Why waiting for disease is no longer an option

We’ve been conditioned to think of healthcare as something we turn to only when we’re sick. A nagging cough sends us to the doctor, a routine check-up flags an issue, and we scramble to “fix” the problem. But what if we flipped the script? What if instead of waiting for disease, we took charge of our health long before symptoms appeared?

This is where functional medicine comes in—a science-driven, proactive approach that looks at the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. As someone trained in preventive medicine at Harvard and Dresden University, I’ve seen firsthand how small, strategic interventions can dramatically shift the course of a person’s health. The goal isn’t just to live longer but to live better—with energy, vitality, and freedom from chronic disease.

Vitamin D: The overlooked supernutrient

You probably think of vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin,” and while that’s true, its role in our health goes far beyond that. Studies show that optimal vitamin D levels can lower cancer mortality by 16 percent, boost immune function, and reduce inflammation—yet most of us are deficient.

Many assume that living in the Philippines means we get plenty of vitamin D from the sun, but the reality is different. Between office jobs, indoor lifestyles, and sunscreen use, a surprising number of Filipinos have insufficient vitamin D levels—putting them at greater risk for everything from osteoporosis to heart disease.

So, how much do you actually need? Blood levels should ideally be 50–80 ng/mL, but most people fall far below that. A daily supplement of 2,000–5,000 IU is often necessary, especially for those who don’t get enough direct sunlight. It’s a small, simple step that can make a huge impact.

Why your annual check-up isn’t enough

Think about the last time you had a routine medical check-up. The standard package likely included cholesterol tests, fasting blood sugar, and a general physical exam. While these are useful, they miss early warning signs of chronic disease.

Functional medicine takes a deeper dive with tests that can catch issues before they turn into full-blown diseases.

Here are a few examples:

• HbA1c test → Instead of just measuring blood sugar at the moment, this test gives a three-month average of glucose levels—making it a much better predictor of diabetes risk. Anything over 5.5 percent signals insulin resistance.
• Oxidized LDL & inflammatory markers → Standard cholesterol tests won’t tell you if your LDL is oxidized, which is the form that actually contributes to heart disease. Inflammatory markers like hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) are early red flags for heart attacks and strokes.
• Heavy metal testing → Mercury, lead, and arsenic exposure are linked to cognitive decline, hormone imbalances, and chronic fatigue. If you eat a lot of seafood or use non-organic skincare products, it’s worth getting tested.
• Hormonal panel → Many people in their 30s and 40s start experiencing fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight gain—often due to hormonal imbalances. Testing for testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, and cortisol can provide insights into aging and vitality.

The silent killer: Chronic inflammation

If there’s one common thread in almost every major chronic disease—heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, even cancer—it’s inflammation. Unlike acute inflammation (like when you sprain your ankle), chronic, low-grade inflammation quietly damages tissues over time, leading to serious health problems down the line.

The good news? Inflammation is something we can control through lifestyle changes.

• Diet matters: Refined sugar, processed oils, and fast food fuel inflammation. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods like wild-caught salmon, turmeric, green tea, and berries can calm it down.
• Intermittent fasting: Giving your body a break from constant digestion lowers inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity—both crucial for longevity.
• Stress management: Chronic stress triggers inflammatory responses in the body. Meditation, breathwork, and quality sleep are not luxuries—they’re necessities.
• Exercise, but the right kind: Strength training and moderate cardio lower inflammation, while chronic over-exercising (like excessive long-distance running) can actually spike it.

Longevity is a choice

Aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down, getting sick, or losing vitality. Many of the diseases we consider “normal” parts of aging—like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cognitive decline—are not inevitable. They are largely preventable with the right strategy.

Functional medicine gives us the tools to stay ahead of disease instead of chasing it. By optimizing vitamin D levels, upgrading our medical screenings, and making smart lifestyle choices, we can extend not just our lifespan but our healthspan—the years we live free from disease.

The future of medicine isn’t about treating illness. It’s about preventing it. And that future starts today.