Looking for the cause, not just the symptom
Chronic conditions rarely have one cause. Genetics, diet, sleep, stress, medication, environment and other illnesses interact, and the same symptom in two people can come from two entirely different places.
A functional approach starts by taking a longer history than usual and asking when things changed, then testing where testing will actually inform the plan. Fatigue is the obvious example: it can be thyroid, anemia, low vitamin D, blood sugar, sleep apnea, depression, medication side effects, or several at once.
Conventional and complementary, used together
Prevention through nutrition, diet and exercise sits alongside laboratory testing, prescription medicines, professional-grade supplements and stress management. Dr. Gisi's stated preference is to try nutritional support first where that is reasonable, while recognizing that many conditions are treated most effectively with medication — and that some need it straight away.
What this does not mean
It does not mean rejecting conventional medicine, and it does not mean accepting alternative therapies uncritically. The test applied to any treatment is the same: is there reason to think it works, what does it cost you, and what are the risks. Where a condition needs a specialist, an operation or a hospital, you will be told that clearly and referred.
A partnership, and the time to have one
None of this works in a seven-minute appointment. Because the practice does not double-book, there is room to talk properly and to revisit the plan as things change. You are expected to be part of the decision rather than handed the outcome of one.
What to expect at your visit
- A longer conversation than a standard visit, covering history, diet, sleep, stress and environment
- A review of everything you take, prescription and non-prescription
- Laboratory testing where it will change what happens next
- A plan that usually combines diet or lifestyle changes with treatment, in an agreed order
- Follow-up to see what worked, and to change what didn't