As functional medicine practitioners, we look for and address the underlying causes of disease. We look at various factors that can influence someone’s health including their genetics, environment, and lifestyle. More specifically, we look for hidden chronic infections, microbial imbalances, food intolerances, environmental allergies and exposures to toxins that can affect health. As we see more and more complex patients who have been to many other physicians already, we try to be detectives and piece together the underlying issues that are contributing to illness. This involves a patient-centered approach as well as active participation from the patient.