This is one thing that I've found so frustrating in my own health journey, as I've started taking steps to begin addressing my chronic acid reflux. The conventional doctors I have met with so far seem to want nothing to do with the problem other than try to prescribe me prescription-strength antacids. (Which is obviously just a band-aid approach.)
Anyway, I'll stay off my soapbox for now, but I'll give you an update on my own health story - and the issues I've had with conventional medicine - later this summer. For now, I'll just say that I'm no longer content to just take the drugs, and soon, I plan to talk to someone who will actually start helping me look for the "why."
If you're dealing with your own chronic health problems that just won’t go away, it might be time to look beyond conventional medicine and dive into the world of Functional Medicine. In the latest episode of The Doctor's Farmacy podcast, Dr. Mark Hyman sits down with Dr. Casey Means to unravel the complexities of metabolic health and how it interconnects with our broader societal issues. This episode emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the status quo to reimagine health in a more holistic and effective way. Check it out below!
One of the most compelling aspects of Functional Medicine is its foundational principle of asking “why?” rather than just treating symptoms. By constantly probing the underlying causes of metabolic diseases, we can better understand the energy crisis we face today. It's not just about the food we eat or the exercise we get, but a web of physiologic root causes entwined with policies, industries, and economic incentives that significantly impact our health.
Reimagining the Healthcare System
Dr. Hyman and Dr. Means explore why we urgently need to reimagine our healthcare system. They argue that Functional Medicine provides a robust framework for asking the critical “why?” questions. This approach can reveal how our current system often prioritizes treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes, perpetuating a cycle of chronic illness and dependency on pharmaceuticals. By shifting our focus to preventive and personalized care, we can create a healthcare system that truly promotes health rather than merely managing disease.
Metabolic Health: A Societal Barometer
Our metabolic health is more than just an indicator of personal well-being; it serves as a barometer for the health challenges facing our society. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels—reflects deeper systemic issues. Dr. Hyman and Dr. Means discuss how every institution related to our health, from food industries to pharmaceutical companies, profits from sickness. This stark reality calls for a reevaluation of how we address health at both individual and societal levels.
Technology and Awareness: Tools for Taking Control
In an era of advanced technology, we have more tools than ever to monitor and manage our health. Dr. Hyman and Dr. Means highlight the potential of combining cutting-edge technology with personal awareness to reclaim control over our metabolic health. Devices and apps that track biomarkers, diet, and physical activity can empower individuals to make informed decisions and take proactive steps toward better health.
Five Simple Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome
For those ready to take charge of their health, the podcast outlines five simple biomarkers to start with:
- Waist Circumference: Excess fat around the waist is a key indicator of metabolic syndrome.
- Blood Pressure: Keeping track of your blood pressure can help identify risks early.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: Elevated fasting blood sugar levels can be a sign of insulin resistance.
- Triglycerides: High levels of triglycerides in the blood can indicate metabolic dysfunction.
- HDL Cholesterol: Low levels of "good" HDL cholesterol are a risk factor for metabolic syndrome.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice on improving metabolic health and driving foundational changes in society. By tuning in, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to address the root causes of your health issues and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable healthcare system!
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that not only promises to help you fix your metabolism but also offers a roadmap to a healthier society. Watch and listen below:
- Why we need to reimagine the healthcare system and how to use Functional Medicine as a framework for asking “why?”
- Metabolic health as a barometer for our challenges as a society
- How did we get to a place where 93% of US adults have metabolic dysfunction?
- Disconnection as the root cause of our metabolic health crisis
- A stark reality: Every institution related to our health makes money off of sickness
- Start creating good energy to drive your life force
- Using advanced tools and technology with our own awareness to take back control of our health
- Five affordable biomarkers of metabolic syndrome to start with
- The pharmaceutical and food industries monopoly on advertising
- The need for policy changes to promote healthy food
I hope you enjoy this episode and it gets you thinking about how your body is actually functioning, and what may be causing any chronic health issues you may be experiencing. Your conventional doctor probably won't tell you any of this stuff, so it's up to you to learn about it and take charge of your own health!
As she states in the episode, "Doctors are not learning how to read the tea leaves, so you have to."
To your health,
Rose.