Defining Functional Medicine

By Amy Kinze
Functional Medicine

In medical school, students begin by learning anatomy and physiology. These lessons highlight the interconnectedness of the body—how organs and systems influence one another, and how form and function are inseparable. In immunology, we learn that immune cells, hormones, and the nervous system are in constant communication, especially during stress. For example, high cortisol can reduce the activity of natural killer cells, lowering our resistance to infection. These insights show us how dynamic and coordinated the human body truly is.

The Limits of the Traditional Model

Despite this deep knowledge, the traditional medical model often narrows its focus. Most doctors are trained to view the body in parts—treating specific organs or symptoms rather than the whole person. If test results clearly fit a diagnosis, patients are usually prescribed medication to manage symptoms. But the root cause, such as thyroid dysfunction linked to diet or lifestyle, is rarely addressed.

Patients whose symptoms don’t fit neatly into a diagnosis often get referred from one specialist to another. A person with asthma and irritable bowel syndrome may see two different doctors, neither of whom considers how the conditions are connected. This organ-based approach can leave patients frustrated and without lasting solutions.

How We Got Here

This wasn’t always the case. In the 1800s, traditional healing systems like naturopathy and homeopathy were widely practiced. But with the rise of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and the formation of the AMA, these approaches were pushed aside. Modern medicine advanced with technology—MRIs, CT scans, and powerful drugs—but often at the cost of the human connection and holistic care.

A Return to Root-Cause Medicine

Throughout history, healing traditions such as Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have viewed the body as an interconnected whole. Functional medicine builds on this wisdom, combining modern science with a systems-based approach. Instead of masking symptoms, it asks why the imbalance exists.

Functional medicine looks at every layer of health:

  • Nutrition and digestion
  • Hormonal and endocrine balance
  • Emotional well-being
  • Microbiome and detoxification
  • Environmental exposures
  • Genetic predispositions

The goal isn’t just to reduce discomfort but to restore balance and prevent future illness.

Redefining Health

True health is more than the absence of disease. If you rely on a handful of pills just to maintain “normal” lab results, can that really be called wellness? Functional medicine empowers patients to participate in their healing, creating partnerships between doctor and patient.

A Better Way Forward

America faces a growing health crisis, but there is hope. As awareness grows, more people are seeking out holistic, functional approaches that honor the body’s natural ability to heal. By shifting from symptom management to root-cause care, functional medicine offers a path back to health, balance, and vitality.

Ready to experience a functional approach to your health?  Click here for an appointment.

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KEN FOSTERUD Woodstock IL

By Amy Kinze
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About five years ago I became a strict vegetarian because I thought it would be good for my health and would help me to loose weight. It did not work as I did not loose weight and my blood sugar became elevated. As a referral from Dr. Gordon Scherzer DN DC I made an appointment with her. After thoroughly reviewing my blood work and asking questions, she provided me with a personalized eating plan that included much more protein and fewer carbohydrates. I also learned about choosing healthy oils. After following my new eating plan, I lost 30lbs in 120 days. My blood pressure which was high even on medication, went from 159/99 to 115/75. My blood sugar also dropped from 125 to 105. I am very pleased with my results.

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KIMBERLY LEIGH Claredon Hills, IL

By Amy Kinze
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Amy has been incredible to work with! What began with a quest for better understanding my own nutrition needs ended up with a whole “plan” for my family and their needs as well! While working with me specifically, she was able to pinpoint areas of my diet and help me make changes. Then, through careful listening she was able to make recommendations for good, sound, healthy changes I could incorporate for my children to help navigate their own allergies and sensitivities. She is ethical, knowledgeable and caring and clearly has her clients’ best interests in mind. I proudly refer to Amy as “my nutritionist”! — thanks again for everything!!

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LUCY A. Clarendon Hills, IL.

By Amy Kinze
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Amy is absolutely Amazing. A few other nouns I could use to describe her would be: a miracle worker, an intuitive healer, and basically a Godsend! She’s now my go-to health practitioner that I’d see before any conventional medical doctor. I met Amy last year and was immediately
impressed with her knowledge about anything and everything related to health. But it wasn’t until I consulted her regarding my own health challenges that I realized that depth and skill she possessed when it came to diagnosing and healing my digestive inflammation and menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and weight gain. I’m happy to say that after I started on the herbs and dietary changes she recommended I’m feeling fantastic…clear thinking, weight going down and no more hot flashes.
My digestive inflammation is improving and am confident will continue to get better. I tell everyone I know that is open minded to alternative modalities for healing to contact Amy.

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KATHY JOHNSTON Lake in the Hills, IL

By Amy Kinze
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I was referred to Amy Kinzie from a friend. At the time I was suffering from gastritis and had been experiencing very bad pain in my stomach and having other GI issues. I was not able to eat without pain. I scheduled an appointment with her. Though a consultation about nutrition, and muscle testing she was able to give me insight on what was going on with my gut. We also addressed some ways to help support my body to heal joint damage. The first of the food suggestions I tried was a special low temperature cooked organic chicken broth to nourish and calm my intestines. It was the first thing I could eat without pain. I also followed her advice on juicing and other specific recommendations. She suggested a few supplements made by Biotics that really helped with the gi distress including a really good probiotic. I am happy to say I currently have no digestive issues. In addition, my doctor told me to “keep doing what I’m doing” because my thyroid levels have normalized without drugs. I have gained so much knowledge on how to handle different things going on with my body. I am no longer scared of how my health will be as I age. I feel Amy is an excellent source to help me address my concerns. Thank you Amy!

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Robin Thursday, 12/15/11, 3:58 PM

By Amy Kinze
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I began seeing Gordon after suffering for years with migraine headaches, they occurred as many as ten or twelve days a month. The first time I was treated with a cervical adjustment and cranial work was during a headache. After the treatment it was almost completely gone. Since then he has helped me find supplements that help prevent them. If I feel one coming on they can even be prevented by getting in for a treatment. He understands the urgency and always makes time. Don’t know what I would have done without him. Thanks Gordon.

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SCOTT WILKINSON

By Amy Kinze
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I have gone to a few other chiropractors that spend about 5 minutes with me on a maintenance visit and I feel like I just wasted my money. Not so with Dr Scherzer. He takes his time on every visit and is thorough. He works more with his hands rather than instruments – almost like integrating massage therapy with chiropractic adjustment – which has been much more effective for me. I highly recommend Dr Scherzer.

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