From the Guidelines
Functional medicine is supported by several key articles, including "integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment: asco endorsement of the sio clinical practice guideline" published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2018 1. This guideline provides an overview of integrative therapies that can be used to manage symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, including anxiety, fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbance. Some of the therapies mentioned in the guideline include:
- Acupressure, acupuncture, and massage for pain and fatigue management
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and meditation for stress reduction and sleep improvement
- Yoga and Tai Chi for improving physical functioning and quality of life
- Nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and CoQ10 for managing side effects like neuropathy and fatigue The guideline also highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to patient care, incorporating both conventional and integrative therapies to improve outcomes and quality of life. Other notable studies have explored the use of functional medicine approaches in managing chronic diseases, including research on the gut microbiome, nutritional biochemistry, and environmental medicine 1. Overall, the evidence suggests that functional medicine can play a valuable role in improving patient outcomes and quality of life, particularly when used in conjunction with conventional medical therapies. Key takeaways from the research include the importance of:
- Personalized treatment plans that take into account individual patient needs and circumstances
- Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, to manage chronic diseases and improve overall health
- Addressing biochemical individuality and genetic variability in treatment planning
- Integrating conventional and integrative therapies to provide comprehensive patient care.
From the Research
Article References on Functional Medicine
- The article "Patient-centered care: antecedents, triggers, and mediators" 2 discusses the concept of functional medicine, which is patient-centered rather than disease-centered.
- Another article, "Integrative medicine and patient-centered care" 3, explores the principles of integrative medicine, which includes functional medicine, and its potential to address chronic diseases.
- The article "Functional Medicine in Nursing" 4 explains the core principles of functional medicine and its potential for nurses to incorporate it into their practice.
- While not directly related to functional medicine, the articles "Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Health Benefits" 5 and "Targeting Divergent Pathways in the Nutritional Management of Depression" 6 discuss the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, which may be relevant to functional medicine approaches.
Key Findings
- Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that seeks to address the underlying causes of disease rather than managing symptoms 2, 4.
- Integrative medicine, which includes functional medicine, has the potential to address chronic diseases and promote patient-centered care 3.
- Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B vitamins may have a role in the management of depression and other health conditions 5, 6.