You are struggling with symptoms that your doctor said you have to now live with, or that aren't fully explained? You have already ‘tried everything’, including eating well, but symptoms are still there?

Functional Medicine is an integrative health care approach, based on the newest cutting edge research findings in medicine, biochemistry, genetics and technology.

It seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease. Instead of asking ‘What drug matches up with this disease?’, Functional Medicine asks the questions ‘Why do you have this problem in the first place?’ , ‘What can we do to restore function?’, ‘What can we do to optimize health and wellbeing in the long run’, and ‘What can we do to prevent and slow down ageing and age-related conditions?’.

It considers the unique interactions in the patient’s history, physiology and lifestyle that can lead to chronic illness and/or faster ageing, along with the unique genetic makeup and 'epigenetic' factors like hormones, neurotransmitters (‘brain chemicals’ like serotonin), low grade inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, heavy metal toxicities, social and emotional state.

Functional Medicine is designed to support a range of problems, including:

• Autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s, IBD, Eczema, Arthritis, MS

• Hormone related issues such as PMS, endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, menopausal symptoms, cysts and fibroids, hair thinning

• Cancer

• Neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism

• Mental health disorders including anxiety, depression

• Neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, MS

• Long covid

• Chronic fatigue

• Digestive issues such as IBD, IBS, GERD/ reflux

• And more

Rather than another diet or ‘generalised healthy living’ approach, functional medicine is based on specialised lab testing, including genetics, food intolerances (IgG), gut microbiome, chronic infections such as Epstein Barr, candida albicans, mold and heavy metal toxicities, nutrients and vitamins, and more.

Initial Consultation

In an initial consultation, you will look at your health history in depth, including family & childhood history, and at any previous lab work, including running your 23andme data through a thorough DNA health analysis where applicable. If you had a recent annual that came back as ‘just fine’, Mirthe will apply stricter ranges to see where some of your markers like cholesterol or blood sugar may be ‘fine’ but outside the optimal range, ageing you from the inside, and contributing to symptoms and the development of chronic conditions.

During the initial consultation, you will decide on further testing where applicable and depending on your goals, concerns and budget. After the consultation, you will receive a bespoke protocol with individualised dietary, lifestyle and supplement recommendations. You can take these to a health coach, nutritionist or trainer if you need help implementing.

Once test results are back, you will speak again with Mirthe to decide on adjustments to the protocol where need be, such as specific drugs to remove heavy metals (and no, sadly just taking chlorella generally won’t be enough!), strong herbal antimicrobials, herbal hormone support, high dose omega 3s and more, or a temporary prescription to bioidentical hormones where that is implied.

After a 4 year full-time undergraduate degree in Health (BSc, 1st class Hons), Mirthe went on to a 2 year part-time postgraduate course in Functional Medicine, and is currently undertaking more postgraduate research in Clinical Medicine.

To familiarise yourself with her approach, watch some of her previous lectures given here: https://www.youtube.com/channe...

Mirthe Eckl is a HCPC registered Functional Medicine practitioner with over 15 years of experience looking after the health of elite athletes such as the Surf World League and the NZ Olympic Ski Team, ultra high net-worth, and other highly motivated individuals.

After a 4 year full-time undergraduate degree in Health (BSc, 1st class Hons, 2011), Mirthe went on to a 2 year part-time postgraduate course in Functional Medicine (2015-2017).

She helps to look for and address the root causes of chronic health conditions, with special emphasis on precision health optimisation and longevity via lab testing, personalised diet, lifestyle and supplement protocols.

Mirthe is passionate about empowering individuals to become (and stay) the healthiest and most vibrant version of themselves.

Next to her private practise, she dedicates a large portion of her time continuing to dissect research and educating via public speaking events to allow for a wider audience to take control of their health and to be able to make educated, science backed choices to live their best and healthiest life.