What Causes Chronic Diseases and Accelerated Aging?

Functional medicine, unlike conventional medicine, looks at the patient as a whole person, and takes a patient-centered approach to wellness. When it comes to chronic diseases and aging, functional medicine looks at the root causes of the issues, in order to find a science-backed approach to anti-aging strategies and preventing disease. It begins with understanding the underlying factors of rapid aging and chronic disease, which include oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, and imbalances in the gut microbiome. To address these issues, a healthy lifestyle, improved nutrition, and personalized care are among the proven strategies embraced by functional medicine practitioners.

Banner image representing chronic illness awareness, prevention & strategies to support slow aging

How Can Nutrition Help to Slow Aging and Prevent Chronic Disease?

There is a wealth of evidence linking health and longevity to a nutritious diet, emphasizing unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Healthy fats like olive oil and avocados have also been linked to lower mortality, while saturated fats, sugar, and processed foods are connected to inflammation. Essentially, if your goal is longevity, strive for a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich diet. Start by eating a wide array of colorful fruits and vegetables. Add lean proteins to help preserve muscle mass, and make sure to include omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, and wild-caught salmon. Probiotics and prebiotics are good for keeping your microbiome balanced, and foods that are rich in fiber can help support your digestion. Limit your intake of sugar and fried or processed foods.

What Lifestyle Habits and Anti-aging Strategies Promote Longevity?

As people age, they are at higher risk of physical and mental challenges, chronic disease, cognitive decline, and decreased mobility. The best strategies to reduce the negative effects of aging and help a person live longer are proactive lifestyle changes that address these issues in particular. Regular exercise, quality sleep, a good diet, and the right stress management techniques can go a long way in helping a person age gracefully and live longer. Protecting skin from UV rays and getting the recommended health screenings are also important in promoting longevity.

Can Functional Medicine Personalize Prevention?

Functional medicine treats patients holistically, and customizes treatment plans to meet the needs of each individual patient. Comprehensive testing helps personalize care, so a functional medicine practitioner will run certain labs, to determine the patient’s unique needs. Tests are based on the needs of the patient, and may include hormone panels, nutrient testing, gut microbiome analysis, cardiovascular screening, and screening for inflammatory markers. Along with your medical history, these labs can help your doctor determine the best anti-aging strategies and wellness solutions for you.

What Are Practical Steps for Healthy Aging Solutions You Can Start Today?

Talk to your doctor about the right strategies for you, but consider:

Improving your diet.
Strength training to maintain muscle mass.
Getting regular exercise, with a goal of 150 minutes each week.
Managing your stress through techniques like mindfulness and meditation.

Trust Advanced Functional Medicine for a Root Cause Approach to Chronic Disease and Aging

At Advanced Functional Medicine, an integrated medical clinic, we take a full functional medicine approach to healing, using comprehensive diagnostic screening to get to the root of a patient’s issues. Our whole body approach to medicine utilizes all-natural, researched-based nutritional approaches to optimize the body’s natural healing abilities, with the goal of promoting healing from the inside out. To schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help restore your health and strengthen your body, call 858-500-5572 or contact us through our website.