JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE TREATING your symptoms doesn’t mean you’re healthy.If you think your doctor is controlling your health problems because he or she has prescribed medication for them — well, you couldn’t be more wrong!
That’s because doctors are very well-trained to treat symptoms and diseases, but NOT to address the underlying imbalances that perpetuate illness.
The problem?
That’s like taking the batteries out of a smoke detector instead of trying to find the fire.
On the other hand, I am always interested in ALL of someone’s symptoms, because they are the clues to deeper imbalances. Once you find those deeper imbalances and correct them, the symptoms go away.
This approach is called systems medicine, because it looks at all parts of the body, not just one organ.
Unfortunately, much of conventional medicine doesn’t work that way.
If an asthma patient also has the skin condition psoriasis, for example, he is sent to the dermatologist. If the same patient has irritable bowel syndrome or reflux, he is sent to the gastroenterologist. And of course, if he’s depressed or can’t focus, it’s straight to the psychiatrist.
And from each doctor, he gets the “perfect” medicine for each problem, with no one considering how all these symptoms may be related, or how addressing the underlying causes of these symptoms can fix everything at once.
So the patient ends up being treated with the best of conventional medicine — but is still sick!
To me, there’s no better example of the pitfalls of this approach than my patient, Joe.
At 42, Joe thought he was healthy — despite taking 4 different drugs for mood and psychiatric problems, not to mention medication for asthma, psoriasis, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic postnasal drip!
That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Joe was also about 25 pounds overweight, and he carried those pounds in one of the worst places for his health — his middle. Plus, Joe’s triglyceride levels were over 500 (normal is less than 100).
His health problems had started early. Over the years, he took many antibiotics for his asthma, which he had had since childhood. He was bottle-fed, was allergic to milk as a child, and was a very colicky baby.
As an adult, his health got even worse.
His nose dripped, he had heartburn, and he got frequent sores and bumps on his tongue after eating certain foods. He also had sugar cravings and would frequently feel weak and have episodes of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Just recently, he had developed psoriasis.
And poor health ran in his family: Joe’s mother and his cousins had type 2 diabetes, and a lot of his relatives had reflux and ulcers and heart disease.
Yet, these problems were NOT inevitable. Joe’s family history of diabetes and heart disease made him predisposed but NOT predestined to these problems.
Joe’s lifestyle certainly didn’t help matters!
For starters, his diet was less than ideal. It started with a bagel or a processed protein bar and a cup of coffee each morning. Lunch was usually a turkey wrap with lots of cheese, chips, and a few Diet Cokes. Dinner was a little better, but he craved bread, pasta, and potatoes and had sweets after dinner because he craved those, too.
All told, he usually drank 2 glasses of wine a day, not to mention 3 cups of coffee, and countless diet colas. On top of all that, Joe only slept about 5 or 6 hours a night.
No wonder he felt so poorly!
But instead of looking at Joe’s lifestyle as possible cause of his health problems, his doctors simply treated his symptoms with drugs — and a lot of them.
In fact, his medication list was pretty scary for a guy only in his early 40s.
He took 4 psychiatric drugs: one for depression (Lexapro), one for attention-deficit disorder because he couldn’t concentrate (Concerta), one for anxiety (Xanax), and one for sleep (Ambien).
He also took 2 drugs for asthma (a steroid to reduce lung inflammation and another to open up his airways), plus another steroid nasal inhaler to take care of his postnasal drip. And, of course, his medications wouldn’t be complete with the second-favorite drug of the new millennium, a powerful acid-blocking drug (Protonix).
None of these drugs was the right solution for his problems.
Take Protonix, for example.
Conventional medicine and powerful drugs companies have led us to believe that millions of people need acid-blocking drugs to deal with their heartburn symptoms, as if we’re treating a mutant strain of human beings who suddenly produce too much stomach acid.
Nobody wonders if heartburn actually has to do with someone’s lifestyle (like Joe’s 3 cups of coffee or 2 glasses of wine every day) or an infection or imbalance in the bacteria in the gut, or allergies, or magnesium deficiency.
Instead, the source of the problem is almost never questioned and the answer is almost always drugs.
I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way!
We were not designed to malfunction to the benefit of the pharmaceutical industry. Our bodies are in a delicate balance and health depends on restoring that balance. People who need drugs to treat illness are NOT a mutant strain of humans, but people whose core systems are out of balance.
The cure is balance — not drugs.
So when Joe came to see me, the last thing I wanted to do was to find a better medication cocktail for all his problems — asthma, postnasal drip, reflux, bumps on his tongue, high triglycerides, belly fat, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and attention-deficit disorder.
Instead, I asked a different set of questions and did testing to look at the basic core systems in his body that were out of balance — his immune system, his digestive system, his hormonal system, and his nutritional status.
This is a much different way of looking at health.
The way conventional medicine is practiced today is like trying to fix a car by listening to the noises it makes instead of looking under the hood.
But that’s what systems medicine, also known as functional medicine, is all about — about looking under the hood.
What did I find when I looked under Joe’s hood? Well, Joe had a number of core problems.
For one thing, his gut was inflamed and he had a parasite. This led to food sensitivities to wheat and rye — the main gluten-containing grains. He also had the gene for celiac disease (HLA DQ8). From all the antibiotics he had taken over the years, he also had yeast overgrowth in his intestinal tract.
Joe also had insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. His triglycerides were very high at 597 and his total cholesterol level was 275, while his HDL (“good”) cholesterol was only 39 (normal is over 60). He also had high blood sugar and a fatty liver from eating too many refined sugars and carbohydrates. This in turn led to his hypoglycemia and fatigue.
Yet, these problems were NOT inevitable. Joe’s family history of diabetes and heart disease made him predisposed but NOT predestined to these problems.
We also found he had some genetic imbalances (MTHFR homozygous polymorphism) that increased his need for vitamin B12 and folate (both of which are important in controlling mood and cardiovascular risk). And his blood tests indeed showed a deficiency of these vitamins.
Joe also had a very low vitamin D level of 19 (ideal is 50 to 100), which as been linked with depressed and impaired immunity. He also had low levels of chromium, which is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. Plus, his omega-3 fats were quite low. These are very important for maintaining good cholesterol and blood sugar control, as well as protecting against diabetes.
So how did I help Joe?
Not by treating each individual symptom, but by bringing balance back to his life.
First, I helped him improve his diet by eliminating refined carbohydrates and sugars and eating more fiber and omega-3 fats. I also had him get off gluten and dairy — foods that were trigging inflammation in his gut. He cut way back on coffee and stopped drinking alcohol. And he started exercising and sleeping a bit more.
I recommended that Joe supplement with a daily multivitamin, fish oil, and probiotics (healthy gut bacteria). I treated him with high doses of folate and B12 to accommodate his genetic need for more. I also gave him high doses of vitamin D to bring his levels back to normal and improve his mood and immune system.
I treated his parasite and the yeast overgrowth with short-term medication.
After 3 months, I saw him again.
What had changed?
In that short time, Joe had lost 25 pounds, his triglycerides dropped from 597 to 80, and his cholesterol from 275 to 198. His folate and B12 status were back to normal. His fasting blood sugar dropped from 101 to 84, which is normal, and his insulin levels dropped back to normal. And now-normal liver function tests showed that his fatty liver had healed.
Getting good blood test results is one thing, but how did Joe actually feel?
Well, he had no more need for reflux medication or asthma inhalers. Those symptoms were gone.
Plus, without my instruction (and despite my advice), he stopped taking all 4 of his psychiatric medications because he was sleeping better, didn’t feel anxious or depressed, and had no more problems with concentration or attention.
Just by “looking under the hood,” I discovered imbalances that I could correct. Instead of treating his problems with more drugs, Joe was able to get off his medication and feel even better.
Joe isn’t the only example of this approach to health — I’ve seen similar results in my patients, time and time again. To me, the solution is clear: The science of systems medicine is ready for the doctor’s office. It is possible for people to get to the root of their problems.
As we have seen, asthma or reflux are not irreversible problems, but may be the result of food sensitivities like those to gluten or dairy, or imbalances in the gut with parasites and yeast, or from poor diet.
We know that depression isn’t caused by a Prozac deficiency, but instead may be related to key nutritional factors including sugar in the diet, and deficiencies of nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fats.
So when dealing with any chronic illness, or a “whole list” of problems, remember, you can get to the bottom of it by following some of the guidelines below:
* Keep in mind that nutrition is the most powerful thing that can create or cure illness.
* If you are depressed or anxious, remember that it is not due to a Prozac or Valium deficiency, but may be related to a number of different causes such as vitamin deficiencies, essential fat deficiencies, or too much sugar or stimulants in your diet.
* Try a detox diet (as in the first 4 weeks of the Ultrametabolism Prescription) that gets you ON whole food and OFF of caffeine, sugar, alcohol, processed foods, gluten, and dairy — and see how many of your health problems go away.
* Take a good multivitamin and fish oil, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D — the right amounts of these nutrients can take care of many problems.
* If you don’t get better, then get help — you might need someone who can look a little more closely under the hood.
* Look for a doctor who practices systems medicine or functional medicine.
In my practice, I often find myself to be an accidental psychiatrist or accidental weight loss doctor, witnessing remarkable transformations in patients by simply taking away the things that make them ill, and giving them things that put them back in balance.
You can try the same approach at home by following the tips above. It is really that simple. The body’s intelligence for healing does the rest!
Have you noticed big changes in your health simply by addressing your lifestyle?
Has changing your diet, exercise, or sleep habits helped clear up health problems?
Or are you frustrated with the number of medications your doctor has prescribed to treat your symptoms?
Were you able to stop using any prescription drugs that only treated your symptoms once you addressed the underlying causes of your chronic health problems?
I’d like to hear your story — please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, MD
Can you cure a peanut allergy??
I am 58 yrs old, I have diabetes, hypothroidism, overweight of course tummy & abdominal area. I am trying to eat right, minimizing carbs, eating more protein, fruits and vegetables. Eating more fruit than vegetables. I have no energy and I fall asleep; most days at work. I eat whole wheat toast with natural peanut butter and banana for breakfast. Usually a sandwich with some vegetables and a piece of fruit and a diet coke. I am drinking water off and on all day long. Dinner is a glass of red wine, meat, miminal carbss, vegetables and or salad. I have my most energy in the evening. Some days it doesn’t matter what I eat, tiredness over comes it all. Any suggesions?
Thank you, Ellen, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I had ccf about 20 yrs ago was also diagnosed with diabetes,I have been taken digoxin 250micrograms us twice daily,glibenclamide15mg daily,candesartan16mgdaily,doxazosin2mgdaily,until last year,when I started to feel breathless,and a repeat of ccf again,I had an ecocardiogram,which I was told showed my heart to be stronge,but I have tacicardia,also a missed beat.I have been taking Caricor 2.5 daily plus furosemide40mg.I feel very tiered with no energy and still not a lot breath,I take coq250 mg plus multivit plus 2xb50 tabs daily.is there any more I can do.
regards Rosealie
Thank you, Rosealie, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
In January 2009 I was having problems feeling light headed like I was going to pass out. I was diagnosis-ed as hyperlipdemia because when I felt this way my blood pressure would rise and rapid heart beat. I also had cholesterol at 257. I weighted around 272 and am 5’5. I was 57 and other problems Hot flashes since 53 and still have at 59! Since I have skin rashes the hot flashes feel like a thousand tiny needles I also don’t sleep well wake up several times a night. Have over active body not just legs sometimes and Cholesterol medicine makes it worse. I also developed a buzzing in my ears about 2 half years ago also which doctors say nothing can be done about. I also have stress work sitting all day customer service phone work.
I wonder if I had a thyroid problem because several members in my family had but doctors said blood test showed was fine.
The cardiologists said I needed to walk on tread mill 30 minutes a day lose weight which I never really had problems with until my mid forties. I had been trying to lose weight and ate healthy. My two food problems are not sugar but cheese and eggs. He put me on Lipitor and Metoprolal said I could go off if I lost weight and strengthened my heart. Since I still had the light headness feeling like I was going to pass out after taking the medication but never did pass out. The put me on a monitor and did a scan of my heart they didn’t find any heart problems.
I went a year walking and still trying to lose weight eating cabbage diet because nothing else worked lost 6 pounds but came right back. I only had the light headness a few times after I started the medication and none after 6 month
In November 2009 I got a work out bike which I ride for 15 to 30 min each morning and started JOHN Abdo’s no excuses 7-minute full body workout. In May of 2010 at a weight 168 I started eat clean diet and using weight scriptures plus the above work outs and walking . I now weight 150!. I have also lost inches.
The eat clean diet has helped my heart burn and to lose belly fat. I still have the skin rashes, hot flashes, sleep problems, buzzing ears.
I am trying the Qigong for stress and is helping.
I was able to lower the metopolol right away because my blood pressure would get two low and would then feel like I was going to pass out. I stopped taking it all together because my blood pressure seems fine when I CHECK, but when I go to the doctor was 136 over 80. I am now taking at 25 mg once a day. They switched me from Lipor because I could not relax at night and am now on Crestor not as bad. When I tried to stopping taking it for three months my cholesterol went to 229, trig 118, hdl 61,Vld 24,ldl 145. The doctor of course put me right back on it. The problems is when I am on the Crestor my chol is 150 trig 81 HDL 42 Vldl 16, ldl 92. As you can see it brings my good HDL down also?
I am going to try it again when I have lost 10 more pounds. I am talking calcium 600 twice a day and D 1000 magnesium 250mg twice a day because on my last bone scan said I needed to. The magnesium does help me relax some at night. I want to be off the cholesterol.
I have been doing the eat clean diet and have noticed less heart burn. I lost weight on it and it recommends eating whole grains. It is confusing for Alan Sears says we were are not meant to eat whole grains should only eat good proteins fruits and vegetables. I still am having problem with High
Can a lot of stress cause hypothyrodism?
Where does one find a listing for a functional medical advisor, and what test is used to find out if yu have parasites. Also Does raw goat milk have similar adverse affects as regualar dairy. also any info re. hyperparathyroism, I’d like to fix this without the radioactive tests and subsequent surgery. thank so much. Dianne
Thank you, Dianne, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hi Dr. Hyman,
I was diagnosed with low thyroid and hyperglycemia in my 20′s. I started on Synthroid and went on a sugar/wheat free – low carb diet. I am 55 now. I still eat whole healthy foods and take good care of myself. I don’t drink coffee and never got a taste for sodas.
I am now on Armour thyroid which seems to work better and have had all my amalgams removed correctly with chelation. I am now allergic to metals as I broke my ankle and couldn’t walk properly until all the screws were removed. The bone was brilliant red around the stainless steel screws. I was diagnosed with lead toxicity but reacted poorly to the last round of chelation. I was tested for Lyme which was suspicious but not conclusive.
I still have a multitude of health challenges that mystify each and every doctor/health practitioner I have ever been to. Each thinks they know the answer, I go through diet changes, supplementation, etc, etc, etc. and I am still tired all the time, foggy thinking, memory issues, have aches and pains, reflux, insomnia, systemic yeast, anxiety, headaches, etc; complete with bizarre reactions to medications and herbs.
At some point they all say, “I don’t know what else to do for you.” or “I’ve never heard of that response before.”
Armour is the only drug I take beyond the reluctant and occasional Advil.
I am tired of being tired. I am tired of not feeling healthy even after I do everything ‘right’. If I ate twinkies and cake all the time or partied hard, I’d understand why I feel bad. But I don’t eat junk and I am working nonstop at living a healthy lifestyle.
I am a Reiki Master Teacher, go for walks, practice Taichi and yoga (on and off). I regularly go to an acupuncturist, homeopath, naturapath and an open minded allopath. I suspect I have had almost every test there is – or at least it feels like it.
I still am tired all the time.
Dr. Deanna Cherrone, Avon CT. has been my “savior” when it comes to restoring good health. She is a functioanl MD …and has given me blood tests that have shown deficiencies which have been corrected with proper supplementation. I am a believer!
Dr Hyman-
Just read an artical of yours. Honestly I’m scared out of my wits on whats going on with me. I’m 57 year old female-(feel like I’m 80-90 yrs old. Over the years (10) I was on Levoxal and 3 cytomels-for maybe thyroid issues. At the time 10 yrs ago I had been in a car accident, didnt sleep for 1 1/2 years and went to this P A at this medical group here in Sacramento, Ca. Over the years he had me on various thyroid meds, Hormones-vivelle dot patches and compounded progesterone plus prometrium caps at night. I’vde battled some form of allergies to either out door/ indoor and or food drugs etc since I was married in 71. Most of my problems when small was I’d get really run down and my parents had to feed me this paladac fish oil to get my appetite back. I’m not sure if my white blood count has always been down, but it has been for this past two years.
Over the years I had two children-had post pardum blues after, then about 10 years ago I went on the hormones, thyroid etc. Over the years too many whom I’ve seen just through an antibiotic at you for either a Possible UTI, sinus infection or whatever. I’m so exhausted, I have no energy, memory isnt there, weak, fatigued, cant think, joints and mussles all hurt, itch all over, gums where I had upper last two teeth removed on left are always bleeding-two teeth on upper right left have spaces between, and sensitive root exposure. No dentist, endodontist etc wants to touch it-as they dont know the problems. Heck no regular Doctor will tell me either. I’m sure theyd give you pain pills or sleeping pills etc or more antibiotics though.
I’ve tried to shot gun allot my self-but I dont know whats wrong.
Here are allot of my issues which could be hormonal-or lack of. Vitimins or whatever.
Years ago I drank allot of caffiene-Ice tea-before that I chomped ice-iron was at a #4 then and I had shots. I was on antihistamines, sudifed-for allergies-not really knowing what kind I had. Past years I had allergy shots and was still on a load of drugs. I’m trying to wing my allergies now-by taking Queatin/Bromalain/vit C mix-4 times a day before meals. Neetie pot. I hate going to regular doctors who dont even know what vitimins you need.
Over the past two years I had allot of energy-throid meds (or over medicated), alcohol a couple times a week, and more on our holiday parties-we had parties allot-monthly for 7 years, caffiene during the day-I thought it was a dieretic as I drank allot of water, and went allot. Really didnt have many issues with IUDs until past 2 years, and then not sure if its a hormonal thing where I dont have enough moisture-but I feel dried up all over. I’ve been tested pretty much for most things-one has a blood test for.
In the past I ate pretty much anything, allot of sugar-I baked for people and sold my products-now I cant even think not alone have the sthrenth to do it even if I wanted too. That was a passion in life I had. Now I cant even think what to eat. I try to eat from a candida diet, got some IGG tests back from 1902 that said even eggs, almonds, peanuts, sesame, tomatoes etc. plus wheat etc. Over the years I’ve eatten allot of things cooked both at home and out and never thought I had issues with my gut.
Now for the past two years almost I’ve been to numerous Drs, switched on my hormones so much-I dont even know now what I’m doing-taking so called compounded ones through this dr in davis-for Estrogen and progesterone, testosterone from another OBGYN-no thyroid meds even though he just ran blood work on thyroid, and a few hormones. I’ve done saliva tests over the past two years-most dont run everything. Just had another IGG blood work done for allergies, a stool test for three days looking for yeast and parasites-like thats a no brainer.
I feel I’m always hungary-and the only sugar I eat is granny smith apples cut up and peeled, and blueberries-in glutten free oatmeal-or quinwa-(ms)
I eat turkey sausages-or had been eatting eggs and spinish, broccoli etc for breakfast. Lunch was mainly salads-with very little to them-now to find out I might be allergic to lettuce. I hardly have the energy to make soups from scracth.
My husband is 62, very short tempered, works 40 hours a week and then when hes home hes driving me to appointments, or trying to keep up on our house etc and 3 golden retrievers-outside dogs. Hes diabetic and on all sorts of pills, and doesnt believe in suppliments and then theres me who believes I’m lacking but not sure from what-or whats good. Health food stores will sell you anything.
Dr Hyman I’d appreciate you going over this and getting back to me. I’ve even gone so far to call Oprah for make overs health ones with no answers back.
I’m tied of being chemical sensitive-not knowing even what soaps, shampoos to use. Fumes, smoke from fires where we live congest me-I believe its Oak.
Even tarr trucks, perfumes etc.
I’m so weak, no energy, eyes are dry and no eye drop-even plugs seem to work.
My mouth is dry and I drink all day. Up going to the bathroom all night. My kidneys, and liver are probably toxic. I’ve had all silver fillings in my mouth replaced over the past 5-6 years-to now be told they could leak. I dont know how to get my body back into balance with the PH. I’m tirerd of feeling dried up all over.
I used to get B 12 shots too. Now I dont even know what vitimins are good/bad etc.
I need to get my imune system strong again-my white blood count is low.
Please help me. I’m tied of being depressed, ansiety, nervous all the time. I cant even talk to someone without being dry in the mouth and sounding like I’m whinning. I’m crying all the time.
I know everyone has thier own stresses to deal with-my mother whom my family was close to over the years and since Dads passing years ago has turned to a guy whos moved in and using her for her money-has now turned on all of my family. Most years I could deal with it-now I have a hard time dealing with day to day appointments-alot of Drs etc I dont have much faith in.
Please get back to me, on what to do. Sleep is important, as everything else in life. My toes burn and joints hurt-no matter what I take or dont take.
Anymore questions feel free to email or call.
Please let me have hope that you’ll get back to me-Thank you PC
Thank you, Pat, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
An MD with a functional medicine education and primary focus is where its at. I understand this completely. I understand that the AMA and governing bodies “do not” like these type of practices because they WORK. I understand the practioners/Doctors are always looking over their shoulders and careful what they say because the watch dog is watching (which is a total joke) We know its all about big pharma, big money in prescriptions and illness than there is in “health” etc etc..
But….Im trying to understand this forum page? Though i totally respect and follow Dr. Hyman (as i see a functional medicine/MD practioner that went to the IFM and has many, many other qualifications etc… but why at the end of the article are you wanting to hear peoples stories yet when there is a response its a boiler plate, copy paste job about either becoming a patient or going to the wellness site? I know , “to an extent” you can’t give “medical advice” and many of these people truely need an open minded functional medicine doctor. Some of these people are pouring out thier problems with no replies. I think after the articles it should state that you would like to hear our thoughts and comments but will not be able to medically respond to any of the conditions. I think pouring out exactly what is wrong with me, my medications, my life and thinking a response is going to happen, which it does but its a boiler plate response? That would get me a little bit depressed. They might even jump to the next site (who knows) to get some communication?
The problem FM is what they need. Its what we all need but since insurance doesnt cover the functional medicine aspect (blame the gov and the AMA and a crop of others) and is purely out of pocket. I know the reponse is ” you cant put a price on health” oh , so so so true, but when you dont have 7-10k or more, what do you do? How do you make it happen? Tough times have fallen on many.
Dont mean to go off on a tangent because if anything , functional medicine is the future and the medical world doesnt want it for it will take big bucks out of a lot of pockets and they blast these people that are healing and curing, yes curing (gerson) people. Im a true believer and practioner of functional medicine and believe, firmly believe, western medicine has its place, but on a as needed basis , testing, emergency basis , etc..
I hope all of you who commented on here with your stories gets the right help. I hurts me so bad to see some of these people with so many debilitating symptoms and problems and it doesnt need to be that way. I hope you are able to find a functional medicine practioner close to you.
PJ
Thank you PJ, we appreciate your sympathetic and compassionate response. It is not that Dr. Hyman does not want to help each and every person who write in but it is not feasible per privacy and safety. However, we are happy to offer his nutrition coaching program for personalized attention. Please see: http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/Coaching-Programs