Functional Medicine/Nutrition Counseling/Labs in Ham Lake
Functional Medicine, Nutrition Counseling and Labs in Ham Lake, MN
At Exceptional Chiropractic, our functional medicine approach combines the philosophy of balance and restoring function from Chinese Medicine with the biochemistry and physiology of Western Medicine, along with the latest scientific research on how genetics, environment, and lifestyle interact. The result is personalized care that looks for the root cause of your symptoms instead of simply covering them up.
What Is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine focuses on assessment and intervention at the root levels of metabolic imbalance. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century by focusing on prevention and uncovering the underlying causes of serious chronic disease.
Instead of suppressing symptoms, functional medicine deals with the root causes of disease. It is less concerned with making a diagnosis and more concerned with the underlying imbalances, which are the mechanisms of the disease process.
If you have a stone in your shoe that is causing your foot to hurt, it makes sense to remove the stone rather than take Advil for the pain. That is how functional medicine works: it removes the underlying cause of symptoms rather than covering them up.
One Symptom, Many Possible Causes
Consider three people who come into our office complaining of reflux. All three may have been given the same medication by their medical doctors. For one, the cause of the reflux might be diet, and eliminating the foods that trigger the problem can do the trick. For the second, probiotics and nutrients that help heal the lining of the gastrointestinal system may help. For the third, Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) tablets to aid digestion could be the answer. All three have different causes for the same symptom and need to be treated accordingly.
Ham Lake Nutrition Counseling
We provide specific recommendations on nutritional supplements and healthy food choices to support our patients’ return to optimal health. Do you know which supplements and vitamins are good for you? Do you know how they interact with one another? Dr. Christine Ingbretson can provide a structured nutritional program based on your individual needs.
We also offer metabolic testing for conditions such as gluten intolerance, elevated cholesterol, elevated stress hormones, and vitamin D deficiency.
Laboratory Testing
To help our doctors assess the underlying causes of the symptoms you are experiencing, labs may be ordered. Tests that may be included in your assessment are:
- Comprehensive blood and urine analysis – includes CBC with differential and platelets, cholesterol, thyroid markers, blood sugar markers, anemia markers, inflammatory markers, and a urinalysis. This test is done through Principal Labs. Visit the Principal Labs website
- Microbiology status (such as Candida or bacteria in the gut) – done through Cyrex Labs.
- Cyrex Labs Arrays – testing for gluten intolerance, gluten-associated cross-reactive foods, autoimmune reactivity, and multiple food immune reactivity. Visit the Cyrex Labs website
- Stress hormone saliva analysis – done through DiagnosTechs. Visit the DiagnosTechs website
- Gastrointestinal and immunology profiles – done through Genova Diagnostics. Visit the Genova Diagnostics website
- Vibrant Labs testing – Visit the Vibrant Labs website or view the Vibrant Labs tests we offer
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Blood sugar regulation is key to metabolic health. Without measurable data, it is impossible to know where you fall on the metabolic health spectrum. Metabolic health is closely tied to a range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, fatty liver disease, PCOS in women, and insulin resistance.
The good news is that with continuous monitoring and proactive lifestyle changes, it is possible to take control of your health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions. Learn more and sign up for continuous glucose monitoring.
Supplementation
Often, the body can heal itself if it has what it needs, including adequate water, rest, and good nutrition through food and supplements. Our doctors tailor their supplement recommendations to the needs of each patient.
We offer products primarily from NutriDyn, Metagenics, Barlean’s, Apex, and Standard Process. These companies have a strong track record of quality, innovation, and scientific research.
For more information about this approach, visit the Institute for Functional Medicine website. Functional medicine also pairs well with our other services, including chiropractic care and acupuncture.
Functional Medicine FAQs
What is the difference between functional medicine and conventional medicine?
Functional medicine focuses on finding and correcting the underlying imbalances that cause symptoms, rather than primarily suppressing the symptoms themselves.
What kinds of lab tests do you offer?
We offer comprehensive blood and urine analysis, microbiology testing, Cyrex Labs arrays for gluten and food reactivity, stress hormone saliva testing, gastrointestinal and immunology profiles, and Vibrant Labs testing.
Can you test for gluten intolerance?
Yes. Using Cyrex Labs arrays, we can test for gluten intolerance, gluten-associated cross-reactive foods, autoimmune reactivity, and multiple food immune reactivity.
Who provides nutrition counseling at your office?
Dr. Christine Ingbretson provides structured nutritional programs based on each patient’s individual needs.
What supplement brands do you carry?
We offer products primarily from NutriDyn, Metagenics, Barlean’s, Apex, and Standard Process, all known for quality and scientific research.
What is continuous glucose monitoring?
Continuous glucose monitoring tracks your blood sugar throughout the day, providing data that helps you understand your metabolic health and make proactive lifestyle changes.
Can functional medicine help with digestive problems like reflux?
Yes. Functional medicine looks for the specific cause of digestive symptoms, such as diet, gut lining health, or low stomach acid, and treats that cause directly.
Get to the Root of Your Health Concerns
Ready to uncover what is really behind your symptoms? Call Exceptional Chiropractic at (763) 208-5382 to schedule a functional medicine or nutrition consultation in Ham Lake.
