Functional Medicine is a branch of medical science based on a biological systems approach to healthcare especially chronic complex illness. There are special functional medicine tests which evaluate how the body works as opposed to just what is grossly wrong. The Functional Medicine web or matrix includes gastrointestional and liver functioning, mediators of inflammation and the immune system, insulin and glucose regulation, cellular and mitochondrial functioning including oxidative stress, hormones, structural issues, the nervous system and neurodegenerative disorders and emotional health. All areas need to be addressed in conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic wideapread pain.

Studies show a large overlap between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Fibromyalgia. A major finding is a connection involving overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine producing gases like hydrogen and methane. These gasses cause intestinal bloating and widespread pain in the body by lowering the pain threshold. A simple breath test is used to diagnose this problem by drinking a solution of lactulose (a non-digestible sugar). The treatment involves a course of a special non-absorbable antibiotic for severe cases and always dietary changes to eliminate starches and sugars. Small intestinal bacteria ferment carbohydrates into gas. Functional Medicine Pain Mangement Clinic in Tucson Arizona. Hunter Yost M.D.

Please visit our Fibromyalgia page