Guest Column

Functional wellness and genetic marker screening: The future of personalized medicine

By Betsey Neddermeyer
Posted 12/6/24

In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, a new paradigm is reshaping how we think about health and prevention: functional wellness combined with genetic marker screening. This innovative …

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Guest Column

Functional wellness and genetic marker screening: The future of personalized medicine

Posted

In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, a new paradigm is reshaping how we think about health and prevention: functional wellness combined with genetic marker screening. This innovative approach emphasizes understanding the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms, empowering patients to take charge of their well-being through tailored interventions. At True Body Medical Aesthetics and Wellness in Cody, we are proud to offer this cutting-edge care, helping individuals unlock the secrets of their unique health profiles and embark on transformative wellness journeys.

What is functional wellness? Functional wellness is a holistic approach to health that prioritizes the optimization of bodily systems. Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on disease management, functional wellness seeks to address underlying imbalances and promote overall vitality. This approach considers genetics, lifestyle, diet, environment and mental health as interconnected factors influencing well-being. There are key principles of functional wellness, which include:

Personalization, recognizing that each individual’s health journey is unique.


Prevention, focusing on early interventions to avoid chronic conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis and Hashimoto’s. 


Empowerment, equipping patients with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health.

Functional wellness resonates with patients because it feels intuitive and results-oriented, aligning health care with their goals for longevity, energy and quality of life.

Genetic marker screening is at the forefront of the functional wellness movement. This process involves analyzing an individual’s DNA to identify genetic variations associated with health risks, nutritional needs, or predispositions to certain conditions. These screenings reveal valuable insights, such as:

• Risks, for chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, or autoimmune disorders. 

• Variants, affecting metabolism, hormone regulation, or detoxification pathways. 

• Responses to specific nutrients, exercise and medications.

 

Understanding these genetic markers allows practitioners to craft precision medicine plans and personalized strategies that target specific needs and vulnerabilities. Genetics are used to evaluate every aspect of your life or history such as hair loss, micronutrient deficiencies, polycystic ovary syndrome and other GYN conditions, cancer risks, Alzheimer’s and memory diseases, autoimmune disorders like lupus, Hashimotos, diabetes and any predisposition. For example, if a patient has a genetic predisposition to hair loss or vitamin deficiency like vitamin D, a tailored supplementation regimen and specific lifestyle changes can mitigate those risks long before symptoms appear.

Why is this the future of medicine? Functional wellness and genetic marker screening represent a significant departure from the “one-size-fits-all” approach that has historically defined health care. Preventative power, which allows genetic insights to enable early detection of potential health concerns, shifts the focus from treating illness to preventing it. Targeted interventions, allow personalized recommendations that are far more effective than generalized advice, ensuring patients receive treatments and lifestyle changes that truly work for them. Holistic healing by addressing root causes, rather than masking symptoms, fosters long-term health and reduces reliance on medications. Patient-centered care allows patients to feel empowered when they understand how their genetics and lifestyle intersect and fosters greater engagement and adherence to wellness plans. Moreover, this approach integrates seamlessly with other medical disciplines, such as aesthetics and hormone optimization, creating a comprehensive care model.

At True Body Medical Aesthetics and Wellness in Cody, we are committed to bringing the future of medicine to our community. By combining functional wellness principles with state-of-the-art genetic marker screening, we offer patients a unique opportunity to uncover their health potential and address issues proactively.

Our team works closely with patients to interpret their genetic profiles and design wellness strategies tailored to their DNA and lifestyle. From dietary guidance to targeted supplementation and therapeutic interventions, every plan is crafted to optimize health outcomes and help patients live their best lives.

If you’re ready to move beyond generic advice and embrace a health journey as unique as your DNA, we’re here to guide you. We offer free initial in-office and telehealth services to review any questions you may have!

 

(Betsey Neddermeyer PA-C is the owner and provider at True Body Medical Aesthetics and Wellness in Cody.)

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