Heart & Metabolic Health
Functional Medicine Approach to Heart and Metabolic Health
Heart and metabolic health, collectively known as cardiometabolic health, is a critical aspect of overall well-being, encompassing the intricate relationship between cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Functional medicine is a model of healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of disease. When it comes to cardiometabolic health, this approach recognises that cardiovascular and metabolic disorders are often the result of complex interactions between genetics, lifestyle, environment, and biochemistry. Rather than viewing these conditions in isolation, functional medicine considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit— and tailors interventions to each individual’s unique needs.
Common cardiometabolic conditions that we see:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Functional medicine looks beyond blood pressure readings, exploring factors such as stress, diet, movement and genetic predispositions to manage and reduce hypertension.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This chronic condition is characterised by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels. Functional medicine practitioners work to reverse or manage diabetes through personalised nutrition plans, lifestyle changes, and addressing gut health, which is often linked to insulin resistance.
- Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Functional medicine addresses metabolic syndrome by looking at lifestyle factors, hormonal imbalances, and chronic inflammation, implementing strategies to restore metabolic balance.
- Obesity: Beyond just diet and exercise, functional medicine considers hormonal imbalances, inflammation, gut health, and emotional factors contributing to obesity. The goal is to create a sustainable, long-term plan for weight management.
- Cardiovascular Disease: From atherosclerosis to heart attacks, functional medicine focuses on reducing inflammation, improving lipid profiles, addressing nutrient deficiencies and managing stress, which are often the root causes of cardiovascular diseases.
Case Study: Sarah’s Journey to Cardiometabolic Health
Background:
Sarah, a 52-year-old woman, came to our clinic with a history of hypertension, borderline diabetes, and a family history of heart disease. She was experiencing fatigue, weight gain around her abdomen, and difficulty managing stress. Despite being on medication for hypertension, her blood pressure remained high, and her blood sugar levels were creeping towards the diabetic range.
Functional Medicine Approach:
We began with a comprehensive evaluation, including advanced lab testing, to assess Sarah’s hormonal levels, inflammatory markers, gut health, and genetic predispositions. Her results indicated chronic low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and dysbiosis (an imbalance in her gut microbiome).
A personalised plan was created for Sarah, focusing on:
- Nutrition: We introduced a Mediterranean-style diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, fiber, and healthy fats. Sarah did a trial of continuous blood glucose monitoring which helped her to understand how some of the meals that she was eating were causes large spikes in her blood sugars. We were then able to amend her diet to stop this happening as frequently.
- Lifestyle: Sarah incorporated daily mindfulness practices and regular physical activity, including yoga and walking, to manage stress and improve cardiovascular health.
- Supplementation: Based on her lab results, specific supplements were recommended to support her metabolism, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Gut Health: Sarah did a full gut repair programme to improve levels of beneficial bacteria and address her damaged gut lining which was contributing to chronic inflammation.
Outcome:
Over six months, Sarah experienced significant improvements. Her blood pressure improved, and she was able to reduce her reliance on medication which we did in conjunction with her GP. Her blood sugar levels dropped to within normal range, and she lost 6kg, particularly around her abdomen. Sarah also reported increased energy levels, better stress management, and an overall improvement in her quality of life.
