How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century science can help you live longer...Posted on November 22nd, 2006 |
Categories: Nutrition | Longevity | Health | Functional Medicine
"What kind of doctor are you?"
It's one of the most common questions I get when I lecture or travel.
People want to know: Am I an alternative doctor, an integrative doctor, a holistic doctor, a natural doctor?
The answer?
I'm none of the above!
In fact, I trained as a family doctor because I was interested in everything and wanted to learn every part of medicine. I couldn't see how the body could be separated into specialties.
I just could not imagine that somehow all the symptoms people had were unrelated.
So I kept searching for a different approach.
I became interested in nutrition and diet as a way of helping improve the health of my patients and studied Chinese medicine, herbs, and alternative methods of healing.
But many of these methods fell short.
They are all part of what is called Green Medicine. Green Medicine uses an herb or drug or alternative treatment to treat a disease, as we understand it, in conventional medicine.
For example, using feverfew to treat migraines, or saw palmetto to treat an enlarged prostate, or glucosamine to treat arthritis, or St. John's wort to treat depression can all be considered Green Medicine.
While these treatments might be less toxic and even effective in some people, they still don't help us to understand and treat the individual, not the disease.
Finally, I discovered the type of medicine that I wanted to practice.
It's called Functional Medicine, or Systems Medicine.
And I believe that it's the future of medicine.
It is an entirely new GPS navigational system in the world of health and illness.
How is Functional Medicine different than alternative, integrative, or even conventional medicine?
First, let's define the differences between all these different labels and types of medicine.
Alternative medicine includes ancient traditions and new techniques, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and newer health techniques such as chiropractic, energy medicine, and even orthomolecular medicine.
All of these systems can have great benefit in treating chronic disease. And these alternative modalities are often effective and complementary to other therapies.
In fact, the way they view health and disease is similar to that of Functional Medicine. Like Functional Medicine, many of these other types of medicine take into account web-like relationships between all aspects of a person's health.
That's especially true for Traditional Chinese Medicine.
I have written about the similarity between Traditional Chinese medical theory and Functional Medicine (see the article I've written on this at http://www.ultrametabolism.com/files/articles/systems-medicine.pdf.)
While one uses ancient metaphors to look at patterns through the pulse, tongue, and energy of the body, the other looks at natural patterns in biology.
But Functional Medicine goes a step farther.
It uses the latest scientific understanding about how our genetics, environment, and lifestyle interact as a whole system to diagnose and treat diseases based on patterns of imbalance and dysfunction -- without treating the disease specifically.
Functional Medicine treats the person who has the disease, not the disease that the person has!
But what about integrative medicine?
Well, integrative medicine purports that we must integrate the alternative modalities I've mentioned into conventional medicine so that patients have the opportunity to receive all these modalities when appropriate.
It means in part that patients can get acupuncture or herbs along with their drugs or surgery, for example.
This movement is now being taught in a growing number of medical schools and hospitals throughout the country, has been pioneered by the great visionary physician Dr. Andrew Weil, and is a good step forward in the evolution of medicine.
However, while integrative medicine still uses the basic ideas of conventional medicine as a base, Functional Medicine questions these ideas.
You see, the next step in the evolution of medicine requires us to deeply question the foundations of conventional reductionistic medicine, which focuses on naming diseases.
This foundation is useful -- sometimes.
It allows physicians to name a disease and then find the drug or treatment for that disease. It works well for dramatic and sudden or acute diseases such as trauma, infection, and emergencies.
Unfortunately, it fails miserably in the care of the chronic diseases that affect 125 million Americans.
Those conditions include allergic, digestive, hormonal, neurologic, and metabolic problems -- which most of us suffer from on a daily basis.
Thankfully, the advance of scientific understanding of biology has provided an opportunity for an entirely new way of approaching diseases based on systems thinking.
This new approach is called Functional Medicine.
==> So what exactly is Functional Medicine?
First, it is deeply science-based.
It has emerged from new discoveries in what we call systems biology -- the understanding of the deep interconnections of the basic systems of the body.
Systems biology is so important that it's a key part of the agenda of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and their New Roadmap Initiative.
The director the NIH, Dr. Elias Zerhouni, is attempting to completely reorganize scientific research and knowledge around systems biology and is spending hundreds of millions of dollars toward this effort.
And that's not all.
Entire new organizations, such as the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), have been established to bring these discoveries to the consumer.
Dr. Leroy Hood, the founder of the ISB, is a Nobel prize-winning biologist who has devoted his work to exploring this radical and paradigm-shifting notion. He says:
"Studying the interaction and interplay of many levels of biological information, systems biology will enable us to not only cure complex disease but to predict an individual's health and extend the human body's natural lifespan by preventing diseases. The new era of predictive, preventive and personalized medicine-- made possible by application of systems biology -- represents a profound shift in the practice of medicine and will reach into many corners of our lives."
That's because, in systems biology, NAMING diseases becomes increasingly meaningless as we understand the inner workings and function of our cells and biological systems within the context of our entire organism.
You see, disease occurs because of the body's attempt to correct underlying imbalances. It is the body's best attempt to deal with a difficult set of circumstances.
Doctors who practice Functional Medicine believe that health depends on your constitution, which is partly genetic, and partly determined by your lifestyle and environment.
Your constitution can also be called your "biological terrain." This determines your resilience and capacity for self-repair and healing.
In fact, Functional Medicine is founded a number of key principles.
First -- we are all different and genetically and biochemically unique and have to be treated as such.
Second -- everything that happens within us is connected in a complicated network or web of relationships. Understanding those relationships allows us to see deep into the functioning of the body.
Third -- your body has the capacity for self-regulation, which expresses itself through a dynamic balance of all your body systems.
Fourth -- we have the capacity to enhance and optimize our organ reserve and prevent nearly all the disease of aging.
And last but not least -- health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of profound and resilient positive vitality.
This new medicine is personalized.
It treats the individual, not diseases.
And it supports the normal healing mechanisms of the body, rather then attacking disease directly.
But what does this mean for you?
Well, it means that an infection or cancer requires a weakened immune system to take root.
It means that imbalances in your intestinal tract's bacteria flora trigger inflammation throughout your body and can lead to autoimmune diseases and arthritis.
And it means that deficiencies in folate and vitamin B12 prevent your body from producing the neurotransmitters that help to balance your mood.
When you have health problems like these, you have a choice.
You can choose the drug-heavy treatments of conventional medicine.
Or you can help heal your body with Functional Medicine.
So you can either take antibiotics or use toxic chemotherapy drugs to attack the infection or cancer, or you can discover how and why your immune system is not protecting you.
You can take powerful anti-inflammatory drugs for autoimmune diseases or you can change your diet and feed the healthy bacteria the fiber they love, and even help to "re-plant" new healthy bacteria back in your gut.
You can take an antidepressant for depression or you can take folate and vitamins B12 and B6 to help your neurotransmitters, including serotonin, function better.
I think the choice is clear!
So what's an appointment with a doctor of Functional Medicine like?
First, rather than diseases, I investigate systems.
These are the new systems to consider when analyzing patterns of imbalance or dysfunction that give rise to symptoms. These are the new concepts that can help us to solve the puzzle of complex chronic diseases.
They are:
* Your immune system
* Your detoxification system
* Your hormonal and neurotransmitter system
* Your energy production system
* Your acid-base system
* Your redox system (the balance of oxidants and antioxidants in your body)
* Your structural system
* Your mind-body/body-mind system
* Your nutritional balance
All these systems form my roadmap -- my new GPS system that prevents me from getting lost in the sea of diseases.
During our appointment, I ask many questions about every aspect of your genetics, lifestyle, medical history, environment, beliefs, and attitudes.
These deeply influence these systems and provide clues to the source and cure of the imbalances.
Then I investigate the landscape, your "biological terrain."
I try to find out the nutritional imbalances you have, the toxins you are exposed to, whether you have hidden infections, which allergens affect you, what types of stress you're under -- in other words, I learn what things are pushing you off balance.
Next, I work persistently to discover those things (often with the use of specialized testing) and help you eliminate them or get rid of them.
Simply put, you cannot heal if you don't deal with the cause of your imbalance or symptoms.
Sure, you can treat the symptoms, but you're not getting at the root of your problems.
One of my teachers likes to say, "If you are standing on a tack, it takes a lot of aspirin to feel better."
The treatment, of course, is to take out the tack -- not take more aspirin!
So if you have high cholesterol, you can take all the Lipitor you want, but if you eat cheeseburgers and fries and drink a Coke every night for dinner and don't exercise, you won't get much benefit.
See?
You've got to treat the CAUSE of your problem!
Let's get back to our appointment.
After I've identified that cause of your imbalance, I look at what you might be missing that you need to thrive.
To know what's missing, you have to know what makes you thrive -- and what it means to be healthy.
Health is the ability to maintain resiliency and balance and to respond effectively to life's challenges, whether these challenges are germs, toxins, allergens, stresses, or poor food choices.
So how can you stay healthy and resilient?
Actually, it's quite simple.
You need to learn what makes you run and make sure you provide it to yourself.
You have to learn what works for you and doesn't.
And you must learn what makes you thrive and what depletes your health and life force.
Sounds easy, but it isn't always.
Here are the things we all need to thrive.
* A live, fresh, whole foods diet (ideally organic), comprised of predominately plant proteins, unrefined and whole fiber, phytonutrient-rich carbohydrates, and essential fats
* Adequate clean water (6 to 8 glasses a day)
* Optimal cellular levels of all essential vitamins and minerals (which may differ from person to person)
* Optimal levels of "non-essential" nutrients that become essential with disease, age, and stress
* Movement and play
* Clean air and deep breathing
* Optimal sleep -- at least 7 to 9 hours for most people
* Deep and profound relaxation, which activates the vagus nerve -- the relaxation nerve that heals and promotes longevity and renewal and even helps promote the development of our own stem cells
* Rhythm -- regular patterns of waking, sleeping, eating, and activity
* Love and community
That's it -- really!
The trick is identifying YOUR particular needs and the right balance for you.
How can you get and stay healthy?
For 80 percent of people, simply getting what you need to thrive will lead to robust good health.
For those other 20 percent who are still sick, medical guidance is necessary.
With Functional Medicine, your physician can pinpoint exactly what is pushing you off balance and exactly what you need and in what amounts to repair and heal.
Unfortunately, Functional Medicine is so different that only a few dedicated practitioners currently practice it.
But that doesn't mean that your physician can't learn more about it.
Here are some resources for you and physician to get more information:
* The Textbook of Functional Medicine (www.functionalmedicine.org)
* A training course for your physician called "Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice," which is given twice a year (www.functionalmedicine.org)
* A few scientific articles that I have written about this topic, including "Paradigm Shift" (http://www.drhyman.com/pdf/paradigm_shift.pdf), and "Finding the Right Medicine" (http://www.drhyman.com/pdf/skillfull_means.pdf)
I hope I've inspired you -- and your doctor -- to learn more about Functional Medicine. After all, it is the future of medicine!
Now I'd like to hear from you...
Have you had an appointment with a Functional Medicine doctor? How was if different from a conventional physician's visit?
Does your physician use any of the techniques I've described here? If so, which ones?
Have your tried approaching your doctor about learning more about Functional Medicine? How did he or she react?
Do you have any suggestions for how we can work together to move the medical establishment from its limited conventional approach to the more comprehensive and effective functional medicine approach?
Please let me know your thoughts by clicking on the Add a Comment button below.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, M.D.
PS - Have a happy Thanksgiving for those of us in the U.S.!
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re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I really liked your thoughts. I really need to find a Dr of functional medicine somewhere near Kettering Ohio. I believe that all health problems could be related also. My problem first started in my back, then on to a hip via sciatic nerve, now in the stomach/digestion/IBS like. I just thought I would post this for your encouragement.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I posted the story of The Elephant and the Blind Men as my first blog on the UM web site because I felt that's how I was being treated by traditional medical practitioners. When I left my primary care physician's office after an annual exam in March, I was given referrals to six different specialists to address what was going on for me healthwise! That was the last straw for me.
I found your book, UltraMetabolism, and what it said made so much sense to me. I went back to my primary care physician in July and requested a few of the tests I thought would help me find some answers. She said she wouldn't even know what to do with the results and urged me to see the six other doctors.
I looked online in September at the Functional Medicine list of doctors and called one in my area. (In New Hampshire, my "area" is about a 75 mile radius!) He turned out to be a gastroenterologist by specialty, but his receptionist said he would treat me; only problem was, she didn't have an appointment until after Christmas. But, she referred me to a naturopath nearby (the receptionist said she was an MD, but she's an ND). I decided I'd check her out and I am so grateful I did!
Dr. Rivard is so interested in helping me gain my health back. She has spent countless hours taking my history and has done research to determine what tests I need to gather the current information she needs to treat me. She is trying to minimize my out-of-pocket costs by asking my primary care physician to order these tests. Dr. Rivard wrote a letter to this doctor, outlining what she sees so far and her reasons for requesting the tests. MY PC didn't answer her. I called the office and asked if they had received the letter from Dr. Rivard; they said they'd look into it. Dr. Rivard called herself this week and was told, "the doctor will get back to you." So far, no cooperation from the PC. Very frustrating! Gee, do you think the PC is threatened because Dr. Rivard is actually going to try to help me and knows what path to take?
I told Dr. Rivard that if we can't get help from the current PC, I'd find another doctor who would. In the meantime, I am "working the program" and feel much better already!
I've been skeptical of traditional medicine for the last twenty years and have sought alternative approaches in the past. But, as I am getting older, I find I need a marriage of science and nature to get the job done. I've used the Internet extensively to research on my own looking for answers to my problems.
I am so grateful that I found the book, found Dr. Rivard and that I'm back on track with my diet and exercise. Now, if I can just get my tests run, I'll be happy!
Thanks, Dr. Hyman! Functional medicine is indeed the way of the future. But, the only way to get traditional doctors to see the need to change is for us to question WHY and show how much better we can be once we get the proper treatment.
Happy Thanksgiving, all,
Cat
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I finally found a doctor who does practice the whole body "imbalances". The blood test revealed mucho info. Since then (and so far) I have completed 3 liver cleanse procedures of epsom salts and a little olive oil. The base of the foundation is the liver-gall bladder system (s). May I encourage you to read the volumes of this info. Passed hundreds of stones, cholesterol decreased, vitality increased. De-tox is the way to go...and is painless. Thank you, and I ask the public not to email me
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
After reading Ultrametabolism I believed this was breakthrough thinking and was eager to find a doctor who could help me. To be frank, I tried for several months to schedule an appointment for myself, my mother and my sister with YOU, Dr. Hyman, and after what seemed like hundreds of attempts over several months, was never able to get through to anyone nor did I receive any return communication. I would love to arrange an appointment with a doctor who practices functional medicine, perhaps you know of one in the new york city area to whom you might refer us??
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
The reason I read your e-mails always, is because your approach to health problems is identical to how I deal with my own body. However, this approach is almost utopic in our society; the "big businesses" will do whatever they can to oppose it, and the time needed to consult a patient using this approach is much more than our medical system (and doctors)can/willing afford to spend.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Dr. Mark,
I have been seeing a "functional doctor" for a number of years now. I have been cured of a number of allergies and other health problems that were determined through muscle testing. The first thing I was told was that sugars, gluten, fungus are very toxic to me. I lightened the load on those substances but didn't really give them up until I read Ultrametabolism. I was one that really needed to understand why I should not consume these foods and not just told that they are "no nos." Other problems like weight gain, hormonal problems (54 years old), arthritis and brain fuzziness or forgetfulness made me miserable. All of these have improved, especially my joint pain. I could not go down or up stairs before without holding on and my carpal tunnel disappeared. I'm an artist and I use my hands for detailed work. There was a time when it was hard to paint due to the pain. I rarely think about it now.
What's really amazing to me is that I feel better in my 50's than I did in my 30's. How is that possible?
I would love to know your views on muscle testing and NAET.
I would also like to know if there is any way I can help my mother who has Parkinsons. Are there any foods or supplements to help the depression she suffers from due to her medication and disease?
Also, thank you for giving me more of my life back.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Your investigations are the first that resonate with me regarding my experience of the complexity of my body. I've always been perplexed at how the systems work together, or rather how I could get the systems of my body to work together for health. It makes sense that they should...but all the health books I've read, and exercise regimes I've folowed never seemed to address the entire situation in a way that would work for me. You are definatley addressing that..and for that I am thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Hi Dr. Hyman,
I got the copy of your 1 week beta program. I did almost the exact
same program for 2 years in 2004-2005 through a doctor in Huston TX, all
except the vegitable broth and soaking baths. I even used the exact
same protien shake from Metagenics, along with many detox, cleansing and
healing supplements and such. I got some what healthier, but didn't
lose more than 2 pounds in the 2 years. You may want to replace me in
your Beta test, I don't do that great on this type of program. Yes, I
cut out all caffine, sugar, dairy, grains other than brown rice,
proccessed and junk foods etc, kept the complex carbs low, protien
shakes twice a day with berries, ground flax and the Metagenics Rice
protien shake mix and water and phyto-nutients.
I was hoping that this was something different, that would really be a
breakthrough with me.
Ann
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
We need to work on health care providers so they put functional medicine physicians on their approved list.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
"Disease is the body's best attempt to deal with a difficult set of circumstances." This sentence really resonated with me. I am 53 years old now but since my 20's, treatment has often made me feel worse. I concluded at that time that my body's best attempt when left alone was better than creating a new imbalance with new complications from treatment. I generally gave up on doctors except for emergency situations. Reading your missives has inspired me to seek out a physician who uses the systems approach.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
You are so right in pursuit of educating us and other doctors in treating patients. I know I have had doctors when questioned about nutrition and vitamins, they would shrug their shoulders and tell me "that isn't taught in medical school". It gets down to the old adage, "You are what you eat." For the past year, I have made sure I get my folate, vitamins B12 and B6. At 72 years of age, I find I am functioning much better mentally. My memory has improved. I am better able to concentrate on learning something new, like playing a piano. For a long time, I was getting by on 6 hours sleep. I found if I stayed in bed and read for a little while, I could get back to sleep for another hour. Now I get 7 - 8 hours sleep at night without having to resort to reading to get back to sleep. With the 7-8 hours sleep, I feel more energetic and am able to be more active.
Keep up the good work! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Mitzi
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I could not describe him--but I have been looking for this kind of doctor since about 1950 I am now 93years, have made it very well by focusing on my immune system--blundering along on my own. I have bought your new book and find it very helpful--also appreciate your e-mails. Is there a list of doctors in the Orlando area.? Thanks.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Dr. Hyman,
As usual, this article is very useful. I think the way to further the cause of functional medicine is before us. So many people in this country are uninsured and in need of information on staying healthy that they would be receptive to this information. I understand that you are not encouraging people not to visit doctors but when you're uninsured, you probably aren't visiting a doctor anyway. So continue to email this information. Perhaps workshops could be done around the country also. Everyone wants to be healthy but most of us don't know how. As a nutritionist said a while ago, Americans no longer know how to eat. I am a filmmaker and part of an organization for filmmakers in New Jersey. I will put a link to your website on our website to help spread the word. Filmmakers work hard, handle a lot of stress and constantly deal with uncertainty and rejection. By do we need help!
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I have your book, but haven't finished it yet. My question is how can I find such a doctor? I live near Miwaukee, WI. I am not happy with the Doctor I have. What you are describing is what I would like to have in a Doctor.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Hi Dr. Mark:
I'm excited about your program. Although I have been struggling with weight for many years, I myself didn't go over the line to obesity until 2 years ago when I wrote a book myself (on computers -- nothing related to heatlh!)
While a great experience for my mind, meeting the deadline was horrible on my body, and I combined lack of sleep with extremely poor diet. I have been in a health tailspin since then, and I sincerely believe your approach is what I need to turn it around.
Your approach validates much of the personal research I've done over the years on holistic health, but the difference for me personally is that it shows me, step by step, what to do.
I also really like the easy, simple focus on positive thought as well as meditation.
My one commment is, in the highly unlikely event that your are unaware of it, is the extensive body of research on alternative health and wellness through Edgar Cayce.
His story is interesting in that he not only parallels many of your recommendations, but he too tried to take on the medical establishment -- in the 1950's. At one point it even went so far as a medical doctor from Harvard University flew out to expose Cayce as a fraud (despite many attempt they were never able to do so).
That body of interesting knowledge can be found through the website www.edgarcayce.org.
I also think that your book would be very welcomed across the ARE community, which has associated with it today many medical doctors.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I'm excited about your article and have forwarded it to my grandson who is a third year nursing student. I research every day to try and keep up with the many alternative findings in nutrition and non-toxic remedies. I'm a retired dietitian and none of this was taught in the university.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I was fortunate to find a functional medicine doctor in Nashville, TN and have been seeing him and his nutritionist since October. I was diagnosed with insulin resistance, and I have a family history of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses. I am about 75 lbs. overweight and am 52 years old and am trying to reverse my genes so I don't end up like my parents with a history of medications for hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. So far, the doctor has placed me on specific supplements and herbs as well as modified my diet slowly to help me reverse my genetic predisposition. I've lost almost 10 lbs so far and continue to work slowly toward a healthy life in my old age. I don't feel my 52 years (I always have felt much younger) but the weight has been a problem for most of my adult life and getting worse. So now, it seems to be reversing. I really liked the approach that my doctor takes on my health. He is very open, takes his time with my visits, listens to everything, tested everything under the sun (11 vials of blood the first visit, plus urinalysis, treadmill test, vascular test, BMR test, etc.) and I was frankly amazed at how much information I had on my health. I feel healthier and have more energy already and look forward to a healthier life! I have recommended to all my family and friends that they find a functional medicine doctor to help them with their quest for health.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Hi Dr. Hyman,
I have just purchased your book, "Ultrametabolism" and although, I'm not yet finished, I find it fascinating. Ever since reading "Back to Eden" many years ago, I have been a proponent of the use of herbs and healthy eating habits. I am 52 and healthy from a standpoint of no known diseases, but have been fighting weight gain, rust and yo-yo dieting for years. Your book reminds me of the importance of getting back to the basics of healthy eating, detoxing, taking vitamins and herbs. I am on board with your program and hope to learn much from you. Where can I buy that Konjac fiber?
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
This sounds really good with a lot of potential. How can I locate such a doctor in the Houston, Texas area?
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I was diagnosed with some allergies and given a bunch of antihistamines and nasal sprays and other garbage. I was really reluctant to take them, but the Dr. insisted and asked me to try for 1 month to take all the pills he prescribed. I did and never felt so bad and tired in my life. I finally decided to stop taking all the pills, increase my daily vitamines and supplements. At the same time I try to avoid the allergens that affect me. I feel better again. I have to give credit to my doctor for finding out what I am allergic to. But the cure was way worse than the desease.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Do you have a listing of Functional Doctors? I live on the West Coast -CA and would not know where to start looking for a Functional doctor. ---- Especially belonging to a HMO.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
WOULD LOVE A RESPONSE TO MY APPROXIMATELY NINE EMAILS!!!!! I GUESS IT DOESN'T MATTER THAT I HAD PURCHASED THE BOOK! AND ARE ON THE MAILING LIST. SUBSCRIBERS AREN'T IMPORTANT EXCEPT I GUESS MAKE PURCHASES!
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Judy, I started my current IBS problems with sciatic nerve pain also. I went through physical therapy, chiropractic and to no avail. Finally after a session of accupuncture, the pain was relieved. Thank goodness! Is it all related?
I sincerely believe that functional medicine is the way to go and will approach my own physician with it. She is very open to new, good ways. Hopefully she will take a course. She doesn't push meds on me and is open to anything holistic, alternative and safe.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I believe the four basic "food groups" can really be translated into the "four basic food lobbies" or big businesses.
For example, dairy has long been linked with heart disease, a fact well known in the early century when whole societies (such as the Japanese) rarely ate dairy, and therefore rarely experienced heart disease.
Of course, now that American culture and cuisine is exported throughout the world, this is now changing. Many Eastern cultures are experiencing dramatic increased obesity in children as a result of adopting American diets.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Dear Dr Hyman:
All what you wrote about Functional Medicine makes absolute sense to me. I think one of the biggest mistakes that medicine has done is to treat people not understanding that everyone is a different "world". Unfortunately I am one of the victims of this wrong medicine treatments. I am very sick but all the doctors that I visited treat me the symptoms but not the cause of it. If you help me to find a Functional medicine doctor would be grate.
When I read your Book Ultrametabolism I tried to apply in my lifestyle some of your advise. I was taken during 8 or 10 years Fluoxetine for my depression caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. I switched slowly to a natural antidepressant and I feel much better now, but something very important to me happened: during all these years I was fighting against the strong which to commit suicide. This was a daily fight. It was something very strong and exhausting.
The other big change is in my son's life. He is 12 years old and have been diagnosed when he was 7 years old with ADHD. He started taking Ritalin and then the Dr. switched him to Aradix Retard (Metilfenidato Clorhidrato). This caused him a lot of side effects and doesn't work properly for him. One day you send me an article about this disease and how to treat it. I tried to follow your advise by changing some nutritional habits and found something to drink that contains most of the vitamins and minerals that you recommend. This was amazing!!! He is doing much better at school, getting a huge benefit by switching some nutritional habits that will positively affects his entire life and for ever and there is no side effect!!!!
Unfortunately I am one of the 20% of people that needs medical advise to get healed. But I have to find one of this Doctors that decided to serve the human being and not to make about medicine a profitable business. I live in Florida Broward County. Maybe you can tell me how to find a good Dr in my area.
Thank you
Alicia
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Hi Dr Hyman
i've been following the newsletters you send out and been a bit shy of answering. your discussion on milk struck a cord and down here the dairy farmers almost reach king/queen status.
I had a childhood filled with milk in all its forms and always had stomach problems and always told i had gastrice problems. i wasn't allowed to say it was impossible to keep getting it. it was after being poisoned by supermarket bought smoked fish, i was tested for allergies.
now i've a range of allergies, tumours on a regular basis and half a thyroid, so please keep educating people about the dangers of food and chemicals on health.
Pam in New Zealand
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Hi, PLEASE let me know if you find a physician in the New York City area...
Thanks so much and good luck...
Pat Powell
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Dr Hyman,
Your article about functional medicine reminds me of the thinking of Harvey Diamond ( Fit For Life ) the nutritionist. It makes a lot of sense. I have always found it strange that more emphasis is put on symptoms rather than the underlying cause of symptoms. I also find it very odd that so little is taught in med school about the effect of good nutrition on ones health or that the nutrition segment is nonexistent in some med studies programs according to the Drs themselves. I have come to the conclusion that we are treated this way to keep the medical establishment up and running and flourishing financially at our expense.
On the other hand if one chooses to believe in your point of view and wishes to become healthy again how do we find such a doctor as yourself and when we do how do we pay for their services since I bet my insurance won't pay for this new approach even though in the long run it would save them a bundle. As far as educating our present physicians, that's a joke at least for we the patient to try it. However, I am going to print this article and mail it to my GP just to see if I get any response at all. Here's hoping!
Sincerely, M. Tyler
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I have some unique metabolic challenges due to a gastric bypass (which I regret) about 12 years ago and I am stuck and cannot lose weight. I am reading your book and wish there was a doctor like yourself in the Memphis, TN area to discuss how to jumpstart my system. I am also a 7 year breast cancer survivor (lumpectomy/radiation/chemo)and going through menapause at age 47. Do you have any suggestions on types of tests my internist could do or a doctor in the area, or I would even fly to Lenox to meet with you.... Please advise and thanks. Your book is one of the first things in awhile that has given me hope.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I have some ideas on ways to shift the prevailing paradigm within the medical community:
1. The no. 1 reason doctors don't currently embrace functional medicine is that they were trained in a one-cause-leads-to-one-disease manner. They do not understand how, for example, food allergies could lead to heart disease. Therefore, it will take much research to convince them otherwise. Find a donor (the Gates Foundation?) that is willing to fund studies that could have a huge impact (as this type of information could), and get the "how" out there. I found that removing gluten and dairy greatly improved my daughter's ADHD. If physicians knew /why/ this happened, and it were proven that the diet is not a placebo effect, as I've been told it probably is, they'd be more likely to look to food allergies for treatment of ADHD, and maybe other conditions as well.
2. Since doctors may or may not read this research on their own, and since there's no profit that would fund an army of sales reps, state medical boards could begin to dictate the content of a part of each physician's annual continuing education. The board would choose research that would help the physicians see the body as a set of interrelated systems, so as to change their paradigm.
3. Educating insurance companies and the human resources departments of major employers about the benefits of functional medicine would lead them to favor these approaches in their policies. All government-funded medical insurance should incentivize doctors to look for causes rather than merely to treat symptoms.
4. Make alliances with other opinion-leaders in the health care field, including the CEOs of big pharmaceutical firms. My husband works for a major drug firm, and I think his CEO would be quite amenable to helping shift the paradigm to functional medicine. The CEO an ethical man who would do this because it's best for patients, but even if he weren't, a health system that collapses under its own weight is not good for the bottom line of any health care firm.
5. You (Dr. Hyman) could become a nationally syndicated health care columnist quite easily. More and more people are reading health news, and if they learned more of what is in your book, they'd push their doctors to think differently.
6. This suggestion is not specific to the health care paradigm, but it would help accomplish the goal of a healthier populace: Lobby Congress to shift agriculture subsidies to favor produce over grains, and to aid organic farmers more than conventional ones. If produce were cheaper than Cheezits, more people would eat it. Wouldn't it be nice if the poorest people were not the sickest but the healthiest, because eating lots of fruits and vegetables helped them stretch their budgets? Food-stamp policies could also be made to favor fruits and vegetables over other food groups.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Hi. I wonder if you know any functional medicine doctors who are in the Montreal or Québec area ... even Toronto ...
I am in the process of setting up a center which focuses on health and prevention in the spirit and vision you describe. We have a serious healthcare crisis in Quebec and I am seeking a way to cultivate a collaboration between medical doctors and lifestyle (to sum up a huge topic in short)... we now have the option of private medecine and even certain options for combining private and public ... I need help from an openminded medical expert who understands the system here ... perhaps you have a suggestion.
Thanks Lisa McLellan
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
I agree with you, Stephanie. I also believe the reason doctors aren't so readily embracing functional medicine is because the pharmaceutical companies aren't embracing it. Doctors read the pharmaceutical information given them by the reps on which drugs are now more effective on which dis-ease but they probably never see anyone in their office touting the most effective supplement, so doctors never learn about supplements past medical school. Unless they followed Dr. Mark's lead and did their own legwork to a more effective method of treating patients, the average doctor is not going to be as effective as a functional doctor. I'm seeing a functional doctor now and am feeling the amazing difference in my health without all the toxic medications I would've been taking if I'd stayed with my other PCP.
I really think the answer to getting the word out there must come from patients demanding more effective and healthier approaches to their healthcare. As responsible adults, one must take the responsibility of our health out of the doctor's hands and make it our own responsibility. By doing that, the doctors will have not choice but to meet the demands of the people and change their way of practicing to meet the need. Yes, it would be slow and painful process and yes, there are people out there who prefer a pill to doing things the hard way (like diet and exercise to get healthy), but I believe the next generations coming are moving to that way of thinking anyway, and if the medical field doesn't move in the direction as well, we are probably looking at a lot of doctors without a practice to go to. It's an awesome thought but I agree with Dr. Mark that the tide needs to change and it starts with the patient.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Emmett, I started with the functional medicine website that Dr. Mark recommended (www.functionalmedicine.org)and searched for all the doctors within a 50 mile radius of my city (in my case - Nashville). I only got 2 doctors and 1 dietician listing. I called the dietician because she was the only one close enough to Nashville for me to drive to easily. She was kind enough to talk to me and said she was no longer practicing but she recommended my doctor (Dr. Mark Houston) highly. Turns out Dr. Houston is in Nashville, and lectures on functional medicine throughout the US. He also co-authored the textbook on functional medicine and knows Dr. Mark Hyman. What luck!! I began seeing Dr. Houston in October and have had wonderful success with changing my health.
So to answer your question, start with the website and don't give up. Talk to those listed and be sure to tell them you are interested in functional medicine and what it can do for you, then go for it. You may end up with a doctor like I did!
Good Luck!
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Ann, my doc (Intregrative clinic) suggest wild rice instead of brown rice. It's actually tastes pretty good.
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Dr. H.
I love your book...it has become my bible. I have always believed in eating healthy, you just made it easier for me to understand.
I am having one very serious problem...I am having a very difficult time getting off the chocolate and other deserts. Just feeling lousy after I eat them, doesn't seem to help. The next day I forget how bad I felt and eat some more.
I would like to find a Dr. in the Frederick, MD area that teaches the same medicine you do. Could you refer me to someone?
Thanks
Mary
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Dear Dr Hyman, Thank you for identifying the seriousness of the need to detox the mercury. Myself, I had my fillings all replaced about 10 years ago, and then is when my health turned around. My New Year's resolution is to read thoroughly your book, "Ultrametabolism"!
Question: What is your impression of the liquid zeolite drops that I have been hearing amazing reports of improved health issues as mercury levels drop. Visit www.zeoliteinfo.com and also www.amazingandtrue.com I look forward to your response. Thank you!
re: How 5,000 year-old medicine combined with 21st-century scie
Dear Sir,
I am living in Toronto, and of course, the practice of medicine is very similar to the one practiced in USA: dealing vith the "effect" and not the "cause."
I am 61 years-old, and I spent no one day in bed: I considered to be very healthy; the rare visits to my family doctor an tests confirmed that. The only issue was a litle high colesterol level. However, because I am very fit (1.80 cm. tall, 75 kg., playing tennis, biking, etc., eating healty - more legumes, fruits, less meat, sugar, dairy) and the fact that I was feeling very well, I avoided any kind of medication.
Two years ago, playing tennis, I felt tired after only a few minutes. Making the story short, I failed the two tests, and after failing the stress test, the second test was showing a blockage of all four main arteries.
Big SHOCK!!! Subsequently, the cardialogist who checked my heart, said it is strange that he does not hear anything wrong with my heart beat, but, according to the "standard" North-American medicine, he reccommended to go for an angiogram, and based on th results, to put me on medicine, or angioplasty or by-pass surgery.
I refused to go for the following considerations:
1) Nobody in my family had any heart problems;
2) The cardiologist did not hear anything wrong with my heart;
3) I feel great and I have noticed nothing wrong with my heart either. You'll say that I get tired in a few minutes, and this is a sign, which is confirmed by the tests. It is true, but, if my arteries are blocked partialy, logicaly, after every similar effort and after aproximately the same time, I should feel tired. Well, that is not the case. Sometimes, I can play tennis for three hours and I feel OK. I can go biking for an hour and I feel OK. I can make any effort and I am OK. If it is a blockage caused by fat, aterosclerozis, it should give me the same resuts for the same effort in the same period of time (or aproximately the same).
4)Sport was always part of my life, I eat healthy, no abuse of alcool, and a regular and healthy life style. However, even at the age of 18, I was never good at "continuos" effort like running for an hour; I can do, and I did do any sport that required a non-continuos effort, like ping-pong, tennis, biking, soccer, skying, etc.
Of course, the colesterol level, and the tests are "facts." I can not deny; something is wrong. Disscussing with one of my tennis partners who is an MD, he told me that they are not concerned what has caused the blockage; the intervention is as mentioned above. However, if let say (and it is a very plausible assumtion because I was a lawyer and day-trader) the stress level is very high and my body is secreting to much adrenaline, it can cause the same result of blockage. There are many other factors that can cause same simptoms.
I would appreciate your competent and professional opinion and advise.
Thank you,
Claudius.
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