Functional medicine is a root-cause, patient-centered approach to health that looks beyond symptoms. Instead, it actually addresses the underlying imbalances driving chronic illness. Conventional medicine manages disease with medication, whereas functional medicine uses personalized nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplementation to support healing from the inside out. This progressive model of care is reshaping the way we view long-term health and chronic condition management, offering sustainable tools for patients seeking real answers.
Millions of adults suffer from chronic symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, digestive discomfort, and brain fog, often without clear answers from conventional medicine. That was my experience as well. I was in medical school when I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune thyroid condition. Despite my training, I felt powerless as I faced an aggressive treatment plan that included toxic medications and surgery. Ultimately, I got my thyroid ablated – a decision I still regret to this day. I knew back then there had to be a better way!
This personal health crisis led me to discover the functional medicine model, which changed the trajectory of my life and career. By addressing the root causes of inflammation and supporting my body through diet and lifestyle, I began to truly heal. I made it my mission to help others facing autoimmune diseases find answers and reclaim their health, without relying solely on medication or invasive procedures.
The functional medicine approach provided the foundation for The Myers Way® and The Autoimmune Solution™ Protocol, both of which are helping thousands of people restore wellness through real food, strategic supplementation, and empowered self-care. In this article, I will walk you through what functional medicine is, how it works, and how you can begin leveraging it to transform your health.
Learn more about my own healing journey on this solo episode of Take Back Your Health™.
How Functional Medicine Differs from Conventional Medicine
Traditional medicine excels in emergency care, surgeries, and acute illness management. However, it often falls short when it comes to chronic, complex conditions. The typical model emphasizes medications that suppress symptoms rather than addressing what causes those symptoms in the first place.
Functional medicine takes a different view. It is proactive, rather than reactive. Instead of asking what the diagnosis is, it asks why it occurred. This approach examines the interconnected systems of the body, with attention to digestive function, hormonal balance, immune response, toxic burden, infection, and nutrient status. This shift in perspective enables patients to take a more active role in their health care, collaborating with their providers to develop comprehensive, long-term solutions.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, functional medicine recognizes that each person’s body is unique. Two individuals with the same diagnosis may require different solutions, depending on their environment, lifestyle, genetics, and history.
Key Principles of the Functional Medicine Approach
Let us break down the foundational concepts behind this model and how they support whole-body wellness.
1. Root-Cause Resolution
At the heart of functional medicine is the search for root causes. Symptoms are viewed as signals, not simply inconveniences to be silenced. Functional practitioners work to identify what may be triggering inflammation or immune dysfunction.
These root causes often include:
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Food sensitivities (especially to gluten or dairy)
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Gut imbalances or infections such as Candida or SIBO
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Nutrient deficiencies
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Chronic stress or poor sleep
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Environmental toxins including heavy metals or mold
Addressing the root of the problem rather than only the symptom can achieve lasting health (1).
2. Personalized Care Plans
Functional medicine recognizes that each body is different. An autoimmune condition can vary from person to person. So, it is imperative to create a personalized care plan based on a person’s health history, labs, symptoms, and goals. This individualized treatment is what sets functional medicine apart. It actually prioritizes people, not just standardized protocols.
Rather than treating a diagnosis in isolation or by one area of the body, this model treats the person as a whole.
3. Food as Foundational Support
Food is not simply fuel. It is information for the body and a powerful tool for healing. Functional medicine prioritizes nutrient-dense, healthy foods that support the immune system, nourish tissues, and promote gut repair. This nutrition-forward approach helps patients gain control over their health in a way that feels accessible and sustainable.
I begin with dietary changes to remove the most common inflammatory foods, including gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and processed ingredients. These foods can contribute to leaky gut and immune dysregulation, especially in those with autoimmunity (2). When comparing dietary options, it’s important to understand the difference between an anti-inflammatory diet vs. autoimmune diet to determine which would be most supportive to your symptoms.
4. Gut Health as Central to Immune Health
The gut is home to roughly 80 percent of the immune system. An imbalanced gut microbiome or a leaky intestinal lining can lead to chronic inflammation and eventually autoimmunity.
Supporting the gut through fermented foods (caution if you have Candida or SIBO), targeted supplements, and a clean diet can help restore microbial balance and strengthen immune regulation (3). This is a core focus of The Autoimmune Solution™ Protocol.
5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Matter
Chronic illness does not occur in isolation. It develops over time due to a combination of genetics and environmental influences. Functional medicine considers sleep quality, stress levels, toxin exposure, physical activity, and even emotional health when designing a plan for healing. This holistic view of health care allows for deeper, more effective interventions that go far beyond surface-level symptom suppression.
From mold exposure to poor sleep hygiene, each of these factors can impact how your body functions and how your immune system responds (4).
Learn more about my experience with mold exposure on this episode of Take Back Your Health™ with Jill Carnahan, MD.
Functional Medicine for Autoimmune Conditions
For those living with autoimmunity, functional medicine offers a different kind of roadmap. Instead of focusing only on managing disease progression, this approach works to identify and remove triggers, repair gut lining, reduce inflammation, and rebalance the immune system.
Autoimmune symptoms can stem from:
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Gluten sensitivity or cross-reactivity
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A disrupted gut barrier
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Chronic stress
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Hidden infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease
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Hormonal imbalances or adrenal dysfunction
Learn more about beating Lyme disease with Dr. Darin Ingels on this episode of Take Back Your Health™.
By identifying and addressing these root drivers, many individuals find symptom relief and improved quality of life (5).
How AMMD™ Helps You Apply the Functional Medicine Approach
You do not have to navigate this journey alone. I created The Autoimmune Solution™ Protocol to give you the tools to restore immune balance and support healing from the inside out. This protocol combines clean, physician-formulated supplements with a step-by-step guide rooted in functional medicine principles. This comprehensive treatment model reflects the most effective aspects of integrative care, making it easier for patients to follow proven, personalized paths toward recovery.
Key products in the protocol include:
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Gut Repair: L-glutamine, slippery elm, and aloe vera support the integrity of the intestinal lining
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Digestive Enzymes: Help break down food for better nutrient absorption
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Collagen Protein: Provides the building blocks for healthy skin, joints, and gut tissue
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Curcumin and Omega-3s: Support a healthy inflammatory response
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Probiotics: Encourage a balanced microbiome and immune resilience
These tools are paired with education, meal plans, and lifestyle support to empower you at every step of the journey.
Tips to Begin Using Functional Medicine
You can start applying functional medicine principles today with small, consistent shifts in your daily life. Healing is not about perfection. It is about progress.
1. Remove Common Dietary Triggers
Start by eliminating gluten, dairy, and processed sugar from your diet for three to four weeks. These ingredients often drive inflammation and contribute to symptoms in those with autoimmunity. Many people notice reduced bloating, better energy, and clearer skin after removing these foods.
2. Support Gut Health
Add bone broth, fermented vegetables, and targeted supplements such as collagen or L-glutamine to your routine. These ingredients help repair the intestinal lining and support microbial balance (6).
3. Reduce Stress and Support Recovery
Chronic stress places strain on the adrenal glands and the immune system. Simple tools such as meditation, journaling, breathwork, or adaptogenic herbs can support a healthy stress response.
4. Optimize Sleep and Movement
Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can increase inflammation, disrupt hormones, and impair gut health. Incorporate gentle movement, such as walking or yoga, to support lymphatic flow and energy balance.
Start Your Functional Medicine Journey Today
The functional medicine approach offers more than symptom management. It empowers you to reclaim your health by addressing the root causes of illness and restoring your body to homeostasis. Whether you are dealing with autoimmunity, fatigue, digestive distress, or unexplained chronic symptoms, functional medicine provides a clear, structured path to relief.
You can begin small by eliminating a dietary trigger or adding a gut-supportive supplement to your daily routine.
I invite you to explore AMMD™ products and resources designed to help you feel confident, supported, and empowered throughout your healing journey.
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