Posted on 01/11/2025 8:05:30 PM PST by SeekAndFind
A significant shift is underway in American healthcare as more people embrace alternative therapies that focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues. This transition, often referred to as “root cause medicine,” represents a departure from traditional reactive medical practices toward a preventative and holistic approach. A movement that is expected to expand in 2025.
According to a JAMA study, 37% of adults sought alternative treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, and specialized diagnostic testing —a sharp rise from just 19% two decades ago. This movement is also gaining traction among patients of all ages, particularly those over 55, as they seek to age gracefully and optimize their long-term health. Another study published in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine shows that more Americans 55 and up are seeking a holistic or alternative medicine route and many times are not telling their doctor.
Doctor Mitchell Ghen, a Florida-based holistic health doctor, has noticed this shift over the past few decades but believes that those numbers are not representative of the number of people using alternative medicine. He said, “I am a little bit surprised it’s 1/3 that’s doing it I would’ve thought it would be closer to 50%. Over time, people have that recognition that something’s not right, you can’t fix something unless you address the underlying issue and the underlying biochemistry that’s awry in the first place.”
A Growing Awareness
Experts attribute the shift to increased awareness of holistic health. “There’s a lot more knowledge now about mental health, physical health, and gut health,” Adam El- Hosseiny, COO of Access Medical Labs explains. “People want to age healthfully, not just treat symptoms when they arise. They’re choosing preventative care over reactive solutions.”
Social media has played a pivotal role in exposing people to alternative options. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok feature influencers and healthcare professionals sharing insights into how diet, mindfulness, and personalized diagnostics can help address chronic issues. However, as Dr. Mitch, a practitioner with over 40 years of experience, noted, the trend also reflects growing dissatisfaction with conventional medicine. “Patients are tired of rushed appointments and being prescribed medications without understanding the underlying issue,” he said. “Many are seeking answers that traditional medicine doesn’t always provide.”
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated interest in holistic health, as many Americans became hyper-aware of their physical and mental well-being. With lingering health issues like long COVID and increased stress levels, patients began to demand deeper insights into their health. The pandemic served as a wake-up call, prompting people to prioritize preventative care and explore alternative therapies that could enhance their immune systems, energy levels, and overall resilience.
Addressing Gaps in Traditional Care
Traditional medicine often relies on an "if-then" model: if you have a symptom, then you’re prescribed a medication. While effective for acute conditions, this approach falls short. “Nutrients, vitamins, and minerals drive the body’s energy cycle. Medications aren’t part of that cycle—they treat symptoms but rarely fix the root problem,” Dr. Mitch said.
This narrow focus leaves patients searching for more comprehensive solutions. “Unless you dive deeply into an individual’s biochemistry, it’s nearly impossible to fully understand what’s going on,” Dr. Mitch explained. For example, he pointed out that fatigue and brain fog—common complaints among patients—are often overlooked in routine checkups. Standard bloodwork might not flag deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that could explain these symptoms.
Moreover, the structure of conventional healthcare often limits doctors to short, transactional appointments. “Most doctors have only 10 to 15 minutes per patient,” Dr. Mitch said. “That’s not enough time to ask the right questions, let alone uncover deeper issues.” This time constraint often leads to a cycle of trial-and-error treatments, leaving patients frustrated and seeking alternative solutions.
The Holistic Approach
Facilities like Access Medical Labs offer a new perspective, combining advanced diagnostics with a focus on whole-body health. Their testing panels go beyond standard bloodwork, analyzing everything from hormones and food sensitivities to heavy metals and thyroid function. These tests aim to uncover the root causes of common complaints such as fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues.
“People are shocked when they discover foods they eat daily are causing fatigue or bloating. Eliminating those foods often leads to improved energy and mental clarity,” El-Hosseiny said. Comprehensive testing also extends to evaluating environmental allergens, nutrient levels, and even autonomic nervous system functionality, providing a detailed map of a patient’s health.
A Preventative Paradigm
Root cause medicine also emphasizes preventative care. For individuals over 55, this means conducting a comprehensive health evaluation akin to inspecting every part of an antique car. “You wouldn’t just check the engine—you’d inspect the entire vehicle to ensure it runs optimally,” El- Hosseiny explained. “You can't reverse your chronological age, but you can age optimally. People want to look good longer, feel good longer, and ultimately achieve longevity.”
Holistic health advocates stress that their approach isn’t meant to replace traditional medicine but to complement it. By broadening the lens and addressing blind spots in conventional care, root cause medicine empowers patients to take control of their health and longevity. “This isn’t about dismissing traditional care,” Dr. Mitch clarified. “It’s about enhancing it and taking healthcare to the next level.”
Technology Driving the Shift
Advanced laboratory technology has also played a crucial role in making root cause medicine more accessible and efficient. Some laboratories, like Access Medical Labs, use automation to ensure faster turnaround times and minimize human error. “Our automation not only speeds up testing—delivering results in 24 hours compared to the industry’s 7 to 10 day average—but also improves accuracy by reducing the chance of mistakes,” shared El- Hosseiny.
These advancements have made comprehensive testing less invasive and more patient-friendly. Access Medical Labs requires 50% less blood than traditional methods, a convenience appreciated by both patients and physicians. El-Hosseiny shared, “If people are going to get a needle in their arm, they want it done as quickly and painlessly as possible.” Access Medical Labs has had to expand its infrastructure to keep up with demand in testing.
The Future of Healthcare
As holistic practices become more mainstream, the healthcare system needs to become more integrated— combining the strengths of traditional medicine with the preventative and personalized focus of root cause care. “People are waking up to the idea that health isn’t just about treating symptoms,” Dr. Mitch said. “It’s about understanding the body as a whole, addressing the underlying issues, and living a better, longer life.”
Maggie Miller is a Real Clear contributor. Maggie is a former news anchor and reporter in New York and Alabama. She is a graduate of the University of Florida.
Most non-injurious Healthcare is really about a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition, exercise, proper sleep, and most Healthcare issues are taken care of.
This is where I don’t have a problem, on a theoretical level, in the government being involved in Healthcare. Just theoretical, because the government would not limit itself to this.
bfl
It’s a balance. I don’t think it’s the end of the world to take a Motrin for a headache, or be vaxxed for polio, but some will go the opposite extreme and refuse all pharma. 🤷🏻♀️
Because “health” care ceased being about health decades ago.
I had atrial fibrillation for two solid years. My ejection fraction was down to 13%, which is heart transplant territory. My cardiologist was talking about ablation or a pacemaker.
He also wanted me to drink 64 ounces of fluid a day. I got tired of water and started drinking 64 ounces of low-sodium V8 juice a day. I have a Kardia Mobile device and took my EKG every day. Within a couple of weeks the EKG went from possible atrial fibrillation to unclassified, and a couple of days later it went to normal sinus rhythm. That was almost six months ago, and it has been normal ever since.
All four ejection fractions are now over 50%, which is healthy heart territory. My cardiologist says I no longer require ablation or a pacemaker.
Turns out low sodium V8 juice is loaded with potassium. It was the potassium that got my heart rhythm back to normal.
My bet is that most people who have atrial fibrillation could fix it with more potassium. Heart beat is dependent on the membrane potential of the heart muscle, and the membrane potential is a function of the differential ion concentrations across the membrane. Low potassium or any other ion imbalance can definitely cause an abnormal rhythm.
I absolutely believe that the “health care” industry does not care about health, they care about churning illness for profit. Potassium is cheap. There is no profit in treating atrial fibrillation with it. There is lots of profit in performing ablation or inserting a pacemaker.
If you have atrial fibrillation, you should try drinking 8 ounces of low sodium V8 for a few weeks. That should be plenty of potassium. It cannot possibly hurt you, and it might actually cure you.
Thanks, I think I’ll have a V8
Yeah, me.
When I had my wisdom teeth pulled, I walked out of the dentist’s office without the prescription and didn’t take anything. Worst 24 hours of my life, but I got through it.
NED???!!!!!!!!!
But the other is certainly that they have prejudged you and are already sure that what ever complaint you have is not that serious. If you would just "lose weight, get more rest, quit smoking, not drink coffee and go on a healthy diet" they are sure that what ever problems you have will just vanish. And partly they are right. And at the same time, wrong.
Some things are lifestyle. So when a young man comes in complaining about headaches and being tired you write it off as typical teenage problems. You don't think "brain cancer". Not until over a year later when he is starting to lose his ability to walk.
Make sure it is the low sodium V8.
Obviously.
There are thousands of variables involved in the health of our bodies and minds, and there’s no way that the optimum values and the interactions are the same for all of us. Thinking that one positive use for AI might be to start correlating those thousands of variables with other factors such as genetics to start to unlock the real keys to healthy living.
Exactly my thoughts as well...
Nevertheless, the basics of eating a good, healthy, real food diet, drinking enough water, getting adequate sleep and exercise and foundational for everyone, whatever else they may need to include in their healthcare paradigm.
I’m sure there’s a drug for holistic care.
Stop using hot water!
Myself, I recently started eating pickled beets to control my blood pressure. So far, so good. I already have found out that eating ginger candy or anything with ginger in it is much better than taking seasick pills which make you drowsy. On my last cruise we hit some high waves but I was fine thanx to the ginger candy. I was even able to eat food while the ship was rocking.
You’re better off for it. Ginger is very good.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.