Our approach to healthcare at NWIH focuses on preventative care, the underlying cause of disease, and individual biochemistry.
At Northwest Integrated Health (NWIH), we embrace the principles of functional medicine to provide a
holistic and personalized approach to healthcare. Functional medicine is an evolving field that redefines the way we think about health and disease. It is built on the foundation of understanding that each individual is biochemically unique, and considers the complex interactions between genetic,
environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence long-term health and chronic disease.
Functional medicine practitioners at NWIH develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This individualized approach is designed to restore balance and function to the body's systems, rather than merely treating symptoms. By addressing the root causes of illness, functional medicine aims to promote optimal health and well-being.
Our Integrated Approach to Functional Medicine at NWIH, our integrated approach to functional medicine combines the expertise of various healthcare disciplines to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. Our team includes medical providers and wellness experts who collaborate to address all aspects of a patient’s health. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that each patient receives a holistic evaluation and treatment plan that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.
Our functional medicine approach is guided by several core principles:
1. Individualized Care: Recognizing that each person is unique, we develop personalized treatment plans based on a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s genetics, lifestyle, environment, and biochemistry. This ensures that treatments are tailored to the specific needs of each patient, leading to more effective outcomes.
2. Patient-Centered Approach: We place the patient at the center of the healthcare process. This approach emphasizes the importance of listening to the patient’s story, understanding their health history, and considering all aspects of their lives that may impact their well-being. By fostering a
collaborative relationship between the patient and the practitioner, we empower patients to take an active role in their own health.
3. Addressing the Root Causes: Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on managing symptoms, we seek to identify and address the root causes of illness. This involves a thorough investigation into the factors that contribute to disease, such as chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, gut health, and environmental toxins. By understanding and addressing these
underlying issues, we can create more effective and lasting health solutions.
4. Systems-Oriented Approach: Functional medicine views the body as an interconnected system, not a collection of independent organs. This perspective allows us to identify how imbalances in one area of the body may affect other areas. By taking a systems-oriented approach, we can develop comprehensive treatment plans that address multiple aspects of health simultaneously.
5. Promoting Health and Wellness: Our goal is to help patients achieve optimal health and vitality, not just the absence of disease. We emphasize preventative care and lifestyle modifications to support overall wellness. This includes personalized recommendations for nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Advanced Diagnostics and Labs to effectively implement our functional medicine approach, we rely on advanced diagnostics and laboratory testing to gain a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s health. These diagnostics help us identify underlying imbalances and develop targeted treatment plans.
Some of the key diagnostics and labs we use include:
1. Comprehensive Blood Panels: We conduct extensive blood tests to assess various markers of health, including hormone levels, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation markers, and metabolic-function. These panels provide a detailed picture of the patient’s overall health and help us identify areas that need attention.
2. Genetic Testing: Genetic testing allows us to understand how a patient’s genetic makeup may influence their health. This includes identifying genetic predispositions to certain conditions and understanding how genetics may impact nutrient metabolism, detoxification pathways, and other critical functions. With this information, we can tailor treatments to the patient’s genetic profile.
3. Hormone Testing: Hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on health and well-being. We use specialized tests to measure hormone levels, including sex hormones, thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, and others. By identifying hormonal imbalances, we can develop targeted treatments to restore hormonal harmony.
4. Gut Health Assessments: The health of the gut is central to overall health. We use advanced testing to evaluate gut function, including assessments of gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and digestive function. By understanding the state of the gut, we can develop treatments to support gut health and address related conditions.
5. Nutritional Analysis: We assess nutrient levels to identify deficiencies and imbalances that may be impacting health. This includes testing for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. Based on these results, we can recommend personalized dietary and supplementation plans.
6. Detoxification Profiles: Understanding how well a patient’s body detoxifies can provide insights into their health. We use tests to evaluate detoxification pathways and identify any issues that may be contributing to toxic buildup. This allows us to develop strategies to support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
7. Metabolic Testing: We assess various aspects of metabolic function, including blood sugar regulation, lipid metabolism, and energy production. These tests help us identify metabolic imbalances and develop treatments to support metabolic health.
8. Environmental Toxin Testing: Exposure to environmental toxins can have a significant impact on health. We use specialized testing to assess exposure to toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other environmental chemicals. This information helps us develop strategies to reduce toxin exposure and support detoxification.
Our Commitment to Advanced Diagnostics at NWIH, we are committed to using the latest advancements in diagnostic testing to provide the highest standard of care. Our partnerships with leading diagnostic companies ensure that we have access to the most accurate and comprehensive testing available. This commitment to advanced diagnostics allows us to develop highly personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of illness and support optimal
health.
By integrating functional medicine principles with advanced diagnostics, we are able to provide a level of care that is both comprehensive and personalized. Our goal is to help our patients achieve lasting health and wellness by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to disease and dysfunction.
Empowering Patients Through Education We believe that education is a key component of the healing process. At NWIH, we are dedicated to empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health. We provide comprehensive education on various aspects of health, including nutrition, lifestyle modifications, stress management, and preventative care. Our goal is to help patients make informed decisions about
their health and become active participants in their own healing journey.
At Northwest Integrated Health, our functional medicine approach is designed to provide holistic, personalized care that addresses the root causes of illness and promotes optimal health and well-being. By combining the expertise of our multidisciplinary team with advanced diagnostics and a patient-centered approach, we are able to offer comprehensive solutions that support long-term health and vitality. Whether you are struggling with chronic health issues, seeking preventive care, or simply looking to enhance your overall wellness, we are here to support you on your path to optimal health.