Functional medicine in rheumatology
Functional medicine complements conventional treatment. It assesses the factors that influence inflammation and symptoms in each person: diet, gut health, sleep, stress, physical activity, nutritional deficiencies and habits. The aim is a personalised plan that adds to medical treatment and does not replace it.
Who it helps
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or spondyloarthritis who still have fatigue or pain despite treatment
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
- People with chronic inflammation who want a lifestyle plan guided by a specialist
What the assessment involves
- An extended consultation with a full clinical history
- Questionnaires on symptoms, sleep and quality of life
- Laboratory tests selected for each case
- A personalised plan in stages, with follow-up visits
What the plan includes
- An anti-inflammatory diet adapted to each patient
- Advice on sleep, physical activity and stress management
- Correction of nutritional deficiencies when present
- Coordination with conventional rheumatology treatment
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop my medicines to follow functional medicine?
No. Functional medicine complements treatment. Disease-modifying drugs and biologics remain the basis for controlling autoimmune diseases.
Is functional medicine backed by science?
The interventions used, such as diet, exercise, sleep or correcting deficiencies, have evidence in inflammatory diseases. They are applied with medical judgement and without promising cures.
Can the consultation be virtual?
Yes. The functional assessment can be done in person or online.
General information reviewed by Dr. Paul Alejandro Méndez Patarroyo, internist and rheumatologist, Colombian Medical Licence 79554568. It does not replace a medical consultation.