Anne Sherman, MSN
Family Nurse Practitioner, ANCC Board Certified
Institute of Functional Medicine, Member
Functional Medicine is the practice of identifying and treating underlying causes of symptoms. It also is truly preventive, because dysfunction/imbalance of systems typically occurs long before disease is evident. Identification relies on history, physical exam, and laboratory testing. Usually, when the following areas are functioning at their best, symptoms improve:
Treatments fall into four categories, typically in the order listed :
In order to find solutions that work for you, your role in this partnership includes (to the best of your ability/circumstance):
Focus is on ensuring a properly functioning immune system to prevent illness, and fight infection. I avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. Supplements that have been shown to be antibacterial are offered as an option when appropriate.
Learn MoreI am certified in the Breseden Protocol, and have completed Dr. Shumaker and Heyman's CIRS course. Dementia is not always Alzheimer's disease, and Alzheimer's disease does not mean inevitable decline - particularly if addressed at its earliest stages. Solutions are multifactorial and may include endocrine (thyroid/adrenal), toxins, nutritional deficiencies, impaired mitochondrial function, immune, infection, fatty acid adequacy and more. Solving these problems can take a bit of detective work... and SIGNIFICANT diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes.
Functional Medicine looks to root causes, so is not too concerned about what you call it, and there is no medical diagnosis (label) for these syndromes. In many cases, there seems to be a immunomimicry or other mechanism causing high levels of oxidative stress: The Brain is on Fire. The science is emerging, so interventions are often "off label". My approach is to optimize function (EG gut, hormones, detoxification...), to control oxidative stress (through antioxidants and mitochondrial function), and to find ways to moderate immune function (EG: address infection, low dose naltrexone).
Cycle problems and hormone imbalances are often a sign of other problems. A functional approach usually involves testing hormones (via saliva, urine, or blood spot) and/or charting cycles. Solutions vary from food choices to bioidentical hormones.
Learn MoreAt this time I request that if you see me, you maintain a relationship with a primary care provider as well to do the USPTF health screenings, and to help expedite access to health care systems when conventional care is needed. (For example, some specialties in some health systems will only see you if you have a primary care provider in their system.)
Learn MoreI do not provide vaccinations at my office. However, I can discuss your concerns with you. The decision is a personal one, but should be well informed. A healthy immune system is essential to safe vaccination. So, before getting vaccines I review the individual's vitamin D and other factors.
The standard approach is to address calories in and calories out. We delve into the details: eating habits, sleep, exercise, adrenal function, thyroid, inflammation, hormones, and more. The goal is sustainable life changes, not fad diets. It takes time, but it lasts a life time.
Untreated, GERD can lead to esophagitis and worse. The long term effects of a PPI (pill to lower stomach acid) can include bloating, increased risk for cardiovascular disease*, increased risk for pneumonia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and more. The functional approach is to help the gut work well by ensuring adequate stomach acid and enzymes for digestion, a healthy mucus barrier, and relief of leaky gut and dysbiosis. Stool testing is often very helpful as a first step.
Learn MoreOffice hours vary in order to be able to offer a variety of days and times of day, as well as to allow me to meet my personal obligations. Please email or call to make an appointment (see Contact tab).
Learn MoreThere are many things you can do to make the most of your appointment time. Make a list in advance of concerns and questions that you have and bring it with you. Also, bring a list of all of the medications and supplements you are currently taking.
Learn MoreFirst appointments are done in person except in very rare situations. Subsequent appointments can be done via secure web video (IE: Telehealth) unless a physical assessment is necessary.
After each appointment I will share our plan with you via a HIPPA secure patient portal. Non-urgent communication is also best accomplished through the patient portal.
Supplements are substances that help our bodies function properly by increasing something we are deficient in because of diet, increased need, genetics, or other reasons. These may be obtained through the food we eat or isolated in capsule form.
Herbs, peptides, and other substances are plants or molecules that typically have multiple mechanisms of action that change gene expression or other functions.
Technically, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, herbs, or homeopathic remedies are not classified as drugs. However, these substances can have significant effects on physiology and must be used appropriately.
Many conventional providers avoid using supplements. Some of the reasons are:
I, like most functional medicine providers, recognize these cautions, but choose to include supplements because:
Please Note:
Supplements have side effects and can interact with drugs, too. It is important to keep all of your healthcare providers fully informed about all medications and nutritional supplements, herbs, or hormones you may be taking.
Labs often charge insurance companies a much higher rate than they charge individual patients. (A typical discount is over 90%!) It is the law that if the lab charges your insurance company, they cannot later charge you a different rate. It is best to know your coverage ahead of time. If the test is through Genova, see (see https://www.gdx.net/patients/billing-and-payments/insurance) regarding coverage.