Functional Medicine | Real Health Co.

STEP INTO A NEW ERA OF HEALTH
AND VITALITY

Functional Medicine at the Real Health Co takes the approach of “what is the root cause” of someone's symptoms. Rather than just treating a symptom with a medication, we take a deeper dive to understand what is causing it. Often times this includes taking a detailed history or obtaining additional testing to address hormones, gut health, autoimmunity, inflammation, and environmental toxins that can often be missed in other settings. We look at the body as a whole to address how one problem may be impacting other systems of the body.

Warmly lit patient common area, backed by a large decorated wall that says "HEALED."

WHO IS RIGHT FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE?

Those wanting to find the root cause of their health concerns with a holistic approach

Those interested in maintaining health by nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle

Those interested in obtaining lab work to correct any deficiencies

OUR SERVICES

Lab testing

Wellness exams

Personalized supplementation

plans

Virtual appointments for those

not local or unavailable to travel

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Happy family on a beach, smiling, who are communicate their positive experience at the Real Health Co.

My health took an interesting turn when a lingering cough post virus decided to stay for months. It turned into regular sleepless nights, eczema on my hands, reflux & prolonged coughing with almost anything I would eat. Everything offered at the doctor only led to a dead end all the while the exhaustion increased, coughing was a normal part of my day and symptoms worsened. Through tears and frustration, I was graciously led to Functional Medicine and addressing the root cause. They thoroughly listened to the interesting list of symptoms and approached with strong support to my immune system in this autoimmune flare up my body was experiencing. Praise God my body is healed & immune system strengthened - those systems are GONE! Cannot recommend the importance of seeking the root cause! So so grateful for the loving care and healing I’ve experienced through the help of the Real Health Co.”

- Kristen Grigsby

Functional medicine is concerned with restoring the body's God-given functions, to help heal rather than treat symptoms.

A functional approach to medicine works to optimize all the body’s metabolic pathways by working with the patient to create a personalized protocol based upon the health status of that patient’s body. We utilize nutrition and exercise plans and address sleep, stress, and spiritual support as well as incorporating supplements as needed.

THE DIFFERENCE

In conventional medicine, disease is indicated by certain markers seen in labs and diagnostics. With functional medicine, we utilize these same diagnostic tests, but we may also utilize what’s called “functional testing” if necessary. These tests will take the lab values a step further by indicating what underlying pathways may have problems or deficiencies leading to those abnormal lab values and symptoms.

YOUR BENEFITS

Functional medicine is particularly helpful with chronic disease as it is understood that lifestyle factors will impact overall, long-term health. We work with a wide variety of cases including male and female hormones, autoimmunity + generalized immune support, weight loss + overall metabolic optimization, digestion support + gut health, brain function + neurological optimization, oncology treatment + support, detox support, stress management, pediatric wellness visits, well-woman visits, postpartum + newborn care, and many other medical needs.

OUR STAFF

The Real Health Co's functional medicine specialist: Ashley Epperly.

Ashley Epperly, NP

Ashley Epperly is a Knoxville native who is excited to use her passion and expertise to positively impact her community. She obtained a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee before moving to North Caroline to work as an Emergency Department and Trauma nurse at Duke University Hospital. Ashley subsequently earned her Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University before returning to her hometown of Knoxville to work as a Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Tennessee Medical Center with a focus in Integrative Medicine.

In addition to her extensive training in family and emergency medicine, Ashley has always been passionate about a more holistic approach to care. After experiencing firsthand the transformative impact of functional medicine, her desire is to “bring hope back to healing” for every patient she encounters. She is dedicated to helping patients no matter where they are on their health journey - through prevention, proactive care, or uncovering the root cause of symptoms.

Outside of the office you can find her training for a race at Armor Gym, hosting an event, attending a worship night, or spending time with her family.