12. Unpacking Functional Medicine with Lacy Lain: A Holistic & Optimal Approach to Wellness

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Welcome back, Fit Fam, to Move Your Body Differently! I’m your host, Shaela Daugherty, and today I’m excited to dive into the world of functional medicine with my dear friend, Lacy Lain. Lacy is a functional medicine health and nutrition coach, a mom of three, and someone who’s passionate about helping women achieve optimal wellness. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down what functional medicine is, how it differs from traditional healthcare, and how it can transform your health journey.

In this episode, we cover:

• What is Functional Medicine?
  Lacy explains that functional medicine is a systems-based biology approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues. Unlike traditional Western medicine, which often focuses on treating symptoms with medication, functional medicine looks at the body as a whole—considering physical, mental, and emotional health—to achieve optimal wellness.

• Western Medicine vs. Functional Medicine:
  We discuss the key differences between Western medicine and functional medicine. Lacy highlights how functional medicine uses low-risk interventions, such as nutrition, movement, and stress management, to modify cellular and molecular systems before considering medication. This approach emphasizes holistic healing and long-term wellness.

• Understanding the Terminology:
  With so many terms like holistic, integrative, and functional medicine being thrown around, Lacy helps clarify the differences. She explains that while all these practices fall under the umbrella of alternative medicine, integrative medicine combines traditional and natural approaches, while holistic and functional medicine focus on treating the whole body, not just specific symptoms.

• The Functional Medicine Process:
  Lacy walks us through her process when working with clients. She emphasizes the importance of starting with small, sustainable changes and incorporating psychological work before diving into blood work and physical changes. Lacy shares how this approach not only helps identify root causes but also empowers clients to take control of their health journey.

• Building a Support Team:
  We talk about the importance of having a care team, which includes not just a functional medicine coach but also a primary care physician, chiropractor, dietitian, and personal trainer. Lacy explains how these professionals can work together to support optimal wellness and why having a team is crucial for long-term health.

• The Role of Discipline and Habit-Building:
  Lacy shares how building small, consistent habits can lead to lasting change in your health journey. She emphasizes that the key to success is taking one step at a time, focusing on sustainability rather than quick fixes, and maintaining discipline even when life gets busy.

Get involved with her here: Instagram & Pinterest @lacylain  | website: lacylain.com | free membership: lacylain.com/freemembership

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