What causes Chronic Disease?

Introduction: Why Chronic Disease Needs a New Approach

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and hypertension account for nearly 90% of healthcare costs in the U.S. At Patients Medical in New York City, we look deeper than symptoms. Our integrative and functional medicine approach identifies the root causes of chronic illness—so we can treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

Conventional medicine manages conditions. We aim to reverse them.

What Is a Chronic Disease?

A chronic disease is any long-term health condition that persists for more than three months and often progresses slowly. Examples include:

  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Asthma
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • High blood pressure
  • Arthritis

These conditions are often interconnected, rooted in inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Illness

While each disease varies, chronic conditions often share overlapping symptoms, such as:

If you experience these symptoms frequently, it may be a sign your body is struggling with an underlying chronic issue.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Chronic Disease?

Functional medicine focuses on why the body developed disease in the first place. Common underlying causes include:

  • Poor diet: High sugar, processed foods, and nutrient deficiencies fuel inflammation.
  • Chronic stress: Elevates cortisol, disrupts immunity, and drives disease progression.
  • Environmental toxins: Mold, heavy metals, and pollution impair detox and immune function.
  • Leaky gut and dysbiosis: Compromise immunity and trigger systemic inflammation.
  • Hormonal imbalance: Cortisol, thyroid, estrogen, and insulin dysregulation can worsen chronic illness.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction: Leads to poor energy production and cellular breakdown.
  • Genetics and epigenetics: Influence how your body responds to triggers but are not destiny.

 

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We use advanced integrative testing to uncover what’s driving your chronic condition:

Nutrient and vitamin panels

Inflammation markers (CRP, ESR, homocysteine)

Comprehensive stool and gut health analysis

Hormone and adrenal function testing

Heavy metal and mold toxin testing

Mitochondrial and oxidative stress markers

Autoimmune panels

Food sensitivity and allergy testing

Integrative Treatments for Chronic Disease

Personalized Nutrition Therapy

We craft individualized meal plans to reduce inflammation, support gut health, and nourish healing.

  • Anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean diets
  • Elimination diets to identify food triggers
  • Detox-friendly foods and nutrient-dense recipes

IV Vitamin Therapy

Customized nutrient infusions support immune function, mitochondrial health, and detox pathways.

  • Glutathione
  • Vitamin C
  • B vitamins and magnesium

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Natural supplements are tailored to your condition and labs, including:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Turmeric and curcumin
  • Adaptogenic herbs
  • CoQ10 and resveratrol

Stress & Lifestyle Optimization

We use mind-body therapies to balance stress hormones and calm chronic inflammation:

  • Meditation and breathwork
  • Acupuncture
  • Gentle movement like yoga or tai chi

Hormonal Balancing

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and adrenal support to restore hormonal harmony.

Detoxification Protocols

We safely eliminate environmental toxins with:

  • Infrared sauna
  • Chelation
  • Binding agents and detox foods

Real Case Study: Daniel’s Recovery from Autoimmunity

Daniel, age 38, came in with chronic fatigue, joint pain, and an autoimmune diagnosis of Hashimoto’s. Labs showed elevated mercury levels, gut dysbiosis, and adrenal exhaustion.

Our 4-month program included:

  • Mercury detox with binding agents
  • Gut repair with probiotics and glutamine
  • Stress-reduction therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory meal plan
  • Adrenal adaptogens

Today, Daniel reports restored energy, reduced joint pain, and normalized thyroid antibodies—without relying on long-term steroids.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many chronic conditions can be reversed or well-managed by addressing root causes.

We combine advanced diagnostics with holistic therapies to heal the body from the inside out.

Possibly—but many patients reduce or eliminate them under supervision.

No. We support patients with autoimmune, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological conditions.

An anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich diet tailored to your body and labs.

Yes. Chronic stress disrupts every major system and can trigger or worsen illness.

We are out-of-network but provide superbills for reimbursement. Some lab tests may be covered.

Most patients feel improvement within weeks, with deeper healing in 3–6 months.

We use comprehensive testing—gut, hormones, toxins, nutrients, and more.

Yes, we offer pediatric integrative care for chronic illness.

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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