The "Root Cause Triad" is a foundational concept in functional medicine that examines three key interrelated factors that contribute to chronic illness and unresolved health conditions. Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal’s approach at the Restorative Medicine Center incorporates this triad to uncover the underlying imbalances driving patient symptoms. The triad consists of:
- Infections and Stealth Pathogens:
- Many chronic conditions are triggered or worsened by hidden infections such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), mold toxicity, and other stealth pathogens. These infections can evade the immune system, leading to persistent inflammation and multisystem dysfunction.
- The practice utilizes specialized testing to identify these infections and offers targeted antimicrobial, immune-supportive, and detoxification therapies.
- Toxicity and Environmental Exposures:
- Toxins from mold, heavy metals, pesticides, and other environmental pollutants can accumulate in the body, leading to systemic inflammation and disruption of key biological pathways.
- Restorative Medicine focuses on identifying sources of exposure and implementing detoxification strategies to support the body's natural cleansing processes.
- Immune and Inflammatory Dysregulation:
- Chronic inflammation and an overactive or suppressed immune response can lead to autoimmunity, fatigue, and neurological symptoms.
- By addressing gut health, diet, stress levels, and inflammatory triggers, the practice works to restore balance and resilience in the immune system.
By addressing these three core areas, the Restorative Medicine Center aims to create a comprehensive, personalized strategy to heal the body at its foundational level.