FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
What is Functional Medicine?
A holistic healthcare approach that is based on the premise that every system in your body is connected. There's no such thing as an isolated issue. When one system fails, your entire body suffers and you need a whole system model to restore your health.
Functional medicine provides a method for re-balancing the body’s underlying physiological systems and addressing lifestyle issues that contribute to illness. When this is done, your biology’s inherent healing forces are unleashed and chronic illness is resolved naturally and quickly often without the need for costly pharmaceutical medications or invasive surgeries. In this way, functional medicine offers a unique approach to understanding the terrain of chronic illness and provides us a whole new way to address the epidemic of chronic disease we face in the 21st century.
We do not treat the individual diseases; we deal with underlying health dysfunctions in the individual patient. We do not prescribe or alter medications; we restore health. Our program works in conjunction with the patients prescribing doctor who will decide when and if the patient can reduce or eliminate any medication.
At Ozark Functional Wellness, health is being restored. Inflammation is being calmed. Blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol levels are normalizing. Hormonal imbalances are corrected. Stubborn weight is coming off. Energy levels are being dramatically improved. Pain and aches are reduced and resolved. Brain fog is lifted, and sleep difficulties are improved. This is all achieved naturally and safely.
What is Functional Medicine?
A holistic healthcare approach that is based on the premise that every system in your body is connected. There's no such thing as an isolated issue. When one system fails, your entire body suffers and you need a whole system model to restore your health.
Functional medicine provides a method for re-balancing the body’s underlying physiological systems and addressing lifestyle issues that contribute to illness. When this is done, your biology’s inherent healing forces are unleashed and chronic illness is resolved naturally and quickly often without the need for costly pharmaceutical medications or invasive surgeries. In this way, functional medicine offers a unique approach to understanding the terrain of chronic illness and provides us a whole new way to address the epidemic of chronic disease we face in the 21st century.
We do not treat the individual diseases; we deal with underlying health dysfunctions in the individual patient. We do not prescribe or alter medications; we restore health. Our program works in conjunction with the patients prescribing doctor who will decide when and if the patient can reduce or eliminate any medication.
At Ozark Functional Wellness, health is being restored. Inflammation is being calmed. Blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol levels are normalizing. Hormonal imbalances are corrected. Stubborn weight is coming off. Energy levels are being dramatically improved. Pain and aches are reduced and resolved. Brain fog is lifted, and sleep difficulties are improved. This is all achieved naturally and safely.
Rebalance, Replenish, Restore.
Rebalance, Replenish, Restore.
Office Visits
Initial Visit (Exploration)
This session is designed to learn the most about the patient. I call this exploration because we go over your in-depth intake forms and I am looking for clarifications, we do a comprehensive history and a complete physical. It is then that I decide which labs may be needed to further understand your underlying conditions.
In this session, very few recommendations are made.
Initial Consultation $150
Follow up Visits
The initial follow up session is scheduled after all the results from your tests have returned. This session is where we sit down and form a strategy to get you on the road to recovery. This might include lifestyle changes, dietary changes, supplements, exercises, etc...
Additional follow up visits will be scheduled to monitor progress, tweak things along the way and help keep you accountable on your journey back to health.
Follow Up Visits $80
Office Visits
Initial Visit (Exploration)
This session is designed to learn the most about the patient. I call this exploration because we go over your in-depth intake forms and I am looking for clarifications, we do a comprehensive history and a complete physical. It is then that I decide which labs may be needed to further understand your underlying conditions.
In this session, very few recommendations are made.
Initial Consultation $150
Follow up Visits
The initial follow up session is scheduled after all the results from your tests have returned. This session is where we sit down and form a strategy to get you on the road to recovery. This might include lifestyle changes, dietary changes, supplements, exercises, etc...
Additional follow up visits will be scheduled to monitor progress, tweak things along the way and help keep you accountable on your journey back to health.
Follow Up Visits $80
Restore Your Health
Restore Your Quality of Life
Restore Your Health
Restore Your Quality of Life
SOME OF THE SPECIALTY TEST AVAILABLE
FOOD SENSITIVITY TESTING
A food sensitivity is a reaction to a different part of the immune system.
Food allergies, IgE reactions are what you would typically think of when someone says they have a peanut allergy. If they even touch peanut oil to their lips, their lips, face and throat can begin swelling. This is what is called a histaminic reaction where the body releases histamine as a response to the food. A food sensitivity, IgG or IgA response is a delayed hypersensitivity and does not usually cause a histamine reaction. Symptoms are “delayed onset”, where symptoms do not appear for hours or even days. This is why it is difficult to do an elimination test for food sensitivities, it is hard to see that the cauliflower you ate 2-3 days ago is causing your headache today.
A food sensitivity, as opposed to a food allergy, happens gradually and isn’t life threatening. Symptoms of a delayed food allergy can take up to 72 hours to appear. This type of immune response is mediated by the IgG antibody, which is the largest circulating antibody in our immune system and can cross the placenta from mother to child. IgG antibodies are the most common form of immunologic mediated food responses. It can be difficult to identify the offending food since we eat so many foods that go through different processes and have many ingredients. It is estimated that 20% of the population have an adverse reaction to a certain food.
Food sensitivities may be caused by many factors such as stress, infections, overeating, artificial preservatives, additives, molds, pesticides, antibiotics, and environmental pollutants. Unidentified food sensitivities can then contribute to many chronic health conditions: including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, autism, ADD/ADHD, eczema, chronic ear infections, gut malabsorption, insomnia and many others.
Alletess Medical Laboratory uses state of the art technology to identify the offending foods in your diet. Many times the foods we eat frequently and seem healthy are contributing to our health problems.
Some of the Symptoms of Food Sensitivities:
Headaches Migraines
Fatigue Gas / Bloating
Weight Loss Resistance Thyroid Dysfunction
Chronic Pain / Inflammation Stomach ache
Acid Reflux/GERD Diarrhea
Constipation Blood in the stool
Chronic pain/Arthritis Dark circles under the eyes
Anxiety / Depression ADHD
Nausea/Vomiting Eczema/Psoriasis/Rashes/Hives
Sinus problems
Non-Invasive Personalized Nutritional Assessment
The Metabolomix+ Profile report categorizes results into several metabolic areas (see sample report for individual analytes):
Personalized Results Overview and Nutrient Need Overview
Functional Imbalance Scores in areas of methylation, toxic exposure, mitochondrial dysfunction, fatty acid imbalances, and oxidative stress
Nutrient Need Overview with recommendations for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, GI support, and amino acids
Interpretation-At-A-Glance pages provide nutritional educational support for you and your patient highlighting the function of each nutrient, cause of deficiency, complications of deficiency and food sources of the nutrient
Organic Acids (urine)
Malabsorption and Bacterial/ Yeast Dysbiosis Markers are metabolites produced by the gastrointestinal microbiome
Cellular Energy & Mitochondrial Metabolites are biomarkers of carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, and the citric acid (Kreb’s) cycle
Neurotransmitter Metabolites are downstream byproducts of epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine
Vitamin Markers are specific analytes used to assess functional levels of vitamin cofactors
Toxin & Detoxification Markers relate to certain toxic metabolites and the body’s detoxification capacity
Oxalate Markers relate to kidney stone formation, oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction
Amino Acids (urine)
Essential Amino Acids must be derived from dietary sources
Nonessential Amino Acids are synthesized by the body
Intermediary Metabolites are byproducts of amino acid metabolism
B Vitamin Markers are involved in biochemical reactions that specifically require B vitamins
Urea Cycle Markers are byproducts associated with nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification
Glycine/Serine Metabolites are involved in the serine-to-choline pathway and the methylation pathways
ORGANIC ACIDS TEST (OAT)Nutritional & Metabolic Profile
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with 76 markers. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. The cause of these high levels could include oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, acquired infections, as well as genetic factors.
Our Organic Acids Test also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses.
If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, treatments can include supplements, such as vitamins and antioxidants, or dietary modification. Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain. The OAT is strongly recommended as the initial screening test.
The Microbial Organic Acids Test (MOAT) is ideal for follow-up to the OAT and is often recommended by practitioners looking for a specific abnormality, to monitor certain microbial imbalances, or to assess treatment efficacy.
MycoTOX Profile (Mold Exposure)
Fungi can grow on almost any surface, especially if the environment is warm and wet. Inner wall materials of buildings, wallpaper, fiber glass insulation, ceiling tiles, and gypsum support are all good surfaces for fungi to colonize. These fungi then release mycotoxins into the environment causing symptoms of many different chronic diseases. Diseases and symptoms linked to mycotoxin exposure include fever, pneumonia-like symptoms, heart disease, rheumatic disease, asthma, sinusitis, cancer, memory loss, vision loss, chronic fatigue, skin rashes, depression, ADHD, anxiety, and liver damage. With the MycoTOX Profile we can identify mycotoxin exposures and make recommendations for detoxification treatments that have been effective.
COMPREHENSIVE STOOL ANALYSIS
Many chronic disorders come from digestive problems and inadequate nutrient absorption. Proper gastrointestinal function is needed to eliminate toxic substances, pathogenic microbes, and undigested food particles from the body to prevent health problems. Nutrients require a specific internal environment to be properly digested and transported throughout the body.
Abnormal intestinal microorganisms in the GI tract are widely known to cause disease. Research shows a relationship between the GI tract and the neurological, hepatic, and immune systems. For example, excessive yeast produces toxic substances that can pass through the blood-brain barrier and alter neurological functioning causing “brain fog,” behavior problems, and learning difficulties.
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis detects the presence of pathogenic yeast, parasites, and bacteria, which could be contributing to chronic illness and neurological dysfunction. It provides information about prescription and natural products that may be effective against specific microorganism strains detected in the sample. The test also evaluates beneficial bacteria levels, intestinal immune function, overall intestinal health (presence of occult blood, short chain fatty acids analysis, pH, mucus, and other criteria), and markers for inflammation.
- Digestion of nutrients (chymotrypsin, triglycerides, muscle fibers, vegetable fibers)
- Absorption of nutrients (cholesterol, carbohydrates, steatocrit %)
- Elimination efficiency of undigested food residues and toxins
-
Levels of healthy bacterial flora versus potentially pathogenic species, yeast, and parasites
-
Culture and sensitivities of pathogenic yeast and bacteria
-
Infectious pathogens (EIA evaluation for Campylobacter, Enterohemorrhagic E. coli cytotoxin, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidium
-
Indices and markers of intestinal immune function (fecal sIgA)
-
Indices and markers of inflammation (lysozyme and lactoferrin levels)
-
Indices and markers of intestinal physiology and of intestinal health (presence of RBC, WBC, mucus, occult blood, fecal pH, and short chain fatty acids analysis)
DUTCH - Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones
This advanced hormone testing was developed to improve on available hormone testing options. DUTCH offers the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites. Additionally, the daily (diurnal) pattern of free cortisol is included, along with melatonin (6-OHMS), 8-OHdG, and six organic acids. This unique combination of clinical information is not available by any other method.
The DUTCH test looks not just at your reproductive hormones (although it does look at those quite thoroughly), but it also looks at your stress hormones, your androgens (male pattern hormones), your melatonin and the new DUTCH test also looks at organic acids – markers for mood and nutritional balance in the body.
Do you suffer from any of these symptoms?
Depression
Fatigue
Anxiety
Weight Gain
Hot Flashes
Infertility
Decreased Libido
Trouble Sleeping
Loss of Muscle
Acne
Hair Loss or
Unwanted Hair
Don't get overwhelmed with all the options.
Choosing the correct test for the individual patient is my job. :)
SOME OF THE SPECIALTY TEST AVAILABLE
FOOD SENSITIVITY TESTING
A food sensitivity is a reaction to a different part of the immune system.
Food allergies, IgE reactions are what you would typically think of when someone says they have a peanut allergy. If they even touch peanut oil to their lips, their lips, face and throat can begin swelling. This is what is called a histaminic reaction where the body releases histamine as a response to the food. A food sensitivity, IgG or IgA response is a delayed hypersensitivity and does not usually cause a histamine reaction. Symptoms are “delayed onset”, where symptoms do not appear for hours or even days. This is why it is difficult to do an elimination test for food sensitivities, it is hard to see that the cauliflower you ate 2-3 days ago is causing your headache today.
LEARN MORE
A food sensitivity, as opposed to a food allergy, happens gradually and isn’t life threatening. Symptoms of a delayed food allergy can take up to 72 hours to appear. This type of immune response is mediated by the IgG antibody, which is the largest circulating antibody in our immune system and can cross the placenta from mother to child. IgG antibodies are the most common form of immunologic mediated food responses. It can be difficult to identify the offending food since we eat so many foods that go through different processes and have many ingredients. It is estimated that 20% of the population have an adverse reaction to a certain food.Food sensitivities may be caused by many factors such as stress, infections, overeating, artificial preservatives, additives, molds, pesticides, antibiotics, and environmental pollutants. Unidentified food sensitivities can then contribute to many chronic health conditions: including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, autism, ADD/ADHD, eczema, chronic ear infections, gut malabsorption, insomnia and many others.Alletess Medical Laboratory uses state of the art technology to identify the offending foods in your diet. Many times the foods we eat frequently and seem healthy are contributing to our health problems.
Some of the Symptoms of Food Sensitivities:
Headaches Migraines
Fatigue Gas / Bloating
Weight Loss Resistance Thyroid Dysfunction
Chronic Pain / Inflammation Stomach ache
Acid Reflux/GERD Diarrhea
Constipation Blood in the stool
Chronic pain/Arthritis Dark circles under the eyes
Anxiety / Depression ADHD
Nausea/Vomiting Eczema/Psoriasis/Rashes/Hives
Sinus problems
Non-Invasive Personalized Nutritional Assessment
Are you taking supplements you don't need?
This test looks at your individual need for vitamins and minerals.
LEARN MORE
Functional Imbalance Scores in areas of methylation, toxic exposure, mitochondrial dysfunction, fatty acid imbalances, and oxidative stress
Nutrient Need Overview with recommendations for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, GI support, and amino acids
Interpretation-At-A-Glance pages provide nutritional educational support for you and your patient highlighting the function of each nutrient, cause of deficiency, complications of deficiency and food sources of the nutrient
Organic Acids (urine)
Malabsorption and Bacterial/ Yeast Dysbiosis Markers are metabolites produced by the gastrointestinal microbiome
Cellular Energy & Mitochondrial Metabolites are biomarkers of carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, and the citric acid (Kreb’s) cycle
Neurotransmitter Metabolites are downstream byproducts of epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine
Vitamin Markers are specific analytes used to assess functional levels of vitamin cofactors
Toxin & Detoxification Markers relate to certain toxic metabolites and the body’s detoxification capacity
Oxalate Markers relate to kidney stone formation, oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction
Amino Acids (urine)
Essential Amino Acids must be derived from dietary sources
Nonessential Amino Acids are synthesized by the body
Intermediary Metabolites are byproducts of amino acid metabolism
B Vitamin Markers are involved in biochemical reactions that specifically require B vitamins
Urea Cycle Markers are byproducts associated with nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification
Glycine/Serine Metabolites are involved in the serine-to-choline pathway and the methylation pathways
ORGANIC ACIDS TEST (OAT) Nutritional & Metabolic Profile
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with 76 markers. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria.
LEARN MORE
Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function.
Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. The cause of these high levels could include oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, acquired infections, as well as genetic factors.
Our Organic Acids Test also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses. If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, treatments can include supplements, such as vitamins and antioxidants, or dietary modification.
Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain. The OAT is strongly recommended as the initial screening test.
The Microbial Organic Acids Test (MOAT) is ideal for follow-up to the OAT and is often recommended by practitioners looking for a specific abnormality, to monitor certain microbial imbalances, or to assess treatment efficacy.
Mold Exposure
Mycotoxins (toxins from mold) are some of the most prevalent toxins in the environment.
LEARN MORE
Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi like mold, which can infest buildings, vehicles, and foodstuffs. Most mycotoxin exposures in North America, Europe, and Australia are through airborne exposure. Food may be a major source of mycotoxins in third-world nations that lack government inspection of foods, especially the grains such as rice, corn, wheat, rye, and barley. Many grains that are harvested have been found to be contaminated with mycotoxins but little of such harvests are discarded and are frequently sold for animal feeds such as dog food or feed for cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and horses.
Fungi can grow on almost any surface, especially if the environment is warm and wet. Inner wall materials of buildings, wallpaper, fiber glass insulation, ceiling tiles, and gypsum support are all good surfaces for fungi to colonize.
These fungi then release mycotoxins into the environment causing symptoms of many different chronic diseases. Diseases and symptoms linked to mycotoxin exposure include fever, pneumonia-like symptoms, heart disease, rheumatic disease, asthma, sinusitis, cancer, memory loss, vision loss, chronic fatigue, skin rashes, depression, ADHD, anxiety, and liver damage.
With the MycoTOX Profile we can identify mycotoxin exposures and make recommendations for detoxification treatments that have been effective.
COMPREHENSIVE STOOL ANALYSIS
LEARN MORE
Many chronic disorders come from digestive problems and inadequate nutrient absorption. Proper gastrointestinal function is needed to eliminate toxic substances, pathogenic microbes, and undigested food particles from the body to prevent health problems. Nutrients require a specific internal environment to be properly digested and transported throughout the body.
Abnormal intestinal microorganisms in the GI tract are widely known to cause disease. Research shows a relationship between the GI tract and the neurological, hepatic, and immune systems.
For example, excessive yeast produces toxic substances that can pass through the blood-brain barrier and alter neurological functioning causing “brain fog,” behavior problems, and learning difficulties.
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis detects the presence of pathogenic yeast, parasites, and bacteria, which could be contributing to chronic illness and neurological dysfunction.
It provides information about prescription and natural products that may be effective against specific microorganism strains detected in the sample. The test also evaluates beneficial bacteria levels, intestinal immune function, overall intestinal health (presence of occult blood, short chain fatty acids analysis, pH, mucus, and other criteria), and markers for inflammation.
Digestion of nutrients (chymotrypsin, triglycerides, muscle fibers, vegetable fibers)Absorption of nutrients (cholesterol, carbohydrates, steatocrit %)
Elimination efficiency of undigested food residues and toxins
Levels of healthy bacterial flora versus potentially pathogenic species, yeast, and parasites
Culture and sensitivities of pathogenic yeast and bacteriaInfectious pathogens (EIA evaluation for Campylobacter, Enterohemorrhagic E. coli cytotoxin, Giardia lamblia, and CryptosporidiumIndices and markers of intestinal immune function (fecal sIgA)
Indices and markers of inflammation (lysozyme and lactoferrin levels)
Indices and markers of intestinal physiology and of intestinal health (presence of RBC, WBC, mucus, occult blood, fecal pH, and short chain fatty acids analysis)
DUTCH - Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones
LEARN MORE
This advanced hormone testing was developed to improve on available hormone testing options. DUTCH offers the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites.
Additionally, the daily (diurnal) pattern of free cortisol is included, along with melatonin (6-OHMS), 8-OHdG, and six organic acids. This unique combination of clinical information is not available by any other method.
The DUTCH test looks not just at your reproductive hormones (although it does look at those quite thoroughly), but it also looks at your stress hormones, your androgens (male pattern hormones), your melatonin and the new DUTCH test also looks at organic acids – markers for mood and nutritional balance in the body.
Do you suffer from any of these symptoms?
Depression
Fatigue
Anxiety
Weight Gain
Hot Flashes
Infertility
Decreased Libido
Trouble Sleeping
Loss of Muscle
Acne
Hair Loss
orUnwanted Hair
Don't get overwhelmed with all the options.
Choosing the correct test for the individual patient is my job. :)
Important Note For Functional Medicine Patients
At Ozark Functional Wellness, through functional medicine, we do not act as a Primary Care Provider. All functional medicine patients are required to have their own primary care physician for, but not limited to, routine health screenings and acute medical issues. Ozark Functional Wellness does not provide urgent or emergency care.
Important Note For
Functional Medicine Patients
At Ozark Functional Wellness, through functional medicine, we do not act as a Primary Care Provider. All functional medicine patients are required to have their own primary care physician for, but not limited to, routine health screenings and acute medical issues. Ozark Functional Wellness does not provide urgent or emergency care.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No guarantee is provided or implied. Results may vary based on each patient’s physical health and adherence to the care plan designed by the doctor. These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.