At SALT Health, we don’t settle for band-aid fixes. We believe in getting to the heart of the matter—why your body feels the way it does, why you’re not thriving, and how to help you live life healthy. This is where functional medicine comes in.
Functional medicine is revolutionizing healthcare by focusing on the root causes of illness rather than just treating symptoms. It offers a comprehensive, personalized approach to health, considering every aspect of an individual’s life, from diet and exercise to genetics and environmental factors. As Dr. Aunna Herbst, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer at SALT Health, explains, “Functional medicine helps optimize functions by looking at biochemistry, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. It’s all about restoring balance in the body to improve overall well-being.”
At its core, functional medicine empowers individuals to take control of their well-being through personalized, proactive care. It’s not just healthcare—it’s life care.
Functional medicine is a systems-based approach to health that prioritizes finding the root causes of illness and imbalances. We’re not just treating what’s wrong—we’re asking, “Why is this happening in the first place?”
Functional medicine is often described as personalized medicine. Unlike traditional care models that apply generalized treatments, functional medicine tailors its approach to the unique needs of each individual.
This model examines how factors like genetics, biochemistry, nutrition, and environment interact to impact health. As we often explain to patients, functional medicine is about optimizing how your body functions as a whole, not just addressing parts in isolation. It’s about balance—homeostasis—and how we can support your body’s natural ability to heal.
“When you visit a functional medicine provider, the goal is to uncover your body’s specific needs. Whether it’s addressing nutrient deficiencies, supporting detoxification, or understanding genetic predispositions, functional medicine ensures every patient’s care is as unique as their DNA.” – Dr. Aunna Herbst
This approach makes functional medicine a powerful tool for achieving optimal health. It addresses chronic conditions, improves quality of life, and focuses on prevention through proactive care.
Traditional medicine is great for acute issues—think broken bones or infections. But when it comes to chronic conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or unexplained fatigue, functional medicine shines by addressing the underlying imbalances that drive these issues.
Functional medicine asks questions like:
Dr. Herbst explains, “When we focus on root causes, we’re no longer guessing. We’re addressing the actual reasons behind symptoms, which allows for more precise, effective care.”
Conventional medicine often stops at treating symptoms. For example, if you’re exhausted, you might be told to “get more sleep.” Functional medicine asks why you’re so tired. Is it adrenal fatigue? A nutrient deficiency? Chronic inflammation? We dig deep to find the answer.
Traditional medicine tends to treat issues in silos—your digestive health here, your mental health there. Functional medicine looks at how everything is connected to see the bigger picture of your overall health and wellness.
This approach isn’t about handing you a prescription and sending you on your way. It’s about helping you understand your body, so you can take charge of your health.
Functional medicine isn’t exclusive to those with chronic illnesses. It’s for anyone who wants to take control of their health, whether that means managing a specific condition or simply feeling better day-to-day.
At SALT Health, we’ve seen functional medicine transform lives by addressing:
Functional medicine is built on a foundation of cutting-edge science, blending knowledge from biochemistry, physiology, and genetics to uncover how the body’s systems interact. Rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation, it seeks to understand the intricate connections that drive health and disease.
Every process in the body, from energy production to immune response, relies on the delicate balance of biochemical interactions. Nutrients, hormones, and enzymes work together to keep systems running smoothly, but deficiencies, imbalances, or disruptions can lead to symptoms or chronic conditions.
For example:
By understanding these processes, functional medicine can pinpoint what’s missing and restore harmony.
Pathophysiology combines the study of normal bodily functions (physiology) with the mechanisms of disease (pathology). This lens helps us understand how chronic inflammation, poor detoxification, or immune dysfunction can contribute to health challenges.
Take detoxification, for instance. If the liver struggles to clear toxins due to nutrient deficiencies or environmental overload, those toxins can accumulate and cause systemic issues like fatigue, brain fog, or skin problems. Functional medicine identifies and supports these overwhelmed pathways to restore balance.
Genomics examines your entire genetic makeup to identify how your DNA influences your health, risk factors, and how your body responds to lifestyle choices. While your genes don’t change, understanding your genomic profile can help you make targeted decisions to support optimal health.
For example: Genomic insights can reveal a higher predisposition to inflammation, allowing you to take proactive steps—like managing stress or adjusting your diet—to reduce disease risk. You may discover specific nutrient needs or sensitivities, enabling you to personalize your nutrition plan to better support your body’s natural functions.
Dr. Herbst captures the beauty of functional medicine, saying, “It’s where we blend data-driven diagnostics with clinical intuition and patient collaboration. By uncovering how genes interact with lifestyle, we empower patients to take control of their health.”
Functional medicine stands apart by prioritizing a personalized, patient-centered approach that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. Here’s how it redefines healthcare:
Functional medicine visits are intentionally longer—often lasting 30 minutes to an hour—because understanding your full story is essential to providing truly personalized care. Our providers take the time to explore your health history, lifestyle, and even childhood experiences to uncover patterns and root causes. This level of attention simply isn’t possible in the traditional model, where appointments often last just 7 to 10 minutes. By taking a deeper, more thoughtful approach, we ensure nothing is overlooked—because your body tells a story, and when we take the time to listen, we can find the answers.
Every individual’s health journey is unique. Functional medicine tailors recommendations to your specific needs, based on:
For example, two people with fatigue might have entirely different root causes—one driven by nutrient deficiencies and the other by chronic stress. Functional medicine ensures their care plans are as unique as their DNA.
Functional medicine complements conventional medicine, creating a cohesive approach to health. It doesn’t reject traditional care but enhances it by focusing on prevention and addressing underlying causes.
For example:
Dr. Herbst describes it best: “Functional medicine isn’t about replacing conventional care; it’s about elevating it by creating a comprehensive, proactive approach to health.”
Patients often come to us feeling unheard or frustrated after years of bouncing from one specialist to another. Here’s what they say after trying functional medicine:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjA9yDNmoSE?si=w_srPCLdkSda_1Yc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>Some people hesitate to try functional medicine, worrying that it might feel “too alternative” or that it diverges from the trusted approaches of conventional care. But functional medicine isn’t about replacing one system with another—it’s about integration and optimization.
This isn’t about choosing between functional and conventional medicine. It’s about bringing the best of both together to create a comprehensive approach that works for you. Functional medicine complements traditional healthcare by digging deeper into the root causes of health issues, focusing on prevention, and offering personalized solutions.
Here are a few ways functional medicine bridges the gap:
For patients new to this approach, Dr. Herbst often shares this analogy: “Think of functional medicine as the missing piece of the puzzle. It doesn’t replace the rest—it completes the picture, allowing us to create a more effective, personalized care plan.”
By integrating functional medicine with traditional care, patients can benefit from the strengths of both approaches. It’s not about alternative versus conventional—it’s about finding what works best for each individual.
In today’s fast-paced world, the traditional healthcare system often feels rushed and reactive. Patients may leave appointments with more questions than answers, feeling like their unique needs weren’t truly addressed. Functional medicine offers a different approach—one that’s thoughtful, proactive, and deeply personalized.
Dr. Herbst explains it this way:
“A diagnosis is just the beginning, not the end. The real questions are: Why is this happening, and how can I change it? Functional medicine helps you answer those questions and empowers you to take control of your health.”
This approach isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about understanding the underlying causes of health challenges and creating strategies to restore balance and vitality. By addressing root issues, functional medicine helps patients take ownership of their health journey, offering hope and clarity in an often overwhelming healthcare landscape.
Q: How is functional medicine different from alternative medicine?
A: Functional medicine is rooted in evidence-based practices and integrates the best of traditional and holistic approaches. It combines cutting-edge diagnostic tools, like advanced lab testing and genomics, with time-tested lifestyle interventions, such as nutrition and stress management.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: The timeline for results varies, but many patients notice improvements within weeks of starting their personalized care plan. However, functional medicine is about long-term transformation—addressing root causes takes time, and the benefits often grow as the plan is fine-tuned over time.
Q: Do I need to switch primary care providers?
A: Not necessarily. Functional medicine is designed to complement conventional care by filling in the gaps where traditional approaches may fall short, offering deeper insights and more targeted solutions. Many patients find that their primary care provider and functional medicine practitioner can work together seamlessly to support their overall health.
At SALT Health, we offer flexible options to support your wellness journey—whether that means partnering with your current primary care provider or becoming a SALT Health Member and receiving care through our “functional primary care” model. Either way, you’ll benefit from a proactive, personalized approach focused on long-term health and healing.
Functional medicine is redefining healthcare by focusing on uncovering root causes and empowering individuals to live fully and well. At SALT Health, we’re here to help you understand your body’s unique needs and create a personalized plan to help you thrive.
Are you ready to move beyond symptom management and embrace true healing? Let’s rewrite your health story together. Visit our website to learn more and schedule your consultation today. Your journey to a healthier, more vibrant life starts here.