Why More Americans Are Turning to Holistic Health Care

Commentary

A significant shift is happening in American healthcare as more individuals are turning to alternative therapies that focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues. This shift, known as “root cause medicine,” marks a departure from traditional reactive medical practices towards a preventive and holistic approach, expected to grow in 2025.

Dr. Mitchell Ghen, a holistic health practitioner based in Florida, has observed this shift over the years but believes that the numbers do not fully represent the actual usage of alternative medicine. He stated, “I am a little surprised that only 1/3 are doing it; I would have expected closer to 50 percent. People are realizing that to address health issues effectively, you must tackle the underlying problem and the biochemistry imbalance at its core.”

A Growing Awareness

Experts attribute this shift to an increased understanding of holistic health. Adam El-Hosseiny, COO of Access Medical Labs, explains, “There is now more awareness about mental, physical, and gut health. People are focusing on aging healthily, not just treating symptoms as they appear. They are choosing preventive care over reactive solutions.”

Social media has played a key role in introducing people to alternative options. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok feature influencers and healthcare professionals sharing insights on how diet, mindfulness, and personalized diagnostics can help address chronic issues. However, as Dr. Mitch, a practitioner with over 40 years of experience, pointed out, this trend also reflects growing dissatisfaction with conventional medicine. He said, “Patients are tired of rushed appointments and being prescribed medications without understanding the underlying issue. Many are seeking answers that traditional medicine doesn’t always provide.”

The COVID-19 pandemic further fueled interest in holistic health as many Americans became more conscious of their physical and mental well-being. With lingering health concerns like long COVID and heightened stress levels, patients started seeking deeper insights into their health. The pandemic acted as a wake-up call, prompting individuals to prioritize preventive care and explore alternative therapies that could boost their immune systems, energy levels, and overall resilience.

Addressing Gaps in Traditional Care

Traditional medicine often follows an “if-then” model: if you have a symptom, then you receive a medication. While effective for acute conditions, this approach falls short. Dr. Mitch explained, “Nutrients, vitamins, and minerals drive the body’s energy cycle. Medications do not align with that cycle; they address symptoms but rarely tackle the root problem.”

This narrow approach leaves patients seeking more comprehensive solutions. Dr. Mitch explained, “Without delving deep into an individual’s biochemistry, it’s challenging to fully grasp what’s happening.” For instance, he highlighted that common complaints like fatigue and brain fog are often overlooked in routine checkups. Standard bloodwork may not detect deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that could explain these symptoms.

Additionally, the structure of conventional healthcare often restricts doctors to short, transactional appointments. Dr. Mitch stated, “Most doctors have only 10 to 15 minutes per patient. That’s insufficient time to ask the right questions, let alone uncover underlying issues.” This time constraint frequently leads to a cycle of trial-and-error treatments, leaving patients dissatisfied and seeking alternative solutions.

The Holistic Approach

Facilities like Access Medical Labs offer a fresh perspective by combining advanced diagnostics with a focus on overall health. Their testing panels go beyond standard bloodwork, analyzing hormones, food sensitivities, heavy metals, and thyroid function. These tests aim to uncover the root causes of common complaints like fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues.

El-Hosseiny mentioned, “People are surprised to find out that daily foods can cause fatigue or bloating. Eliminating those foods often leads to improved energy and mental clarity.” Comprehensive testing also extends to assessing environmental allergens, nutrient levels, and autonomic nervous system functionality, offering a detailed overview of a patient’s health.

A Preventative Paradigm

Root cause medicine stresses preventive care. For individuals above 55, this involves a comprehensive health assessment similar to examining every part of an antique car. El-Hosseiny explained, “You wouldn’t just check the engine; you’d inspect the entire vehicle to ensure optimal performance. You can’t reverse your age, but you can age optimally. People want to look and feel good longer, ultimately achieving longevity.”

Advocates of holistic health emphasize that their approach complements traditional medicine rather than replacing it. By broadening perspectives and addressing blind spots in conventional care, root cause medicine empowers patients to manage their health and longevity. Dr. Mitch clarified, “This isn’t about rejecting traditional care; it’s about enhancing it and elevating healthcare to the next level.”

Technology Driving the Shift

Advanced laboratory technology has played a vital role in making root cause medicine more accessible and efficient. Some labs, like Access Medical Labs, utilize automation to ensure quicker turnaround times and reduce errors. El-Hosseiny shared, “Our automation not only speeds up testing, providing results in 24 hours compared to the industry’s 7 to 10-day average, but also enhances accuracy by minimizing mistakes.”

These advancements have made comprehensive testing less invasive and more patient-friendly.