The Root Cause of Chronic Illness

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In a world where young adults battle ailments once reserved for the elderly, one pressing question looms: Why are so many Americans constantly exhausted and unwell? From widespread fatigue to escalating autoimmune disorders, the surge in chronic health issues demands a deeper look beyond surface symptoms.

Traditional medicine or conventional medicine, often termed allopathic, excels at crisis intervention but frequently falls short in unraveling the "why" behind persistent ailments. As Dr. Mark Hyman, a pioneer in holistic health, explains, "Functional medicine is the future of conventional medicine — available now. It seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease." This approach shifts focus from merely prescribing drugs for symptoms, like blood pressure meds for hypertension, to probing underlying imbalances in the body's systems.

The root cause of chronic illness: Autoimmune disease

Consider autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

"90% of the time, mysterious medical problems that baffle doctors turn out to be autoimmune," notes functional medicine expert, Dr. Kevin Smith in a recent discussion on New Normal Big Life Podcast. Conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis stem from this self-sabotage, often triggered by gut dysfunction or chronic inflammation.

Real stories underscore this transformation. Cindy Tedrow, plagued by 44 years of chronic pain from autoimmune issues, found relief through functional medicine at Cleveland Clinic. "After changing her diet and some medications, Cindy almost instantly began feeling better because the inflammation in her gut and other areas of her body... decreased," her case reveals.

Similarly, Ellie A shares, "When I first got sick (ultimately diagnosed with an autoimmune disease)... I eventually went to a functional medicine doctor. The very first thing she did was put me on a very healthy diet. I'm now off most of my prescriptions."

The root cause of chronic illness: Blood sugar imbalance

Blood sugar imbalance or dysregulation offers another window into root causes. Beyond types 1 and 2 diabetes, emerging research links insulin resistance to brain health.

"Alzheimer's Disease is increasingly being referred to as 'Type 3 diabetes,'" observes McGill University's Office for Science and Society.

Mayo Clinic experts add, "Are some cases of Alzheimer's disease triggered by a form of diabetes in the brain? Perhaps they are."

Fluctuations, highs leading to diabetes, lows causing shakiness and irritability, often trace back to poor diet, stress, and hormonal imbalances like cortisol spikes.

For veterans, chronic pain and gut woes compound the challenge. Military life imposes erratic eating, like nutrient-poor MREs, fostering inflammation.

A VA study notes, "Poor oral health linked to less gut bacteria diversity," tying microbiome disruptions to broader pain issues. One veteran testimonial echoes, "Through diet, lymphatic drainage and detox protocols, I reversed 10+ years of issues in three months… no meds."

Addressing the root cause of chronic illness: Functional medicine

Functional medicine begins with comprehensive assessments: detailed histories, questionnaires, and extensive labs beyond insurance-dictated minimums.

"We look at the functional normal based on healthy patients," Dr. Smith explains, contrasting it with conventional ranges that overlook early red flags. Supplements, lifestyle tweaks, and gut healing, dubbed the "second brain," target interconnected systems.

JP Singer testifies, "A functional med (doctor) literally saved me... I learned so much about my health... finally got control of my terrible chronic pain, and as a bonus I lost 45 lbs."

Aubrey adds, "I can confidently say that I was able to reverse my autoimmune condition — to about 97% remission."

Empowering patients as informed consumers, this method fosters lasting wellness. As Hyman states, "Choosing what you eat is the most consequential act for your health and well-being." By addressing roots like inflammation and gut health, chronic illness loses its grip.

You can learn more about getting help for your chronic health challenges from Functional Medicine expert - Dr. Kevin Smith, in 'The Root Cause of Chronic Illness,' episode of New Normal Big Life. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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