Chronic Disease

Introduction: Why Chronic Disease Needs a New Approach

Chronic disease affects more than 60% of adults in the United States—and many suffer without ever understanding the root cause of their symptoms. At Patients Medical in New York City, we offer a comprehensive integrative model that blends conventional care with holistic and functional medicine to uncover what’s really driving your condition.

We treat the root, not just the routine.

What Is Chronic Disease?

A chronic disease is a long-term medical condition that often progresses slowly and can impact multiple organ systems. Unlike acute illnesses, chronic diseases may last for years—or even a lifetime—if left unmanaged.

Some of the most common chronic diseases include:

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
  • Asthma and COPD
  • Heart Disease
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other digestive issues

Each of these conditions shares common root causes—such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances—that functional medicine seeks to identify and resolve.

What Is Chronic Disease?

Common Symptoms of Chronic Disease

Symptoms vary depending on the condition but often overlap across multiple chronic illnesses. Common complaints include:

Root Causes: Why Do Chronic Diseases Develop?

Conventional care often focuses on managing symptoms. At Patients Medical, our functional medicine approach asks: Why did this happen in the first place? Common root contributors include:

  • Inflammation: The foundation of nearly all chronic disease.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and more.
  • Leaky Gut: A compromised intestinal barrier leads to immune dysfunction.
  • Toxin Accumulation: Environmental chemicals and heavy metals.
  • Chronic Stress: Elevates cortisol and weakens immune resilience.
  • Poor Diet: Refined carbs, inflammatory oils, and lack of whole foods.
  • Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Leads to fatigue and organ dysfunction.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Disrupt thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones.
  • Unresolved Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal pathogens that go undetected.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We go beyond standard lab tests to get a full picture of your body’s systems. Advanced testing may include:

Nutrient and micronutrient panels

Inflammation markers (CRP, ESR, homocysteine)

Stool analysis for gut microbiome and leaky gut

Food sensitivity and allergy testing

Heavy metal toxicity screening

Hormone panels (cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, thyroid)

Mitochondrial function testing

Lyme disease and chronic infection panels

Integrative Treatments for Chronic Disease

Personalized Nutrition Plans

  • Anti-inflammatory or Mediterranean diets
  • Elimination diets to identify food triggers
  • Gut-healing meal plans (low FODMAP, SCD, or AIP)
  • Intermittent fasting protocols
  • Detox-friendly nutrition

Nutraceuticals & Herbal Medicine

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Curcumin and resveratrol (anti-inflammatory)
  • Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola
  • Probiotics and digestive enzymes
  • CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid for mitochondrial health

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • High-dose Vitamin C
  • Myers’ Cocktail
  • B12 and B-complex
  • Glutathione (for detoxification)
  • Magnesium (for pain, sleep, and relaxation)

Hormone Balancing

We optimize thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones with natural or bioidentical therapies. This improves mood, energy, metabolism, and immune function.

Mind-Body & Stress Therapy

  • Acupuncture
  • Guided meditation and breathwork
  • Adaptogenic herbs for adrenal health
  • Counseling referrals and integrative psychotherapy

Detoxification Support

  • Infrared sauna therapy
  • Chelation (for heavy metals)
  • Liver and lymphatic support herbs
  • Clean lifestyle recommendations

Real Case Study: John’s Recovery from Chronic Fatigue and Brain Fog

John, 46, had suffered for over 5 years with low energy, mental fog, and IBS. He had seen multiple specialists with no answers. At Patients Medical, advanced testing revealed:

  • Leaky gut and dysbiosis
  • Vitamin D and B12 deficiency
  • Elevated mercury levels
  • Subclinical hypothyroidism

His personalized 4-month plan included:

  • Gut-healing protocol
  • Mercury detox with IV chelation
  • B12 injections and mitochondrial support
  • Low-dose thyroid therapy

By month 4, John reported “mental clarity for the first time in years” and began working full-time again.

Real Case Study: John’s Recovery from Chronic Fatigue and Brain Fog

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

While not all chronic illnesses can be fully reversed, many can be significantly improved—or even go into remission—when the root causes are treated.

No. We work alongside your current treatment plan and collaborate with your specialists when needed.

We combine holistic therapies with advanced testing and personalized care to identify what’s really behind your illness.

Some patients see improvement in a few weeks, while others take 3–6 months or longer depending on the complexity of their condition.

Yes, in many cases—but these are customized to your needs and lab results.

Yes. The gut and brain are deeply connected through the microbiome and immune system. Healing the gut often reduces systemic symptoms.

Toxin buildup contributes to chronic disease. We support gentle and effective detox pathways through nutrition, herbs, and IV therapy.

Yes, we work with Hashimoto’s, lupus, RA, and others using functional medicine protocols.

Yes. Our protocols are designed to complement—not replace—traditional treatments.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for potential reimbursement. Lab work may be partially covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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