Functional Medicine

Treat the cause, not just the symptom. 

Functional Medicine is a science-based and patient-centred approach to health care that seeks to discover how and why illness occurs.

Instead of disease as the point of focus, Functional Medicine involves thorough investigation of the inter-connecting genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors that underlie disease and dysfunction.

From this investigation, individual dietary and lifestyle recommendations are provided to optimise health outcomes. 

Point 1

Causes and Conditions can interplay. At times, one cause can result in multiple conditions, or one condition can be generated by multiple causes

Point 2

We can perform specialised tests that are sent to laboratories in the United States. Combined with a thorough history, the test results  allow us to obtain accurate information about how your body is functioning.

Point 3

From these results, a personalised plan of care can be created in order to achieve optimal health and wellbeing

Point 4

Some aspects of your health plan will require a short-term commitment, while others will need to be included in your ongoing lifestyle.

Nutrigenomics

Nutrigenomics is the junction between genetics and personalised nutrition.

It is a term that describes the interaction of genes and nutrients, and how each impacts the other. Genes are the set of instructions that the body uses to make very specific proteins to build, regulate, and maintain health.

A variation to a gene, called a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, or SNP (pronounced “snip”), can cause an alteration to the proteins that are made, which can then affect cell function. SNPs can affect nutrient absorption, metabolism, elimination, and biological effects.

Genetic analysis allows a thorough assessment of many genes, so that SNPs in various biochemical pathways can be identified.

It’s useful to think of a biochemical pathway like one cog of an extensive and intricate clock. Blocking or hindering one cog from turning will complicate the entire mechanism.

Organic Acid Testing

The Organic Acids Test (OAT) provides a comprehensive and very valuable overview of a person’s health. It uses 76 metabolic markers to identify overgrowth of intestinal yeast and bacteria, oxidative stress, and levels of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), vitamins, minerals, and oxalates. These markers are present in the urine as byproducts from the process of building and breaking down different molecules, and they tell us how your body is functioning. Many people with chronic illnesses or neurological disorders have abnormal metabolism, and by using an OAT, a very specific treatment plan can be developed.

This test is conducted from a urine sample and sent to the USA for analysis. Results take approximately 4 weeks to return.  

Take control of your IBS

If you or someone you know suffers from IBS, being equipped with the right knowledge and tools can significantly improve your IBS symptoms, helping you step into better health.  Talk to us about our most popular and comprehensive GI test which has the capacity to tell you how inflamed you are, whether your gut bugs are out of balance, if you have any unwanted bugs, how stressed or leaky your gut may be.  It can identify Helicobacter Pylori, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), multiple strains of Candida, IBS vs IBD and a whole lot more! 

Identifying intolerances/ sensitivities

Identifying food intolerances or sensitivities can be a complicated process. Different immune reactions can have different effects on the body – we can help you to identify what is the most likely type of reaction and what food may be the culprit. This may involve specific elimination protocols, functional testing and thorough case history taking to identify patterns and/ or potential triggers. We can then guide and support you through an effective protocol to resolve your food issues for good.

In some cases, a structured protocol may be warranted. Nutrition is a powerful tool and these protocols are well- researched, often clinically trialled and highly effective, but if done incorrectly without the guidance of a practitioner can leave you without answers and not seeing the improvement in symptoms you would like. It should also be noted that these protocols are used as a short-term treatment strategy alongside holistic treatment to address any underlying factors or imbalances. We often see people being told to start a protocol with little to no support, and then they are not able to effectively complete the process and are left with dietary restrictions, multiple food triggers, and nutrient deficiencies.

We offer ongoing support and guidance from start to finish, along with recipes and meal ideas. Some examples are:

  • Auto-Immune protocol
  • Food compound protocols – histamine, salicylates, oxalates, sulphites, etc
  • Low FODMAP
  • SIBO bi-phasic diet
  • Ketogenic diets
  • Elimination protocols
  • Rotational diets for food sensitivities

Get in touch now

You can call us to make a booking on 08 9226 0561.

Alternatively for more information, call our dedicated help line 0414 400 562.

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Cheng-Lye Tan Menopause