The holistic medicine approach of the future: functional medicine
Turkish-German Foundation for Education, Research and Services Gynecology Chairman Prof. dr. Dr. In his speech at the Congress on Functional Medicine, Cihat Ünlü stated that new developments in gynecology and obstetrics continue and said: “The new understanding evaluates the patient as a whole, not with the disease, but also with the reasons from which the disease. This approach is called “functional medicine.” During the treatment of the disease, it is aimed at investigating the conditions that can lead to the disease and at restoring the impaired functions. By using functional medicine, we can treat disease and reverse biological aging by using both the spirit of nature and the existing systems in our bodies to repair, heal and renew ourselves. For this it is necessary to change the lifestyle and replenish the vitamins and minerals that are lacking in the body.
Prof. Dr. Yaprak Üstün also said: “Functional medicine determines how and why diseases and ailments arise, and ensures health by addressing the main causes of the disease for each individual and improving the whole. Holistic medicine practices have emerged in recent years in scientific studies in the field of women’s health. Holistic medicine is a systems biology based approach that focuses on identifying the cause of disease. Each differential diagnosis can be one of many contributing factors to an individual’s illness. Investigates why and how the disease develops. “This model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that encourages patients and physicians to work together.”
Dr. Penelope McDonnell stated that the issues to address when evaluating a woman planning to conceive should be diet, weight, exercise, medical history, stress level, gut health, and the medications she is taking. High mercury fish such as tuna and swordfish should be avoided and low mercury fish such as salmon should be consumed. Obesity hinders a healthy pregnancy and can cause premature birth. Tests recommended before pregnancy are vitamin D, mercury levels, complete blood counts, thyroid function tests, cholesterol levels, iron storage tests. Exercise that raises heart rate 3 times a week should be recommended. It is important to introduce pre-pregnancy exercises into your life. For someone new to exercise, getting into the habit of walking for 45 minutes a day is a great place to start. Sleep quality and stress level should be evaluated. We recommend meditation for 10-20 minutes a day, herbal teas, yoga to start a beautiful pregnancy. The drugs used should be evaluated and, if necessary, replaced with appropriate drugs. Pesticides, toxins, plastics and cosmetics must be removed from life. Detox should be scheduled for 1 month and the detox should be completed 2 months before pregnancy. At least 2 liters of water should be consumed in the diet. Vegetables and fruits should be consumed. Herbal detox tea should be drunk.
Making assessments about the menopause process they are interested in naturopathic medicine, Dr. Penelope McDonnell stated that women can strengthen their bodies by doing many things before entering menopause. Noting that sleep problems are a major issue for menopausal patients, Dr. McDonnell: “Postmenopausal snoring is now associated with joint pain and heart disease. Improving sleep quality is very important. Supportive treatments such as magnesium and melatonin can be started on the doctor’s recommendation. Acupuncture, epsom, salt baths, exercise improve sleep quality.