Many patients come to The Art of Medicine PLLC because they want to do everything they can to prevent chronic conditions and disease (possibly because of a family history) and improve their quality of life. Others come because they are tired of feeling lousy, not enjoying life, or are unable to keep up with their day to day activities. Dr. Kharbat specializes in Functional Medicine and uses various methods to detect imbalances and nutritional deficiencies before illness and disease have manifested or progressed. A comprehensive clinical evaluation is performed prior to recommending labs which leads to a plan personalized for you. This individualized program is created with the goal of preventing chronic disease, getting your body and mind as healthy as possible, and helping you feel better.
Functional Medicine is patient-oriented medicine rather than disease-oriented medicine. Dr. Kharbat focuses on ALL of your symptoms to come up with a treatment plan specific to your needs. It is not about one symptom, but rather how they all connect. The basic principle is that each person is biochemically unique and no one treatment is right for everyone.
It is a comprehensive approach to health care that focuses on prevention and finding the underlying cause of illness instead of simply treating the symptoms. Functional Medicine is a science-based approach to optimal health. Your health is only 30% inherited (Genomics) and 70% choice (your diet and lifestyle). This means YOU control your health and YOU can modify your risk for disease (Nutrigenomics). For more information please visit the Institute of Functional Medicine website www.functionalmedicine.org
Some conditions that we treat:
- Issues related to hormones and mood such as PMS, menopause, low sex drive (in both men and women), bio-identical hormones, thyroid disorders, depression and anxiety
- Fatigue and stress related issues such as chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue and insomnia
- Digestion and bowel problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gastro-esophageal disease (GERD), reflux and constipation
- Immune and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, eczema, asthma and autoimmune disorders
- Issues with circulation and lipids such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol
- Environmental exposure and detoxification issues such as migraines, mold and exposure to heavy metals such as mercury and lead
- Optimizing your nutrition
- Fixing your digestion
- Enhancing detoxification
- Cooling off inflammation in your body
- Balancing your hormones
- Boosting your energy metabolism
- Calming your mind
The laboratory testing done in Functional Medicine is one critical part of creating and guiding your personalized treatment plan. Blood tests are done at a lab of your choice. Stool, urine and saliva are done in your home with a special kit. For more information, visit www.genovadiagnostics.com
Below are Functional Medicine Labs routinely used.
- This special blood test measures vitamin and mineral levels inside your cells, which is more accurate than routine serum levels. This is an important basic screening for both the prevention and treatment of all medical conditions.
- Urine organic acid testing looks for blockages in your biochemical pathways which tells us if you are functionally deficient in any vitamins. This is the best way to measure vitamins by assessing the function of enzymes.
- An Amino acid profile is a blood test to assess the levels of these protein building blocks which are needed to build healthy tissues throughout the body, such as hair, muscle, neurotransmitters and immune cells. This is important for people with hair loss, depression or fatigue, and especially useful for vegans and vegetarians to determine if you are getting enough protein.
- Nutrient and Toxic element profile is a blood test that determines the levels of essential minerals in the body as well as toxic elements such as aluminum, arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury.
- Genova NutrEval combines the above urine organic acid testing, amino acid profile, fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins, lipid peroxides, nutrient and toxic elements.
- Adrenal Testing: This is a saliva test to evaluate adrenal fatigue by measuring cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the course of the day. This is especially helpful for those with excessive fatigue, inflammatory conditions, hormone imbalance and weight issues.
- Estrogen Metabolism Testing: This is a urine test that measures estrogen metabolites which indicate how well your body is detoxifying and eliminating estrogen. This is important for women with a history of breast cancer, at risk for breast cancer or interested in prevention.
- All other hormone testing(saliva or blood), includes basic male and female hormone levels, as well as thyroid evaluation.
Bowel Function Testing:
Stool analysis that evaluates your ability to digest and absorb food and the presence and quantity of beneficial bacteria, harmful bacteria and yeast. Problems in these areas can be the underlying cause for many conditions such as immune dysfunction, irritable bowel, fibromyalgia, migraines and more.
Nutritional Testing:
Hormone Testing:
Food Allergy Testing:
Food allergy IgG testing is a blood test that measures IgG levels to 90 different foods. This goes beyond the tests typically done by allergy specialists. It can help you identify food triggers and sensitivities causing many health conditions (increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, gluten sensitivity and celiac disease).
Neurotransmitter Testing:
A urine test that measures neurotransmitter metabolites. This is important for those with sleep problems, depression and other mood disorders. Results can direct treatment with amino acid supplementation to balance neurotransmitters instead of using anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication. For more information, visit www.neuroscience.com
Lyme Disease Testing:
Specialized blood testing for later stages of Lyme disease.