Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that treats the underlying causes of disease rather than just managing the symptoms. In many cases, people will take medication that decreases pain or reduces inflammation, and while it’s nice to reduce discomfort, these treatments won’t lead to lasting healing.
For example, many people feel fatigued due to an underactive thyroid. They might self-medicate with caffeine or try to get more sleep at night, but neither of these solutions will address the underlying thyroid issue.
By contrast, a functional medicine doctor might recommend a fresh diet full of thyroid-boosting vitamins. These vitamins allow the body to heal itself, thus treating the root cause of the fatigue. For example, research has shown that vitamin D and vitamin A in particular are helpful in boosting thyroid production.
Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of nutrition and lifestyle factors in maintaining health and preventing disease. No matter your situation, there’s always a way to improve nutrition. Now we will cover common vitamins that Integra Health and Wellness often uses in functional medicine to support various aspects of health.
Vitamin D
Integra recommends Vitamin D because it is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone health, immune function, and many other processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique in that it can be synthesized by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. However, many people do not get enough sunlight exposure, particularly during the winter months, and so they may require supplementation. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a range of health issues, including osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, and some cancers, so stocking up on this vitamin is important.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the immune system, wound healing, and collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant, which means it can help protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Integra uses vitamin C for these reasons, also recognizing from research that it may be beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in many essential processes in the body, including the production of red blood cells and DNA. This helpful vitamin that Integra Health and Wellness recommends is primarily found in animal-based foods, and vegetarians and vegans are at increased risk of deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, neurological issues, and other health problems.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for the immune system, skin health, and eye health. Integra uses this vitamin because it is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical damage. Research has also shown that vitamin E may be beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in bone and heart health. Integra knows vitamin K2 is involved in the activation of proteins that regulate calcium deposition in the bones and arteries. Research has also shown that this vitamin may be beneficial in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and some types of cancer.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for vision, immune function, and skin health. Integra uses vitamin A as a potent antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical damage. Research has also shown that this vitamin may be beneficial in reducing the risk of some types of cancer.
Integra Uses Vitamins to Boost Your Health
Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining optimal health, and here at Integra Health and Wellness, we often use vitamins in functional medicine to support various aspects of health. While a balanced diet can provide many of the vitamins the body needs, some individuals may require supplementation to maintain optimal health. Let’s jump on a discovery call to see if you would benefit from functional medicine. (The answer is most likely yes!)
Identifying vitamin deficiencies at Integra is just one aspect of a holistic nutritional coaching plan. When you work with the team at Integra, we will look at how the food you eat fuels every system of the body. From weight loss to hormone balance, our personalized functional medicine treatment plans can address your individual health needs. Contact us today to book a free discovery call with Julie Helm NPc, IFMCP!
