The Need for a New Approach
Whether you’re a patient attempting to navigate the traditional medical model or a healthcare provider working within it, you likely recognize the mounting struggles it faces. A revolving door of primary care providers, constant hassles with insurance, a narrowed focus on symptom management, and the continuous delivery of more and more medications. With worldwide rates of chronic diseases increasing every year, and medical errors remaining one of the leading causes of death, it’s no surprise so many of us are looking for a new approach. In so doing, it’s imperative to understand that letting go of antiquated beliefs shaped by cultural dogma is requisite to broadening our understanding of biological systems and how our environment impacts them.
The Fallacy of Genetic Determinism vs Epigenetics
An important theory to explore is genetic determinism. This theory is based on the belief that genes alone dictate an individual's traits, behaviors, and biological conditions, ignoring the enormously impactful role of environmental factors, and the complex interactions between our genes and the environment.
Conversely, epigenetics studies how behaviors and the environment affect gene function. This means our bodies possess the ability to turn on and turn off certain genetic expressions. We are not destined to a certain fate based on our genes. Instead, lifestyle factors and our behaviors dictate how those genes are expressed.
Functional Medicine
Functional medicine emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach to health, focusing on the interplay between biological systems, rather than treating symptoms alone. By using systems biology, practitioners aim to identify core imbalances that can affect overall well-being. A key element of functional medicine is the "food first" philosophy. This approach recognizes the profound impact that diet can have on health. For many patients with chronic conditions, dietary changes can lead to significant improvements, often serving as a steppingstone to further lifestyle modifications. While food alone may not resolve every health issue, starting with dietary adjustments can empower patients, providing them with positive feedback and motivation.
Longevity Medicine: Time to Re-imagine aging
While functional medicine provides an effective and replicable model for reversing the current trend in chronic disease, we are also on the brink of changing the status quo with longevity science. Longevity medicine focuses on understanding the biological process of aging and providing treatment and strategies to slow them down with the aim to extend the health years of life.
This field, once only in the domain of laboratory scientists, has gained massive public momentum. Leaders like David Sinclair and the Buck Institute are known for their historic advancements in longevity science. “The longevity industry has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar behemoth in the blink of an eye. Market experts project the global longevity market will reach a staggering $610 billion next year, a clear sign of the intense interest and rapid growth in extending human lifespans.” Zuzalu, Zular, and beyond. (2024). https://blog.a4m.com/.
“Forget luxury cars and beachfront properties – the hottest obsession of the 21st century is time itself. Not just any time, but the quest for more time in our lives, “according to Forbes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/josipamajic/2024/07/22/the-longevity-revolution-financial-trends-and-opportunities-in-an-aging-world/. According to the United Nations (UN) projects global life expectancy will reach 83 years by 2095–2100. We are living longer, the question is, will your healthy years last your lifespan? The longevity movement isn’t just about living longer- it's about ensuring our health years keep pace with our extended lifespan.
Functional & Longevity Medicine – The path forward
At REVIVE Infusions & Wellness, we are dedicated to supporting your health optimization journey, by providing transformative, innovative therapy along with lifestyle modifications that help you feel better, so you can do better! With tools like IV Nutrient Therapy, NAD+, HRT, GLP’1s, and Peptide Therapy, we have the tools to facilitate your success!