Functional Medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of people today. The traditional focus of medicine is disease-centered focus of medical practice where Functional Medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional Medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. Functional Medicine supports the unique expression of vitality and health  for each individual.

• Functional Medicine enables physicians and other health professionals to practice proactive, predictive, personalized medicine and empowers patients to take an active role in their own health.
• Functional Medicine incorporates the latest in genetic science, systems biology, and understanding of how environmental and lifestyle factors influence the emergence and progression of disease.
• Functional Medicine offers a powerful new operating system and clinical model for assessment, treatment, and prevention of chronic disease to replace the outdated and ineffective acute-care models carried forward from the 20th century.

How Functional Medicine Heals a Key Health Care Gap

Today’s health care system is in trouble because it applies a medical management model that works well for acute health problems to chronic health problems, where it is much less successful. If you have a heart attack, accident or sudden lung infection such as pneumonia, you certainly want a quick-thinking doctor to use all the quick-acting resources of modern medicine, such as life-saving technology, surgery and antibiotics. Jumping in with drugs, surgery and other acute care treatments too often does not succeed in helping those with chronic, debilitating ailments, such as diabetes, heart disease or arthritis. Another approach is needed.

The Two-Pronged Healing Approach of Functional Medicine

To battle chronic health conditions, Functional Medicine uses two scientifically grounded principles:

1. Add what’s lacking in the body to nudge its physiology back to a state of optimal functioning.
2. Remove anything that impedes the body from moving toward this optimal state of physiology.

Plainly put, your body naturally wants to be healthy. But things needed by the body to function at its best might be missing, or something might be standing in the way of its best functioning. Functional Medicine first identifies the factors responsible for the malfunctioning. Then it deals with those factors in a way appropriate to the patient’s particular situation. Very often Functional Medicine practitioners use advanced laboratory testing to identify the root cause or causes of the patient’s health problem. Old-fashioned medical diagnosis helps too, in the form of listening carefully to the patient’s history of symptoms and asking questions about his or her activities and lifestyle. For treatment, Functional Medicine practitioners use a combination of natural agents (supplements, herbs, nutraceuticals and homeopathics), nutritional and lifestyle changes, spiritual/emotional counseling, and pharmaceuticals, if necessary to prod a patient’s physiology back to an optimal state. In addition, educating the patient about their condition empowers them to take charge of their own health, ultimately leading to greater success in treatment.

Treating Symptoms Versus Treating the Person

In the dominant health care model today, medication is used to get rid of people’s symptoms. If the patient stops taking the medication, symptoms generally return. Functional Medicine approaches health problems differently. Instead of masking the problem, it aims at restoring the body’s natural functioning. Although Functional Medicine practitioners may prescribe pharmaceuticals, they are used to gently nudge the patient’s physiology in a positive direction so the patient will no longer need them. For example, conventional doctors would normally prescribe pharmaceuticals like Prilosec, Prevacid or Aciphex to treat acid reflux or heartburn. When the patient stops taking such drugs, the heartburn symptoms come back. In contrast, a Functional Medicine practitioner might find that a patient’s acid reflux is caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Eradicating the Helicobacter pylori might very well lead to the end of heartburn symptoms, permanently. It’s also important to note that in Functional Medicine, treatment for similar symptoms might vary tremendously for different patients, according to their medical history and results of laboratory tests. Factors that can come into play in producing the same symptoms include toxic chemicals, pathogenic bacteria, parasites, chronic viral pathogens, emotional poisons like anger, greed or envy, and structural factors such as tumors or cysts.

The Roots of Functional Medicine

Sir William Osler Functional Medicine Pioneer

You may be surprised to learn that Functional Medicine isn’t new. It actually represents a return to the roots of modern scientific medicine, captured in this statement by Sir William Osler, one of the first professors at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and later its Physician-in-Chief: “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” Another important saying by Osler is “If you listen carefully to the patient, they will tell you the diagnosis.” This encapsulates the importance placed in Functional Medicine on taking a thorough history from the patient.

Your Experience of Functional Medicine

We have titled this web site, “Your Medical Detective,” because patients often feel their Functional Medicine practitioner is leaving no stone unturned in their relentless research to pinpoint the causes of a particular patient’s symptoms. When you consult a Functional Medicine practitioner, the first step is always your history. Practitioners are trained on how to unravel and make sense of a complicated story. Often clues in the story lead to the identification of key imbalances. The next set of clues comes from a comprehensive physical examination, which includes many nearly forgotten examination procedures used by famous diagnosticians (both living and long gone), such as chapman reflex points, ankle brachial reflex and nail inspection. The final set of clues comes from advanced laboratory testing. Innovative, cutting-edge lab tests help the practitioner look deeply into a patient’s physiology to identify how it has been compromised and how physiological balance can be restored. After diagnosis and treatment, a Functional Medicine patient can expect his or her symptoms to diminish in severity, with a renewed sense of well-being and significant increase in health and vitality. While there is no substitute for face-to-face treatment from a trained Functional Medicine practitioner, this site educates you on the Functional Medicine perspective and on the kinds of clues and treatments that may be key to restoring you to optimal health.

It’s hard to live in a living world without some living organisms taking residence on or inside of your body. It might not be the most pleasant idea, but everyone is carrying bugs of some sort. Harmful organisms in the intestines and bacteria in the gut are among the most common. Another is Candida albicans. If you’ve ever experienced a yeast infection, then you probably know this one well  . Although everyone has Candida, problems are unlikely to arise if it’s kept in balance. However, if Candida imbalance occurs, so may a yeast infection. Yeast infections can affect the mouth, skin and genitals (and that includes women AND men) and range in severity from inconvenient and uncomfortable to life-threatening. Additionally, overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract may be a catalyst for serious problems if the fungus enters the bloodstream.

Let’s take a look at a few other must-know facts about yeast infections.

1. Yeast Infections May Occur Orally

Gross. Really? Yes, oral yeast infections are commonly called thrush. This infection is common in newborns but typically passes quickly. Babies are not the only ones affected, a recent study found that oral Candida overgrowth occurs in one out of every four adults. Poor oral hygiene is often a primary factor. Researchers identified the presence of plaque, tartar, and amalgam fillings as significantly related to the degree of Candida present. ^[1] The best defense? Proper, and regular, oral hygiene.

2. Vaginal Yeast Infections Can Be Tricky

Practicing good hygiene is a very good deterrent for yeast infections. However, this isn’t always the case. Frequent douching has been associated with higher incidences of yeast infections. So has wearing tight nylon or synthetic underwear. Oddly enough, over-the-counter anti-fungal medications have also been associated with stubborn occurrences of vaginal candiadosis. ^[2] The use of intrauterine contraceptive devices also show a statistically significant increase in Candida infection. ^[3]

3. Use of an Asthma Inhaler May Contribute to Candida

A Brazilian study of adults using inhalers for longer than 6 months identified oral candidiasis as one of several adverse effects. ^[4] Anyone using an inhaler, or any other oral appliance (such as mouth guards, retainers, or dentures) should be aware of the possibility of Candida exposure.

4. Candida Naturally Occurs On and In Humans

Microbiota like Candida occur naturally on human skin and in the human gastrointestinal tract. In healthy individuals, the immune system and symbiotic bacteria help keep these fungal species in check. Not surprisingly, persons with compromised immune systems are among the most susceptible to Candida overgrowth.

5. The Connection Between Diabetes and Candida

Individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop genital yeast infections, both women and men. The high blood glucose levels of diabetics encourage yeast growth. And, because it inhibits immune response, the risk of recurring infection is higher. Women are more likely to suffer infection from Candida alibicans and Candida glabrate. Uncircumsized men may experience infection from Candida balaritis. ^[5]

6. Candida Often Accompanies HIV

Research has shown nearly 90% of HIV positive patients suffer from oral Candiadisis. In contrast, these patients do not experience an increase in genital yeast infection. ^[6]

7. Candida Loves Carbohydrates

While Candida occurs naturally in the human digestive tract, how much is present depends quite a bit on diet. Studies have identified that persons whose diets are high in carbohydrates are more susceptible than persons whose diets are high in amino acids, proteins and fatty acids. Candida levels increase most immediately following consumption of carbohydrates.^[7]

8. You Can Protect Yourself With Probiotics

Intestinal yeast infections, or Candida overgrowth, have been associated with the development of several Irritable Bowel Diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn’s disease. Protecting intestinal health has become a major focus for research. One study identified a probiotic strain as successful for improving cellular defense against Candida. ^[8]

9. Presents an Increased Risk of MS

This one is an unforeseen doozy to most — Candida infection has been associated with increased odds of multiple sclerosis (MS). A case-control study evaluated the relationship of MS and Candida infection and discovered that MS patients showed higher overall blood serum levels of Candida than the control group. ^[9]

10. Potential Remedy for Warts?

Perhaps not all facts about Candida infections are bad. One study found positive benefits from using a purified C. albicans antigen solution for persistent warts. This has led researchers to suggest intralesional Candida immunotherapy may provide an effective treatment for warts resistant to other forms of destruction. ^[10]

Contact Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland if you are suffering from Candida Overgrowth

References:

1. Muzurovic S, Babajic E, Masic T, Smajic R, Selmanagic A. The relationship between oral hygiene and oral colonisation with Candida species. Med Arh. 2012;66(6):415-7.
2. Ekpenyong CE, Inyang-etoh EC, Ettebong EO, Akpan UP, Ibu JO, Daniel NE.Recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis among young women in south eastern Nigeria: the role of lifestyle and health-care practices. Int J STD AIDS. 2012 Oct;23(10):704-9. doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2012.011382.
3. Güdücü N, Gönenç G, Içi H, Yi?iter AB, Basüllü N, Dünder I. Clinical importance of detection of bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginalis, candida albicans and actinomyces in Papanicolaou smears. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2012;39(3):333-6.
4. Pinto CR, Almeida NR, Marques TS, Yamamura LL, Costa LA, Souza-Machado A. Local adverse effects associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with moderate or severe asthma. J Bras Pneumol. 2013 Jun-Aug;39(4):409-17. doi: 10.1590/S1806-37132013000400003.
5. PNyirjesy P, Sobel JD. Genital mycotic infections in patients with diabetes. Postgrad Med. 2013 May;125(3):33-46. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2013.05.2650.
6. Fidel PL Jr. Immunity to Candida. Oral Dis. 2002;8 Suppl 2:69-75.
7. Hoffmann C, Dollive S, Grunberg S, Chen J, Li H, Wu GD, Lewis JD, Bushman FD. Archaea and fungi of the human gut microbiome: correlations with diet and bacterial residents. PLoS One. 2013 Jun 17;8(6):e66019. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066019. Print 2013.
8. Rizzo A, Losacco A, Carratelli CR. Lactobacillus crispatus modulates epithelial cell defense against Candida albicans through Toll-like receptors 2 and 4, interleukin 8 and human β-defensins 2 and 3. Immunol Lett. 2013 Oct 10. pii: S0165-2478(13)00158-2. doi: 10.1016/j.imlet.2013.08.013.
9. Benito-León J, Pisa D, Alonso R, Calleja P, Díaz-Sánchez M, Carrasco L. Association between multiple sclerosis and Candida species: evidence from a case-control study. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2010 Sep;29(9):1139-45. doi: 10.1007/s10096-010-0979-y. Epub 2010 Jun 17.
10. Majid I, Imran S. Immunotherapy with Intralesional Candida Albicans Antigen in Resistant or Recurrent Warts: A Study. Indian J Dermatol. 2013 Sep;58(5):360-365.

Balancing hormones can be influenced by a number of factors in men and women. Fluctuations in hormone levels occur throughout the lifecycle, some are just a natural part of aging while others may be the result of stress, toxic exposures, diet, or unhealthy sleep patterns. It is important to monitor your hormone levels throughout the lifespan and take action early to address imbalances before it affects your health or quality of life.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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Dr. Catherine Onuoha is knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional. She takes the time to listen to all my health concerns and has helped me to understand why certain treatments are beneficial. I know that she is on my side in addressing the cause of my condition in a holistic fashion, not just treating my symptoms. I am very grateful to be her patient – thank you so much!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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When I was looking for a more natural clinic and I found Natural medicine Center I had no idea how much it would change our lives. My husband, myself, and children are seen here for various reasons.
My daughter, who has some significant mental health problems,  has been treated here and is doing better now than she has in years.
It's nice to have a facility where the practioner is so knowledgeable in the way the human body works and can help you overcome various issues.
When you're in an appointment with Dr. Catherine you don't feel rushed, or like you're just a number. There is real care and concern.
When I say I don't know what my family would do without this clinic would be a huge understatement.
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Catherine Onuoha is NOT a doctor. She is a pharmacist with a PhD. She purports to be an expert in many different fields and treats conditions that are far outside her area of expertise. She has tried to treat me for mental health issues while also treating family members for cancer and epilepsy. Clearly these are different areas of expertise and require experts (I.e. real doctors) in each area. She severely misdiagnosed my problems which led to them worsening. Do not trust this practice with your health.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland is a welcoming and caring environment. Dr Catherine Onouha is very kind and knowledgeable. The clinic offers so many natural health and wellness services (too many mention) and the consultation with the Dr is worth every penny. She has personally changed my life and so happy to be a part of the clinic. If you are looking for comprehensive complimentary (not free…look it up) integrative medical care, I highly recommend you visit and make an appointment here.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Love the staff and the service we get here.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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We're hopeful that the treatment will work.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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On 9/6/2020 I took my wife to the Natural Medicine Center for an alternative to mammograms. Mammograms are useless for my wife due to breast density. My wife decided on the Thermal imaging. She was very pleased with the results.
After my wife’s consultation was over Dr. Catherine asked me if I had any health concerns. I explained to her that I had pre-Diabetes, High Cholesterol, and extremely low vitamin D levels, 17 to be exact. I had also been lethargic and severe muscle pain. Dr. Catherine told me that she could help that immediately with a shot. I received a shot that day. Within 4 hours I felt way better. I have continued to receive weekly shots of Vitamin D since 9/6/2020.
My health has greatly improved, all the muscle pain is gone. I believe that Dr. Catherine saved my life.
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All around great place
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Dr. Onuoha is fantastic.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Spent many years at the doctors for my various issues and doctor Onouha spent the time to actually seek out the core issue. I am forever thankful for the work she has done for me and my family. She empowers patients to take control of their own health and helps navigate those choppy waters. Now, I feel in control of my health and nothing beats that feeling
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

Would You Like to Reduce the Amount of Pharmaceutical Prescription Drugs You Are Taking?

                          WE CAN HELP.

The United States is only one of two countries in the WORLD that allow pharmaceutical companies to advertise directly to consumers.

Adage: an expression or phrase conveying wisdom, although the expression should not be interpreted literally.

Big Pharma Run Amok

Consider the adage, “He who pays the piper calls the tune”… this proverb resonates HOW western medicine is “broken”.

Did you know that only two of the world’s 195 nations (US and New Zealand) allow direct to consumer [DTC] marketing for prescription drugs? DTC advertising was first enacted under President George W. Bush’s term. Sadly, after DTC permissions were in place, and ads became commonplace, further deregulation subverted the US FDA agency’s authority for halting misinformation in DTC ads. Big Pharma Conglomerates have proceeded to air inaccurate and highly biased messages in their radio and TV advertising.  Truth in advertising is dead.

Citizens of the US are drowned by misrepresented strategic prescription drug messages numerous times a day! TV commercials portray happy, good-looking actors who pledge loyalty to certain branded drugs.  Some actors share their gratitude for the ‘healing’ they’ve experienced. Subtly, popular media has chiseled messages into the grey matter of American viewers / listeners. Wise consumers pause to recall that an advertising agency has paid these actors and radio spokespersons. Most other people, though, will accept media messages at face value. Alas, since the governmental regulations have swung toward leniency, Americans seem to believe what the Big Pharma shareholders would like them to believe. “He who pays the piper calls the tune”.

Here’s a second important downside to the fact that mass media is ‘without’ conscience –medical prescribers have been yielding when their patients’ request specific drugs (e.g., research review by Frosch et.al.¹). Hence, the Big Pharma conglomerates fix consumer notions that their branded drug will “heal” (invoked via subliminal messaging rather than through explicit persuasion). This unfortunately activates patients to request specific drug products during an office visits. Sometimes the brand drug that a patient has requested is less effective and has a larger side effect liability than older and less expensive prescription drugs. The most important point, however, is that… when a charade like this unfolds… Big Pharma sales TRUMP prescriber training and patient well-being. Further research is needed on the clinical and economic impacts of DTC advertising, but it remains banned in 193 out of 195 nations.

We strive to give only accurate and genuine information to our patients. A coercively sterilized consideration is promised to all patients, which sets-aside the promotions of drug companies, to focus only on patient care.