TEL: 616.808.2695 | FAX: 616.808.2697
1959 EAST PARIS AVE SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Functional Medicine is a holistic approach that looks at health of the entire body and addresses the root cause of disease.
Functional Medicine treats the body holistically, as one integrated system. Age Management of West Michigan uses a system-oriented approach to healing that looks at 5 key areas of functional health to optimize patient health and well being. The focus is on treating the patient and healing the body, not just treating a set of isolated symptoms and disease. This patient centered approach supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
Metabolic Health
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in the body that convert nutrients in our foods to energy that drives anabolic cellular processes and control the elimination of metabolic waste products. A healthy metabolism allows organisms to grow, reproduce, and develop healthy resistance to stressors and stimuli in their environment. A decline in metabolic health leads to development of metabolic syndrome and most chronic disease states.
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Age Management of West Michigan’s functional medicine programs support metabolic health by:
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Cleansing and detoxifying the body to optimize metabolic pathway and enzymatic function
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Decreasing body fat to muscle ratio. Specifically targeting the reduction of hormonally controlled body fat around abdominals, hips, and thighs.
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Real food diets that promote the consumption of natural foods and elimination of processed and inflammatory foods.
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Structured nutritional plans and nutrient timing to boost metabolism throughout the day and support balanced blood sugar and insulin levels.
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Adequate water intake to promote hydration and increase basal metabolic rate.
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Physical activity to promote building of lean muscle and decrease of body fat to increase basal metabolic rate.
Hormonal Health
Hormones are chemical messengers released from Endocrine glands that regulate vital functions in the human body. As we age, many medical symptoms occur because of hormonal imbalances and deficiencies.
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Hormones in the body regulate:
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Growth and recovery
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Sexual function and fertility
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Metabolism
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Sleep Cycles
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Energy
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Mood and cognitive function
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stress resilience
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Body temperature regulation
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Physical examination, patient signs and symptoms, and lab blood work is used to accurately diagnose hormone imbalances and deficiencies. AMWM utilizes hormone replacement therapy along with lifestyle approaches to balance and optimize hormone levels to improve overall health and quality of life.
Thyroid Hormone
Testing and Treatment
Gastrointestinal Health
The health of the gastrointestinal system is the core of functional health. With 70 to 80% of the human body’s immune system functions occurring in the gut, this makes the GI system a starting point for functional healing. The health and function of the GI system has a direct effect on overall inflammation and all major physiological systems in the human body.
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Age Management of West Michigan focuses on the utilization of diagnostic testing and a comprehensive GI Repair & Restore Program to optimize gastrointestinal and immune system function.
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GI Comprehensive Stool Analysis
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192 IgG Food Sensitivity
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SIBO 2 Hr. breath test
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Mold Mycotoxin Toxicity
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Metabolomix Organic Acid
Cognitive Health
Functional Neurology addresses the root cause of mood disorders and cognitive decline.
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The human brain is a hierarchy of 100 billion neurons that are precisely organized into functional neurological networks that directly interact with all functions of the human body. Research shows that these neurological networks function sub-optimally in a state of disease, inflammation, and poor nutrition.
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The Gut-Brain Axis comprises a complex connection of 500 million neurons and trillions of microbes that make up the enteric nervous system that is often referred to as the body’s “second brain.” Research shows that disruptions in this physical and biochemical connection directly affects digestion, mood, inflammation, cognitive decline, and overall brain function.
Age Management of West Michigan utilizes diagnostic testing, along with a comprehensive gastrointestinal repair and restore program to address and repair GI dysfunction, so optimal Gut-Brain Axis function can be restored.
LENS utilizes Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMF) to directly stimulate the reorganization of brain network patterns to increase cognitive function, strengthen stress resilience, and restore brain plasticity.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Health
Health Coaching & Nutrition Consultation
How Is Functional Medicine Different?
Functional medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease. Hallmarks of the functional medicine approach include:
Patient-centered care
An integrative, science-based healthcare approach
Integrating best medical practices
The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, and the promotion of health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning their background, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.
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Functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that may lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors, that may affect normal bodily functions.
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Functional medicine integrates conventional Western medical practices, also known as “alternative” or “anti-aging” medicine. This approach focuses on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest diagnostic testing and anti-aging treatment protocols; and prescribed combinations of drugs, nutraceutical supplements, IV therapies, Detoxification and repair programs, and stress management techniques.