Integrative medicine (IM) is the future of health, wellness and quality of life. It focuses on healing the human body by identifying and treating the root cause of a condition. It is an open-minded way of practicing medicine that includes all forms of healing, traditional and alternative.
As an Integrative Medicine Practitioner, I am classically trained as a family medicine doctor with additional training in supplements, botanicals, diet, mind-body modalities, energy medicine and other complementary modalities. This allows me to see patients from all ages, newborns, pediatrics, young adults, adults and elderly patients. Medical insurance providers understand the extraordinary benefits of integrative medicine, as most will provide coverage for IM care.
Pharmaceuticals in the United States have grown to astonishing numbers. Americans spend more money per capita on prescription drugs than citizens from any other country in the world. These prescriptions have side effects and unintended consequences, which leads to more prescription drug use. There are certain circumstances where prescription medications are needed, but what if there was another way? Integrative medicine strives to strike a balance between prescription medications and alternative ways of healing.
For instance, did you know that there is evidence that cinnamon helps lower blood sugar? It is commonly used throughout the holidays as a festive spice and may be more beneficial than we once realized. Cinnamon is a rich source of polyphenols, which are thought to have an antioxidant effect. In 2011, a meta-analysis was performed that found a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar among type 2 diabetics with whole cinnamon and cinnamon extract. Whether you are prediabetic, diabetic or just looking to prevent diabetes, there are several botanicals, supplements and dietary changes that can be helpful.
For children, it can be difficult to keep them healthy throughout the winter season. There are many ways to make sure their immune system is strong. For example, a healthy gastrointestinal tract is essential for a healthy immune system. Prebiotics and probiotics through food or supplements might be helpful in protecting their GI tract, leading to a healthier immune system.
As an Integrative Medicine practitioner and doctor who is board certified in family practice to care for infants, children and adults, I discuss all options for treatment and try to limit pharmaceuticals as much as possible. FBN
By Rebecca Miller, M.D.
