yeast infections may differ from one person to another and as such the needed treatment may be completely different as well.

Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine

When it comes to candida and yeast infections, the main difference between functional medicine and conventional medicine, is that conventional medicine focuses on topical, vaginal and oral antifungals. These do not address the cause of the infection, which is usually in the gut. Furthermore, antifungals, prescription and even natural ones in many cases cause unpleasant side effects. These discomforts are unnecessary and can be easily avoided.

Conventional medicine does not address the root cause of the problem. As a result, the infections may reoccur or become chronic. Many people go from one doctor to another, take large amount of antifungal drugs, switch from one candida treatment protocol to another, only to end up feeling more sick, frustrated and confused.

This challenge with the conventional medicine approach to candida and yeast infections is well documented in the medical community.

It is estimated that 7 out of 10 people in north America suffer from candida and yeast infections. According to the medical literature, 3 out of 4 women will suffer from vaginal yeast infection at one point in their lives. More than 40% of affected women will have 2 or more vaginal yeast infections.[2].

Your First Visit With A Functional Medicine Practitioner

What To Expect

The main goal of Functional Medicine is to find and treat the cause of the infection. Your first visit with a functional medicine practitioner may take much more time compared to a conventional health provider. This is essential in order to capture all the needed details and to fully uncover the cause and the ideal treatment you may need.

You should expect:

  • Share your medical, personal and family history.
  • Your symptoms.
  • Previous experience you may have had with other healthcare providers.
  • Physical examination.
  • Laboratory testing when applicable.

Source: Functional Medicine Institute, patient resource center.[3].

Before Your Functional Medicine Practitioner Visit

  1. Become aware of all the symptoms you may have, especially the ones that may be related to candida overgrowth and yeast infections.
    To see the complete list of candida and yeast infection symptoms: list of symptoms.
  2. See if the top causes of candida and yeast infection causes apply to you: list of common causes.
  3. Diet related issues, especially foods sensitivities and digestive issues: problematic foods.
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