What Is Functional Medicine?

At Integral Med, our approach is rooted in the principles of functional medicine—focusing on uncovering and addressing the root causes of your health concerns rather than simply managing symptoms. We believe that optimal health is achieved by looking at the whole person, which is the reason our care is profoundly individualized and customized to meet your specific needs.

A functional medicine practitioner, Dr. George Zdravkov, MD, approaches care by taking a personalized, holistic view of your health. Rather than focusing solely on treating symptoms, the goal is to identify and address the root causes of your health issues. This approach involves gathering a detailed medical history, including information about your lifestyle, diet, environment, and genetic factors. Advanced diagnostic testing may also be used to assess factors like hormone levels, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and gut health. By understanding the full picture of your health, a functional medicine practitioner can develop a tailored treatment plan to address the underlying causes of your condition.

The treatment plan often includes a combination of lifestyle changes, nutrition counseling, stress management techniques, and natural therapies like supplements or herbal medicine. The focus is on empowering you to make sustainable changes that promote long-term wellness and disease prevention. Dr. Zdravkov’s approach emphasizes partnership and collaboration, working with you to set goals and regularly assess progress. This comprehensive, patient-centered approach ensures that your care is individualized, proactive, and designed to restore balance to your body, helping you achieve lasting health improvements.

At Integral Med, we understand that every patient’s journey to better health is unique. The timeframe for seeing results from functional medicine treatment can vary significantly, depending on several factors—including your specific health condition, the severity of your symptoms, underlying causes, and how closely you follow our recommended protocols.

It can take different amounts of time to see results from functional medicine treatment depending on the individual, the specific condition being treated, and the approach used. Some patients may begin to notice improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks, especially when addressing issues like energy levels, digestion, or inflammation. However, for chronic conditions or more complex health issues, it may take several months to see significant improvements as functional medicine focuses on long-term healing and addressing the root causes of health problems.

Regular follow-ups and periodic reassessments with your Integral Med practitioner are essential. These ongoing check-ins allow us to track your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes on your journey to wellness. If you’re ready to get started with functional medicine at Integral Med, our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

At Integral Med, we embrace the philosophy of functional medicine—a forward-thinking approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic illnesses, rather than simply managing symptoms. Functional medicine is an approach that focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of chronic diseases rather than just managing symptoms. It takes into account factors like genetics, environment, lifestyle, and diet to understand how these elements influence the development of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. By addressing the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions in the body, functional medicine aims to restore overall health and prevent further disease progression.

This approach typically includes advanced diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, and lifestyle changes such as diet modification, stress management, exercise, and supplementation. By focusing on long-term wellness and prevention, functional medicine provides patients with the tools to manage chronic diseases more effectively and improve their quality of life. It empowers individuals to take control of their health and work toward sustainable solutions for chronic conditions.

At Integral Med, we develop individualized strategies that may include nutritional guidance, stress reduction techniques, exercise recommendations, targeted supplementation, and other lifestyle adjustments. Many of these evidence-based interventions can complement conventional medical care, often leading to improved outcomes and better quality of life.

At Integral Med, we understand that choosing the right approach to your healthcare is a personal decision. Our practice specializes in functional medicine—a patient-centered approach that seeks to identify and address the root causes of illness, rather than just managing symptoms. If you’re considering whether functional medicine is right for you, it’s important to reflect on your health goals, current medical conditions, and your preferences for care.

Determining if functional medicine is right for you depends on your individual health goals, concerns, and current medical conditions. Functional medicine is particularly beneficial for individuals looking for a holistic, personalized approach to healthcare, especially those who may have chronic conditions that haven’t been fully addressed through conventional treatments. If you’re dealing with persistent symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, chronic pain, hormone imbalances, or autoimmune conditions, functional medicine may offer a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of your health challenges.

If you’re seeking a more integrative approach to wellness—one that focuses on prevention, lifestyle changes, and natural treatments rather than just symptom management—functional medicine could be a great fit. Dr. George Zdravkov, MD, at Integral Med in Elmhurst, IL, offers comprehensive consultations to assess your health history, lifestyle, and current concerns. Together, you can determine if functional medicine is the best path for restoring balance and achieving long-term health.

Dr. George Zdravkov, MD, utilizes functional medicine at Integral Med in Elmhurst, IL, to address the root causes of health issues rather than simply treating symptoms. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Zdravkov takes a personalized approach to each patient, thoroughly evaluating their medical history, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. By combining advanced diagnostic testing with holistic treatment plans, he aims to restore balance to the body’s systems and promote long-term health. Dr. Zdravkov’s expertise in functional medicine allows him to focus on healing the body from the inside out, using natural therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments to optimize overall wellness.

At Integral Med, Dr. Zdravkov emphasizes prevention and individualized care, offering treatments that support the body’s natural healing abilities. His functional medicine approach is designed to treat a variety of conditions, from chronic pain and digestive issues to hormone imbalances and autoimmune disorders. By focusing on root causes, such as nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, or hormonal disruptions, Dr. Zdravkov helps patients achieve sustainable health improvements. His commitment to integrative care ensures that patients receive comprehensive support in their journey toward balance and optimal well-being.

For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 340 W Butterfield Rd Suite 3C, Elmhurst, IL 60126. We serve patients from Elmhurst IL, Westchester IL, Addison IL, Carol Stream IL, Franklin Park IL, Berwyn IL, Bloomingdale IL and nearby areas!