The Difference Between Functional, Metabolic, and Conventional Medicine

When you are looking for answers about your health, know that not all medical care follows the same path. Conventional, functional, and metabolic medicine all have their own unique purposes and benefits.

Dr. Jack G. Bertolino uses his background in functional and metabolic medicine to help patients in Williamsville and Buffalo take a deeper look at their health. He is a board-certified physician and has been the owner and operator of Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics in Williamsville, New York, since 2005.

Comparing Conventional, Functional, and Metabolic Medicine

While these three approaches share the goal of improving your health, they work in different ways:

• Conventional Medicine: Conventional medicine is what most of us think of when we picture a doctor’s visit. It’s quick to diagnose and treat, which makes it invaluable for emergencies, infections, and sudden injuries. You’ll often leave with a prescription, a test order, or a referral to a specialist. 

• Functional Medicine: Instead of zeroing in on a single symptom, functional medicine looks at your body as an interconnected system, including your diet, stress levels, sleep habits, environment, and medical history. The aim is to uncover the underlying imbalances that keep you from feeling your best.

• Metabolic Medicine: This focuses on what’s happening inside your cells. It examines how your body produces energy, manages hormones, processes nutrients, and keeps inflammation in check. When these processes run smoothly, you feel energized and balanced. When they don’t, the effects can ripple across your health.

Which Approach Is Best for You?

When you need quick answers and fast relief, like setting a broken bone, treating a sudden illness, or stopping an infection, conventional medical care is often the most important step.

When the tests come back “normal” but you still feel run-down, foggy, or in pain, a deeper investigation via functional medicine can make all the difference. 

If your biggest struggles are low energy, stubborn weight changes, hormone shifts, or chronic inflammation, metabolic medicine can help get those systems running smoothly again.

Many people discover that the best results come from combining these styles of care. 

Choosing the Right Path for Your Health

You don’t always have to choose one approach over the others. Dr. Bertolino’s experience allows him to integrate these methods in a way that fits your needs and goals.

To learn more about functional, metabolic, and conventional medicine, schedule an appointment at  Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics in Williamsville at 616-633-6100.