Functional Medicine Austin

Committed to restoring your health and vitality by alleviating chronic conditions

Functional Medicine in Houston, TX

Functional Medicine in Austin, TX

 

Welcome to Functional Medicine of Houston, where for over 15 years we have been committed to offering functional healthcare solutions. Under the guidance of Dr. Stowe and our skilled team, we proudly cater to patients throughout Texas, including Austin. Our approach involves using advanced laboratory testing to pinpoint blockages in natural processes and essential nutrient deficiencies, enabling us to tackle the root causes of chronic conditions and dysfunctions. We develop personalized protocol plans, customized to your distinct needs and lifestyle, with a focus on addressing the entire person rather than just the symptoms. At Functional Medicine of Houston, our aim is to help you achieve balance within your body, empowering you to feel your best and experience life to its fullest potential.

In today’s world, everyone desires a long and healthy life. However, we believe that the current healthcare system in America has become more of a disease care system. Consider any chronic illness—diabetes, cardiovascular disease, GERD, thyroid conditions, IBD, and so on—when you consult a medical doctor, you’ll likely be prescribed one or more medications. But is this the most effective approach for your body?

By stepping out of the conventional healthcare system and reaching out to us, you can explore a comprehensive, whole-body approach to healing your health.

We have great respect for medical doctors’ competence and professionalism in managing acute illnesses like heart attacks, severe infections, or broken bones. However, when it comes to chronic conditions, is it appropriate to apply acute treatment protocols? We don’t believe so.

Ask yourself, have you ever undergone a lab test to determine the required dosage of Nexium or Wellbutrin for your body? Certainly not! These drugs were designed to generate revenue for pharmaceutical companies. Do they work? If you know someone taking these or any other medications, ask them when they can stop using the drugs. The answer is usually never. Most patients are on medication for life, and often, they still experience symptoms. But is this how anyone should live their life? The real question is—Are there better alternatives or solutions to break the cycle of drug dependence in this country, particularly for chronic conditions?

We believe Functional Medicine is the answer, offering alternatives so that people don’t have to rely on medications for the rest of their lives.

What is Functional Medicine?

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is a patient-focused approach to healthcare that differs from the traditional disease-centered perspective. Instead of treating health issues as isolated conditions, Functional Medicine addresses the individual's symptoms, imbalances, and dysfunctions holistically, considering their interconnectedness rather than relying solely on conventional allopathic medicine.

Can Functional Medicine help me?

Can Functional Medicine help me?

Determining whether Functional Medicine can help you requires a deeper understanding of the specific issues you are facing. By its nature, Functional Medicine aims to identify dysfunction within the 13 systems of the body. To achieve this, practitioners employ a range of scientific laboratory tests to pinpoint where dysfunction is happening within an individual's body.

Does Functional Medicine work?

Does Functional Medicine work?

Functional Medicine aims to promote balance within the body, which is typically associated with proper functioning. By addressing dysfunction and working to restore balance, Functional Medicine often helps alleviate diseases or symptoms. It focuses on identifying the underlying causes of dysfunction and seeks to support the body in regaining equilibrium.

Conditions and Diseases

The following list encompasses a range of chronic conditions and diseases that we are dedicated to helping you address and manage. These specific issues are frequently experienced by many of our patients who come to us seeking support and guidance in their journey towards improved health and well-being.

In today’s world, mental health has become a pressing issue. The emergence of computers and the internet, intended to make life easier, has inadvertently increased daily stress levels for many. The relentless onslaught of tablets, smartphones, round-the-clock TV and radio, and social media has left people feeling overwhelmed and invaded, resulting in a decline in mental well-being. The ability to “switch off” and rejuvenate has become nearly impossible for most.

From a genetic standpoint, several organs in the human body were not designed to be constantly active. The adrenal glands serve as a prime example, functioning as an “on and off” organ. Traditionally, these glands produce cortisol and various neurotransmitters throughout the day as needed for different situations. However, due to the immense stress people face today, the adrenal glands are overworked and gradually wear down, ultimately failing to produce the necessary hormones to sustain life.

When the adrenal glands and other organs start losing their effectiveness, symptoms begin to appear. These symptoms don’t strike suddenly but rather creep up gradually, making individuals appear and feel older than they actually are. This decline in vitality is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Brain fog
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Lack of motivation

Often, patients consult their medical doctors, who conduct tests but typically find no apparent cause, dismissing the symptoms as non-existent, anxiety-driven, or depression-related.

Functional Medicine offers a superior approach to addressing these issues. By understanding the science behind these symptoms, Functional Medicine often provides solutions to many of these challenges, promoting overall brain and mental health.

Fatigue and sleep issues are among the most prevalent complaints from patients. Despite seeking medical help and undergoing various tests, many individuals continue to experience persistent tiredness, as their test results often appear normal. Consequently, they are advised to rest more or prescribed sleep aids, anti-anxiety, or anti-depressant medications, yet sleep remains elusive and fatigue lingers. So, what should one do?

The key is to identify the root cause of a patient’s exhaustion and inability to rest. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be attributed to several factors, and it is crucial to examine each variable to determine if a single or combination of factors is causing the debilitating condition. Adrenal fatigue is a recently recognized condition that can lead to chronic fatigue.

Potential causes of fatigue include stress, food intolerance, and heavy metal contamination. Recent tests have revealed that adrenal fatigue might be a significant contributor to tiredness in many patients. Other possible reasons for chronic fatigue may be related to thyroid hormone levels, micronutrient deficiencies, or gut/GI imbalances, among others.

As mentioned earlier, inadequate sleep and ongoing fatigue can lead to other severe problems, such as inflammation. The body primarily performs its repair work at night while asleep. During the day, the body is preoccupied with defending against various stressors, so at night, it should enter repair mode. However, if sleep is disrupted, the repair process is hindered, and inflammation continues to smolder, much like a slow-burning fire.

This situation can result in a multi-system breakdown, potentially leading to organ or system failure and exacerbating the disease process.

It’s essential to remember that the body strives for optimal health and will adapt for as long as possible. However, eventually, too many cells may cease to function correctly, leading to the onset of disease and subsequent symptoms. By this point, the body is already ill.

If you suspect that chronic fatigue or insomnia is affecting your health, schedule an appointment to assess your thyroid hormone levels today!

If an individual were to cease eating for an extended period (ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months), they would inevitably face life-threatening consequences. Food is essential for the sustenance of all living organisms, and what we consume has a direct impact on our health and well-being. The quality of food we ingest significantly influences our health outcomes.

By consuming healthy foods, our bodies can utilize macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—to synthesize micronutrients, such as hormones, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. These components contribute to the overall health of our cells. However, the consumption of unhealthy foods, including processed items, those laden with chemicals, or high in additives, can hinder the body’s ability to produce essential micronutrients. This can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances, increased fat storage, and strain on the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

Various conditions and diseases can arise from consuming unhealthy foods and lacking micronutrients. These can include constipation, diarrhea, leaky gut syndrome, food sensitivities, skin rashes, allergic reactions, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, sugar cravings, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), weight loss, and weight gain.

The GI system plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. Identifying and addressing the root causes of these conditions often involves changes to one’s diet and lifestyle, as well as investigating the cellular function of various organs and systems within the body. Special tests can be employed to assess cellular function and discover the underlying causes of weight gain or other health issues. By prioritizing a balanced diet and understanding how our bodies process nutrients, we can better manage our health and prevent disease.

Pain and inflammation are natural responses that play crucial roles in our everyday lives. Pain alerts us to injuries, while inflammation initiates the healing process. Although all pain involves some inflammation, not all inflammation is associated with pain. Unchecked inflammation can lead to chronic inflammation, which can damage tissue and cells.

Headaches and migraines are examples of pain with inflammation. Several factors can contribute to headaches, such as dehydration, lack of food, muscle tension, poor blood flow to the brain, or cervical spine subluxation. Frequent headaches warrant investigation, and relying solely on medication for relief may not address the underlying issues.

Migraines are more severe and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Medical doctors may order advanced tests to rule out serious health concerns, such as tumors. However, if no significant findings are made, the focus should shift to identifying the underlying cause of migraines, which may include food sensitivities or cervical/blood flow occlusions.

Inflammation is a normal bodily response, but constant insults and stress can throw the body off balance and hinder the healing process. Our bodies usually defend against insults during the day and repair at night while we sleep. However, ongoing stress and poor sleep prevent the body from fully repairing itself, causing inflammation to persist like an uncontrolled fire.

Insults contributing to inflammation include genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food, contaminated drinking water, processed foods, air pollution, toxins in makeup, heavy metal accumulation, and stress. To protect our health, it is essential to address these factors and mitigate their impact.

Determining whether a person is dealing with underlying inflammation requires simple blood tests to measure inflammation levels. In some cases, special tests may be necessary to identify and address the cause of inflammation. Ultimately, understanding and addressing one’s inflammatory level is critical for restoring and maintaining overall health.

Many people, especially women, experience symptoms like fatigue, cold hands and feet, thinning hair, and low sex drive, which can be attributed to thyroid hormone imbalances. Often, patients visit their medical doctor, who might suspect a thyroid issue and run blood tests for TSH and possibly TT4. However, when results come back normal, patients are left disappointed and still searching for answers.

The thyroid gland, which plays a critical role in our bodies, is part of a three-way system that includes the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland), the thyroid gland itself, and the body. The adrenal gland also plays a significant role in regulating thyroid hormone release. This system functions as follows:

  1. The hypothalamus scans the blood to determine if the thyroid needs stimulation to produce more of its primary hormone.
  2. If necessary, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to produce TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).
  3. The thyroid, stimulated by TSH, produces TT4 (total T4), which is then converted into TT3 (total T3), the active hormone.

When doctors measure only TSH and TT4, they overlook at least one-third of the conversion process that takes place in the body. For these conversions to occur, the body requires specific micronutrients. Another hormone called rT3 (reverse T3) acts as an emergency brake in the body, potentially inhibiting TT3 function.

Understanding the thyroid hormone conversion process and the body’s requirements can help medical professionals identify thyroid imbalances. Comprehensive blood tests that measure all thyroid hormone levels are necessary to determine if thyroid hormones are functioning properly.

If you suspect a thyroid imbalance or low thyroid function, schedule an appointment with us to check your thyroid hormone levels and get to the root of the issue.

Functional Medicine Tests

Functional Medicine of Houston offers a wide array of diagnostic tests designed to provide an in-depth understanding of your body’s current state. A few examples of the functional medicine tests we conduct are listed below. While these are among the most common tests we perform, our clinic has the capacity to carry out hundreds of specialized tests tailored to meet each patient’s unique requirements.

These are standard blood tests that the majority of physicians request when a patient exhibits an acute or chronic ailment. However, there is a distinction! Functional Medicine Doctors interpret blood test results in a unique manner. Rather than focusing on high and low values (H’s and L’s), they examine the precise figures and cross-reference them with other lab results to identify potential early indicators of dysfunction, often before any symptoms or illnesses manifest.

Food/chemical sensitivity testing is an essential diagnostic tool in our functional medicine clinic. By identifying individual intolerances to various foods and chemicals, we can uncover hidden triggers of inflammation and chronic symptoms. Our testing process utilizes blood sample analysis to provide accurate results, enabling us to personalize dietary recommendations for optimal health and wellbeing.

Comprehensive GI testing plays a crucial role in assessing the overall health of your gastrointestinal tract. Through the analysis of stool samples, we evaluate digestive, absorptive, and inflammatory markers in the GI tract. This in-depth assessment helps identify potential causes of digestive discomfort and irregularities, such as bacterial, yeast, and parasite imbalances. With these insights, we can guide targeted treatments to improve gut health and alleviate symptoms.

Mold/mycotoxin testing is a specialized service we offer to detect the presence of mold and mycotoxins in the body. By measuring levels of specific mold-produced toxins in urine samples, we can identify mold-related health issues and exposure sources. This information is vital for developing targeted detoxification protocols and personalized treatment plans to address mold toxicity.

Adrenal testing is an important diagnostic tool in our clinic. This test evaluates adrenal function and stress hormone levels, which are essential for maintaining overall health and balance. By analyzing hormone production patterns, we can identify potential imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing to fatigue, anxiety, or other health concerns. With this information, we can develop tailored treatment strategies to optimize adrenal health and support overall wellness.

Micronutrient Testing (MNT) is a comprehensive evaluation of nutrient levels in the body. By analyzing blood samples, we can determine if there are any deficiencies or imbalances in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This information is crucial for designing personalized dietary and supplement plans to address specific nutrient needs and support optimal health.

Lipoprotein Particle Profile (LPP) is an advanced cardiovascular risk assessment tool that provides a deeper understanding of your heart health. Unlike traditional lipid panels, the LPP test evaluates the size and number of lipoprotein particles, which are more accurate predictors of cardiovascular risk. Essentially, it allows us to distinguish between good and bad cholesterol. This in-depth analysis allows us to develop targeted interventions to improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Telomere testing is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool that measures the length of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Telomere length is associated with cellular aging, and shorter telomeres have been linked to increased risk for various age-related diseases. By evaluating your telomere length, we can provide personalized recommendations for lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and targeted supplements to support healthy cellular aging and overall longevity.

How Functional Medicine Can Work For You?

At Functional Medicine of Houston, our focus is on helping you reap the benefits of personalized healthcare. Our functional medicine approach offers numerous advantages over conventional symptom-based treatments. By identifying and addressing the root causes of your health concerns, we empower you to achieve lasting improvements in your well-being. The benefits of working with us include:

  1. Enhanced overall health: By restoring balance and function within your body, functional medicine can help you feel more energized, focused, and rejuvenated.

  2. Prevention of future health issues: By addressing underlying imbalances and deficiencies, our approach can help you prevent the development of chronic conditions and improve your long-term health.

  3. Personalized Protocols: Our customized protocols are tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle, ensuring that you receive the most effective and targeted care possible.

By choosing Functional Medicine of Houston, you can unlock the potential of functional medicine and experience the transformative benefits it can bring to your life.

For more information on Functional Medicine in Austin, TX

How Functional Medicine Can Work For You?

Success Stories

Our patient’s success stories speak for themselves, read them below.

About Dr. Bobbie Stowe

Dr. Bobbie StoweDr. Stowe has been assisting patients to regain health for over 15 years.  Dr. Stowe has always had a passion to live healthily and enjoy life to its fullest, where aging and diseases are always a constant threat.  He came to reason, that as we age, our cells deteriorate in function, sometimes allowing diseases or dysfunctions to take control of our lives.  So it became a quest, a passion, to learn and assist his patients and those suffering from chronic conditions or dysfunctions.

Using advanced laboratory testing and analysis, Dr. Stowe’s focus is to help find the two primary issues that might cause disease: a blockage of a natural process and/or a deficiency of vital nutrients that the body needs in order to function properly.  Dr. Stowe’s entire approach is to assist the person in restoring health, not only to the cells and tissue but to the person.

Contact Information

Dr. Bobbie Stowe
(713) 667-6656

Consultation with Dr. Stowe

Dr. Stowe specializes in helping individuals with chronic diseases. By consulting with him, you can gain valuable insight into the underlying causes of your condition and how his expertise in functional medicine can help you recover. Book an appointment with Dr. Stowe today to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving optimal health.

Have a question? Ask it below!