By: Jason Miller
When it comes to healthcare, many of us are familiar with the conventional route: visit a doctor, discuss symptoms, receive a diagnosis, and follow a treatment plan (one that often includes medication).
But there’s a growing field right now that offers a different approach — one that may prove more beneficial in the long run.
The field is functional medicine delivered through telemedicine with or without an office visit. One of the advocates for this movement is Dr. Ma. Lourdes Rose Porto Evangelista-Flores, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, ARNP. She is the founder of Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine Family Practice, an up-and-coming holistic practice dedicated to addressing the whole person in a deep dive—not just their symptoms.
Understanding Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is, simply put, an all-encompassing and personalized approach to healthcare and wellness.
Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on treating specific symptoms or illnesses, functional medicine aims to identify and address the root cause of a health issue. This approach involves spending more time with patients in order to thoroughly understand their medical history.
Functional medicine also takes into consideration genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
“The goal is not to apply a temporary band-aid solution,” Dr. Evangelista-Flores explains, “but to investigate the root causes of bothersome and persistent long-term and/or periodical health concerns. By doing so, we can recommend lifelong lifestyle habits that promote overall health.”
She reiterates that “each patient is unique and special” and that Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine’s approach “will reflect that.”
Photo: Unsplash.com
Focus on Brain, Skin, and Gut Health
Dr. Evangelista-Flores will primarily help patients with brain, skin, and gut issues. These three areas are intrinsically connected. Functional medicine seeks to understand that connection to better address the underlying causes of issues in these systems.
For instance, patients who struggle with gut health often have related issues manifesting in other parts of their body.
Dr. Evangelista-Flores can identify imbalances contributing to broader health problems by conducting a detailed gut analysis. This holistic approach can lead to significant improvements in overall health and well-being.
Similarly, skin health often reflects what’s happening inside the body.
“Skin conditions can provide an overall picture of what’s going on inside, especially in a woman’s body,” notes Dr. Evangelista-Flores. By addressing internal issues, patients can see an improvement in the external (skin) health as well.
Brain health is another critical focus.
Functional medicine considers the complex interplay between the brain and the rest of the body. By addressing the root causes of brain health issues, patients can experience better mental clarity and mood stability and sharpen cognitive function.
The Client Journey at Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine Family Practice
Those eager to work with Dr. Evangelista-Flores and her team will begin their journey with a free discovery call. This initial conversation helps determine if the practice can address the patient’s needs.
If they move forward, the first intake session will last 45 to 70 minutes. Here, the patient’s comprehensive health history will be reviewed. The team needs to be thorough to ensure that the recommended lifestyle management and/or supplementation plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Functional medicine at Abba Blessed Hope will often involve advanced specialty lab testing. Platforms like Rupa Health will facilitate these in coordination with specialized laboratories such as Genova Diagnostics, Precision Analytical, and Doctor’s Data.
“Rupa Health streamlines the accessibility and integration of multiple, specialty complex functional medicine labs and provides continuous training to healthcare providers/specialists who utilize them,” Dr. Evangelista-Flores explains. “Their mission is to make these labs accessible to all and provide continuous training to doctors who utilize them.”
“Rupa Health streamlines the accessibility and integration of multiple, specialty complex functional medicine labs and provides continuous training to health care providers/specialists who utilize them,” Dr. Evangelista-Flores explains. “Their mission is to make these labs accessible to all and provide continuous training to doctors who utilize them.”
The Benefits of Functional Medicine
One common misconception about functional medicine is that it’s prohibitively expensive. However, Dr. Evangelista-Flores argues that it can actually save patients money and time in the long run.
“By strengthening the immune system and preventing diseases through life-transforming nutrition, habits, targeted movements, and lifestyle, functional medicine can potentially reduce the need for costly treatments and hospitalizations,” she explains.
Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine Family Practice encourages everyone to keep a primary care provider for conventional medicine. But they offer hope to those who haven’t found relief from this traditional approach (and, ultimately, need more attention and symptomatic investigation with the help of specialized labs).
Those who have struggled with chronic conditions for so long might be interested in coming to Abba Blessed Hope. The practice offers a compassionate, holistic approach towards their health concerns — and a professional listening ear.
Through personalized and holistic care, there is hope in finding the answers and relief they’ve been seeking.
Photo: Unsplash.com
A Different Perspective on Healthcare
Dr. Ma. Lourdes Rose Porto Evangelista-Flores and her upcoming practice, Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine, exemplify functional medicine’s potential to transform lives. By acknowledging each patient as a unique individual and focusing on the root source of health issues (in addition to symptoms that deprive one of joyful, healthy living), functional medicine offers a pathway to holistic health and well-being. Its holistic, comprehensive approach may lead to lasting improvements and a better quality of life.
Truly, the Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine Family Practice team hopes to support each person’s unique journey towards optimal health.
Published by: Martin De Juan
