How to Find the Best Functional Medicine Doctors in Ontario

Do you feel like you're not getting the help you need from your current doctor? Patients looking for a more holistic and individualized approach to medicine may look into functional medicine. It may be the right choice for you. Functional medicine is an approach that focuses on treating the root cause of illness, rather than just the symptoms.

First, let me introduce myself. I'm Lynn Mackay, and I'm a Homeopath. It is my top priority to help my patients regain their optimum health, and that means working with other practitioners and using holistic medicine strategies to to achieve this goal. In this blog post, I will discuss what functional medicine is all about, and how to find the best functional medicine doctors in Ontario.

One of the fields of alternative medicine that I also work with is integrative functional medicine. It is a branch of medicine that focuses on the root cause of diseases and disorders, rather than simply treating the symptoms. The difference between functional medicine and traditional medicine is that traditional medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of illness, while functional medicine focuses on preventing illness and promoting health.

There are many benefits to choosing functional medicine over traditional medicine. Functional medicine is more personalized because it focuses on the root cause of diseases, it can provide a more customized approach to care. The treatments are also more effective. By targeting the root cause of diseases, functional medicine can provide a more holistic, integrative, and complete approach to care. And because it focuses on preventing disease, rather than treating it, the team of wellness practitioners usually involved in your care can help you, the patient, and your family, save you money in the long run.

Functional medicine, naturopathic medicine and homeopathic medicine are oftentimes labeled as, or included in the category of alternative medicine. They do have one thing in common, which is that they all focus on treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a disease. However, that is where the similarities end. Functional medicine is its own distinct field of medicine with its own set of principles and practices.

In Ontario, there are 1,416 family physicians that practice functional medicine, which is 4% of all family physicians in the province. So if you want to find the best functional medicine clinic in Toronto, or anywhere in Ontario, your best bet is to start with a family physician.

The first step is to find a functional medicine doctor that you can trust. This may take some time and effort on your part, but it will be worth it in the end. Once you have found a trusted medical practitioner, make an appointment for a consultation at their clinic or health care center. Physicians differ in the services they offer. Some may even be specialists in the field of nutrition, allergies, chronic conditions, or pain management.

At your consultation, be sure to ask the functional medicine doctor about their experience in treating patients with similar health concerns or medical issues to yours. Also, inquire about the types of treatments they offer and whether or not they are covered by your provincial health care plan (i.e OHIP). In most cases, you will be required to pay for some or all of the services rendered. In Canada, the average cost of a visit to a naturopathic doctor is between $75 and $200.

Functional medicine doctors can provide you with a more customized and holistic approach to your health care needs. These physicians are often more open to exploring alternative treatment options and working collaboratively with other health care providers (e.g., naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists). A doctor may use any alternative or complementary therapies such as acupuncture, chinese medicine, lifestyle changes, diet modifications, supplement recommendations, and may also include IV therapies, in order to help you achieve your health goals.

IMPORANT: IV therapy in Toronto such as glutathione, is a popular service offered by many functional medicine clinics. Other examples are vitamin C IV, hydration IV therapy, IV therapy for migraines, immune IV drip, and many more. They usually require blood testing before treatment is given. These IV's may not be covered by OHIP, so you must ask the clinic in advance.

In cases where patients may have life threatening ailments, it is important to gather information from as many sources as possible in order to make the most informed decision about your care. With that said, not all doctors are created equal and it is important to do your research in order to find a functional medicine doctor that is the best fit for you.

Here are a few tips on how to find a functional medicine doctor in Ontario:

1. They have the knowledge, education, and training to properly assess and treat patients using a systems-oriented approach.
2. They use state-of-the-art laboratory tests and other tools to identify imbalances that may be contributing to your health concerns.
3. They work with you to create individual, personalized treatment plans and programs that address the underlying causes of your health issues.
4. Wellness of both the mind and body is important to them. They are open-minded and integrative, willing to work with other health professionals such as your primary care physician or medical specialists as part of your team.
5. They consider other factors such as stress or anxiety, thyroid health, hormone health, lifestyle factors, problems with metabolism, and more. They understand that each person is unique and deserves personalized, customized care.

The goal of functional medicine, as well as naturopathy and homeopathy, is to help people gain control of their health. Whether it's dealing with migraines and headaches, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, menopause, skin disorders, insomnia, weight management, and other conditions, functional medicine doctors will do their best to help you achieve optimal health.

There are many functional medicine doctors in Ontario. To find the best one in your area, it's important to do your research and ask around for recommendations. Once you've found a few potential candidates, make sure to book an appointment and get to know them before making a decision. Ask questions to these functional medicine practitioners, read patient and customer reviews, visit their office or clinic to get a feel for the environment, and find out if they have the type of service they offer.

You deserve to find a functional medicine doctor who you can trust and who will help you achieve optimal health. With a little bit of research, you're sure to find the perfect fit in Ontario.