Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine is evidence-based, scientific medicine which uses a systematic approach to address the root cause of your dysfunctions. It is patient centered, not disease centered and believes in treating the body as a whole, not just treating a symptom.

As functional medicine practitioners, we dig deep into your dysfunctions to look for their root causes. One symptom can be caused by multiple dysfunctions, the same way that one dysfunction can cause different symptoms from many different organ systems. Each person is unique and should be treated as such so the approach to treatment varies from person to person.

At Vybrant Medical Wellness, our initial consultation is usually 75-90 minutes long and it is very detail oriented. We ask that you fill out our Functional Medicine Intake form prior to the appointment to maximize your time with the provider. It takes time and dedication

We specialize in

  • Digestive/Gastrointestinal dysfunctions
  • Immune system dysregulation
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Fatigue
  • Detoxification optimization
  • Nutritional guidance
  • Lifestyle Medicine

Other Services Offered

Medical Marijuana Consult

Performed by our Medical Doctor.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

The GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile can reveal important information about the root cause of many common gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. This stool analysis utilizes biomarkers such as fecal calprotectin to differentiate between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The biomarkers on the GI Effects Comprehensive Profile reflect the 3 key functions of gut health

Digestion/Absorption:

  • Pancreatic Elastase-1 is a marker of exocrine pancreatic function.
  • Products of Protein Breakdown are markers of undigested protein reaching the colon.
  • Fecal Fat is a marker of fat breakdown and absorption.

    Inflammation/Immunology:

    • Calprotectin is a marker of neutrophil-driven inflammation. Produced in abundance at sites of inflammation, this biomarker has been proven clinically useful in differentiating between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
    • Eosinophil Protein X is a marker of eosinophil-driven inflammation and allergic response.
    • Fecal Secretory IgA is a marker of gut secretory immunity and barrier function.
    • Fecal Occult Blood Test detects hidden blood; fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) has been recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology as the preferred noninvasive test for colorectal cancer screening/detection.

    Gut Microbiome:

    • Metabolic indicators, including short-chain fatty acids and beta-glucuronidase, demonstrate specific and vital metabolic functions performed by the microbiota.
    • Commensal Bacteria demonstrate the composition and relative abundance of gut organisms.
    1. More than 95% of commensal gut organisms are anaerobic and are difficult to recover by traditional (aerobic) culture techniques.
    2. GI Effects assesses a set of 24 genera/species that map to 7 major phyla.
    • Bacterial and mycology cultures demonstrate the presence of specific beneficial and pathological organisms.
    • Bacterial and mycology sensitivities are provided for pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms that have been cultured. The report includes effective prescriptive and natural agents.
    • Parasitology includes comprehensive testing for all parasites on every parasitology exam ordered.

    1. GI Effects provides microscopic fecal specimen examination for ova and parasites (O&P), the gold standard of diagnosis for many parasites.

    2. 6 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targets detect common protozoan parasites including Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia. PCR for organisms is emerging as a highly sensitive method for infectious organism detection.

    3. Selection of a one-day or three-day sample collection is based on the clinician’s clinical index of suspicion for parasitic infection. If there is no/low suspicion, a one-day sample will likely be adequate. For high suspicion, a three-day sample collection is optimal.

    Additional Biomarkers Available:

      • Campylobacter
      • Clostridium difficile
      • Escherichia coli
      • Fecal Lactoferrin
      • Helicobacter pylori
      • Macro Exam for Worms
      • Zonulin Family Peptide
      • KOH Preparation for Yeast