Root cause medicine
What is functional medicine?
Chronic health conditions are plaguing over half of Americans, and the problem is only getting worse. But there’s hope, functional medicine is the answer we’ve been searching for. In this friendly, definitive guide, we’ll dive into what functional medicine is, how it works, and why it’s the solution to the chronic disease crisis we’re facing.
Holistic medicine
What is functional medicine?
Functional Medicine is a personalized, science-driven approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic illness rather than simply managing symptoms. At BionwoRx in Carmel, Indiana, we use advanced diagnostic testing and evidence-based therapies to understand how your body’s systems interact, including metabolism, hormones, gut microbiome, and immune function.
Unlike traditional medicine, which often isolates symptoms or treats specific organs, it evaluates the whole person, diet, lifestyle, genetics, environment, and biochemical imbalances, to develop a customized roadmap for healing, resilience, and long-term health.
Holistic medicine
Why functional medicine is different.
It is revolutionizing healthcare by providing:
- Root-Cause Focus: Identify underlying factors contributing to autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, or chronic fatigue.
- Holistic & Personalized Care: Each patient receives a plan tailored to their unique biochemistry, lifestyle, and health history.
- Preventive & Proactive Approach: Focuses on long-term wellness and disease prevention rather than quick symptom relief.
- Evidence-Based Solutions: Combines modern lab testing, nutrition science, and lifestyle medicine with a deep understanding of human physiology.
Patients often notice improvements in energy, hormone balance, inflammation reduction, and immune function, creating long-lasting health benefits.
Who can benefit from Functional Medicine?
This root cause medicine approach to health helps anyone struggling with chronic health issues, unexplained symptoms, or wanting to optimize wellness. Common areas include:
- Autoimmune conditions: Hashimoto’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, undiagnosed autoimmune disorders
- Digestive issues: IBS, bloating, SIBO, leaky gut, chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Hormonal imbalances: Thyroid disorders, menopause, PMS, infertility, adrenal fatigue
- Metabolic and cardiovascular health: Diabetes, prediabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension
- Chronic fatigue, pain, and inflammation: Fibromyalgia, joint pain, systemic inflammation
- Mood and neurological concerns: Anxiety, depression, brain fog, memory issues
- Skin health: Eczema, psoriasis, acne, rashes
- Wellness optimization: Longevity, immune support, peak performance
Even patients with seemingly unrelated symptoms benefit because it identifies hidden connections between multiple body systems, creating a plan that targets the underlying cause of illness.
Functional medicine can help address a wide range of chronic health issues, including:
- Asthma and allergies
- Bacterial infection (Lyme disease)
- Brain and mood disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Children’s health concerns
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Compromised immunity
- Graves’ disease
- Insomnia
- Metabolic dysfunction
- Obesity
- Recurrent infections (e.g., chronic UTIs, thrush)
- Skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, hives, acne, eczema)
- Viral infections (e.g., shingles, Epstein-Barr virus)
- Women’s health issues (e.g., PMS, PCOS, period pain, irregular periods)
Meet our expert provider.
Annamarie Salyer, FNP-C is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in Functional and Regenerative Medicine. With years of experience in internal, functional, and regenerative medicine, she combines advanced clinical knowledge with a holistic, patient-centered approach.
She empowers patients to:
- Understand their unique health challenges
- Take an active role in their wellness journey
- Achieve long-term improvements in energy, balance, and vitality
“I believe the body can heal itself when given the right support. Through Functional and Regenerative Medicine, I focus on uncovering root causes, restoring balance, and empowering patients with the tools their bodies need to repair, renew, and thrive.”
Annamarie Salyer FNP-C
Founder – BionwoRx
Why choose BionwoRx for Functional Medicine?
At BionwoRx, we provide comprehensive, personalized care to patients in Carmel, Indianapolis, and surrounding areas:
- Individualized Care Plans: Tailored to your unique health story, lab results, and lifestyle.
- Root-Cause Resolution: Focused on addressing the source of your chronic health concerns.
- Advanced Testing & Therapies: Hormone panels, gut microbiome analysis, metabolic profiling, and environmental toxin testing.
- Collaborative Patient Partnership: Education, involvement, and ongoing support.
- Experienced, Local Care: Serving Carmel and Indianapolis with compassionate expertise.
Root cause medicine
How Functional Medicine works at BionwoRx.
Our process uncovers root causes and provides lasting results:
- Comprehensive Health Assessment: Review of medical history, nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.
- Advanced Diagnostic Testing: Possible lab testing includes genetic testing, nutrient status, stealth infections, food allergies and sensitivities, parasitic infections, heavy metals, microbiome, metabolism, inflammation, hormones, toxins, and more.
- Root-Cause Analysis: Identifying antecedents, triggers, and drivers of disease progression.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Nutrition, lifestyle interventions, targeted supplements, and evidence-based therapies.
- Ongoing Support & Monitoring: Adjusting your plan as your body responds for optimal long-term health.
Holisitc medicine
Why functional medicine is the future of healthcare.
With chronic disease rates rising, traditional medicine often focuses on symptom management. This approach addresses the limitations by:
- Targeting root causes instead of symptoms
- Preventing disease before it develops
- Supporting long-term wellness, energy, and vitality
- Empowering patients to take an active role in their health
Investing in Functional Medicine is investing in long-term health, resilience, and quality of life.
FAQs.
Is functional medicine evidence-based?
Yes. Functional Medicine uses scientific research, lab testing, and lifestyle medicine to address chronic conditions, metabolism, hormones, and immune health.
What is a functional medicine practitioner?
A practitioner trained to investigate root causes, develop personalized treatment plans, and guide patients through nutrition, lifestyle, and holistic therapies.
What does a functional medicine practitioner do?
Functional medicine practitioners use a systems biology approach to understand the body’s interconnected processes and uncover the root causes of illness, rather than just treating symptoms. They take a holistic view, considering all aspects of a person’s life that may be contributing to their health issues. By working closely with patients, these practitioners develop personalized treatment plans that may include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplements, and other natural therapies.
How long does it take functional medicine to work?
Results vary, but many patients notice improvements within weeks to months as their personalized plan takes effect.
Will I still need medications?
Functional Medicine can complement or sometimes reduce reliance on medications, tailored to your unique health profile.
Is integrative medicine the same as functional medicine?
Functional Medicine focuses on root-cause resolution and systems-based care, while integrative medicine combines modalities without necessarily addressing underlying causes.d