What is Functional Medicine?
Understanding Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is a systems-based, root-cause approach to health. Instead of asking “What diagnosis fits these symptoms?” it asks “Why are these symptoms happening in the first place?” The body is viewed as an interconnected system, not a collection of isolated parts, so digestion, hormones, metabolism, immune function, detox pathways, stress response, and inflammation are all evaluated together.
A big part of functional medicine is personalization. Two people can have the same symptoms but very different underlying drivers. One person’s fatigue might stem from blood sugar instability, another from nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, gut dysfunction, or prolonged stress. Care is built around the individual—not the diagnosis—using detailed health histories, lifestyle patterns, and functional lab testing when appropriate.
Rather than relying on symptom-suppressing solutions, functional medicine focuses on supporting normal physiology. This often includes nutrition strategies, targeted supplementation, sleep optimization, stress management, movement, and environmental awareness. The goal isn’t quick fixes—it’s restoring balance so the body can regulate, heal, and adapt more effectively over time.
If You’re Experiencing Any of the Following Symptoms, You May Benefit from Exploring a Science-Based Functional Medicine Approach
Brain, Mood, & Cognitive Support
- Desire focus and mental clarity
- Desire improved brain-body communication
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, irritability, or low motivation
Energy and Focus
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Poor stress tolerance
- Sleep disturbances or unrefreshing sleep
Digestive & Gut Health
- Bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Irregular bowel habits
- Gut-related inflammation
- Nutrient absorption and deficiencies
Hormonal & Metabolic Health
- Hormonal imbalances
- Thyroid-related imbalances
- Cycle-related symptoms
- Stress hormone support
- Blood sugar instability
- Weight changes or difficulty losing weight
- Metabolic health concerns
Immune, Inflammatory, & Joint Concerns
- Frequent illness or lowered immune resilience
- Chronic inflammation
- Immune system imbalance
- Stress response and recovery
- Joint discomfort or stiffness
- Headaches or migraines
General "Everything Looks Normal" Situations
- Ongoing or unexplained symptoms
- Feeling unwell despite "normal" lab results
- Health concerns that don't fit neatly into a diagnosis
What to Expect, Step by Step:
Step 1
Comprehensive Symptom Survey
We begin by collecting detailed information about your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle to uncover patterns that point to underlying imbalances.
Step 2
Consultation to Discuss Symptoms, Recommended Bloodwork, and Lab Testing
Step 3
Bloodwork and Lab Testing Completed
Step 4
Computerized Analysis of Bloodwork and Lab Testing: Report and Recommendations
Click Button Below to View a Sample Nutrition Report
Above: Lab Results Excerpt from a Sample Nutrition Report. Click the button below to view full Sample Report.
Step 5
Follow Up Consultation and Review of Findings / Recommendations
Ready to Learn More About Functional Medicine?
If you’re curious whether a functional medicine approach may be a good fit for you, the next step is to schedule a consultation with our office. During this visit, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your health history, symptoms, and goals with Dr. Roth, D.C. Based on this conversation, recommendations and next steps can be discussed.
Call our office at 501-881-4407 to schedule an appointment.
Disclaimer: The information on this page has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
