Functional Medicine in Pearland
Functional Medicine in Pearland, 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 Pearland. 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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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
Brain / Mental Health Issues
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
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!
Gastrointestinal Issues
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
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.
Thyroid Issues
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:
- The hypothalamus scans the blood to determine if the thyroid needs stimulation to produce more of its primary hormone.
- If necessary, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to produce TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).
- 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
01
Blood Lab Tests
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.
02
Food/Chemical Sensitivity Testing
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.
03
Comprehensive GI Testing
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.
04
Mold/Mycotoxin Testing
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.
05
Adrenal Testing
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.
06
MIcronutrient Testing
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.
07
Lipoprotein Particle Profile
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.
08
Telomere
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?
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.
Meet Dr. Bobbie Stowe — Functional Medicine Doctor in Texas
Dr. Bobbie Stowe has been supporting patients in pursuing better health for over 15 years. He has seen firsthand how many patients struggling with mental wellness concerns have cycled through the conventional system without finding meaningful answers — and how a deeper look at the underlying physiology can change that conversation entirely.
His approach is grounded in advanced laboratory testing and personalized protocols built around each patient’s own data. He works with patients across all of Texas through a 100% telemedicine model.
Success StoriesSuccess Stories
Our patient’s success stories speak for themselves, read them below.
Louise’s Story
What we found – I ran several tests, some routine, like blood work, but others were more advanced, like a stool test. Louise and her husband were very reluctant at first to do this test because they couldn’t understand why I would want to look at her stool, when what she was dealing with was neck pain. And none of the MD’s had ever mentioned a stool test for her neck pain. But I assured them that her pain may be in her neck, but the CAUSE of the pain, was NOT in her neck and the GI track is a great place to start looking. So when the tests came back, they were amazed at what was found. H.pylori, E.coli, several parasites and a large quantity of yeast/fungi. How they wondered would these findings relate to her neck pain. Quite simply, these are pathogens that are not supposed to be in the body. And all of these pathogen, release toxins and can and generally are, harmful to the body. In her case, these toxins were the cause of her neck pain. How do we know this? Because we provided therapy for these pathogens and within a very few days, Louise started to feel better. Within a few weeks, her symptoms, were almost completely resolved. She felt so much better. But there was still an issue.
Even though Louise felt so much better, she still had a slight lingering headache. She woke up with it and went to bed with it. No matter what we did, nothing resolved this headache. Now, when she was thinking or doing something else, she really didn’t notice this headache but it was always there. So now, with confidence in what I had been explaining, she asked me if there were other tests she should look at to help find the cause of this relenting headache. So another test, this time, a Food Sensitivity Test was performed. Why? Because of what she had told me in previous conversations. And when this test came back, it showed that she had food sensitivities to many of the foods she loved to eat – but they were also, healthy foods, like tomatoes and watermelons. We reviewed the tests and asked her to remove these foods from her diet. She went home and within 24 hours, she called the clinic and reported for the first time in month that she didn’t have a headache.
Bill’s Story
Again, a complete history and a standard blood lab were performed, but neither really gave me a lot of information about WHY he was not able to sleep. So, I ordered a more specialized test that shows what is happening with his adrenal glands and things called neurotransmitter. Once this test came back, imbalances within these hormones and neurotransmitters were found and a specific protocol was given. Within a week or so, he reported not only being more relaxed during the day, but was sleeping a little better; but not great. Now, this really surprised me, so I had to ask him to dig a little deeper to provide more information. In the end, Bill finally relayed to me that he was sleeping about 4-6 hours a night, but was still tired when he work up. Also, he report that he was feeling more relaxed during the day which came as a surprise to me, as well as to him. He really didn’t know that he wasn’t feeling that good during the day, until he started the protocol. It was only then that he realized that his lack of sleep was really having a tremendous effect on his job and how he felt. So after a couple of revisions to his protocol, Bill reported that he was now sleeping 7-8 per night and waking quite rested.
Judy’s Story
So, I explained to her how FM is different, what I look for and how our protocols were different from conventional, allopathic doctors. She finally agreed to some specific testing that I believed she needed. Once the tests came back and we found several barriers that were preventing her body from functioning normally, as well as some nutritional deficiencies, we started a therapeutic protocol that was designed specifically for her needs. Within a week, Judy was feeling like a different person. When I first met Judy, I thought she was in her late 50’s or even mid to late 60’s – she just looked old. But the next time I saw her, after her protocol started, she looked much younger and revived. On one appointment, Judy asked me when she could stop her medications and I told her to make an appointment and talk with medical provider who had prescribed her medication. You see, some meds you can come off easily and other you need to be very careful how you reduce or stop those medications and I wasn’t qualified to make that determination.
So a few months later, I am sitting with a new male patient who had been referred by his wife and there came a knock at my closed door. But instead of waiting for an answer, this woman comes walking in. I was actually a little startled that a stranger would just walk into my office, but I soon found out that it was the wife of the gentleman I was seeing, but to my greater amazement, it was also Judy. She had transformed into a vibrant, young looking and attractive woman. I was simply stunned; I didn’t recognize her at all. She came in and explained that she went to her medical doctor and he told her that she could never come off of her drugs and that nothing an alternative provider could give her would make any difference – she was simply having what he called, “a placebo effect.” She thought the protocol was working, but her medical doctor said it was all in her head – just like her depression. So Judy simply stopped her meds, on her own, and she immediately started feeling even better than she had while she was taking my protocol along with the meds. I told her that was dangerous, but I was very excited and happy that she had responded so well.
Trisha’s Story
When they came back, now late July, I asked how she felt and she reported that she was better, not as cold, but she was still losing some hair, but not as much. So I reviewed the labs with them and provided some additional supplements. I asked them to return in another month, but was informed that it would be 6-7 weeks because of a planned trip back to Greece. But when they returned, did they have a surprise for me. Trisha had absolutely no symptoms, at all. She wasn’t cold and her hair had stopped falling out. Does anyone reading this want to guess what her problem was? Yes, her diet. You see, in Greece, she ate a Greek diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, lean meats, nuts, etc. But here in the US, she had started eating the SAD diet – Standard American Diet – processed foods! So we modified her diet and supplements and saw her one month later, this time with her mother. At last report, Trisha was a healthy and thriving young lady without health issues and a normally functioning thyroid.
Sara’s Story
Approximately 1 year later, I see Sara on my schedule. Frankly, I had forgotten who she was, but once I reviewed her chart, I realized that this might be a difficult appointment. I had no idea why she hadn’t returned for her follow-up appointment and felt that now she was going to tell me that my protocol had failed. So you can’t believe how I felt when I saw and finally spoke with her. Sara looked fabulous. She skin tone was clear and her eyes were bright and alive. I asked why she had finally come back in to see me and how she was doing. She told me that she was wonderful. She was cured! I explained that I didn’t think she was cured, but she insisted that she was. A couple of weeks after starting my protocol, she was completely without symptoms! And hasn’t had a serious bout of constipation or diarrhea since she last saw me. I asked again why she hadn’t made her follow-up appointment and she told me that she didn’t see any reason to because she felt so great. I asked her why she was here now and she said she just wanted to follow up with me to make sure I thought she was doing well. Now that is a great patient.
Ready to begin your journey to better health?
Ready to Work With a Thyroid Functional Medicine Doctor in Pearland, TX
