With Dr. Alfred Alessi, Founder of Alessi Functional Health
In a world dominated by quick fixes and prescription-first models, functional medicine is rising as a game-changing approach to patient care—one that looks beyond symptoms to uncover the why behind chronic conditions. In a recent Power Panel hosted by MYOS MD, Dr. Alfred Alessi, founder of Alessi Functional Health, shared his powerful perspective on how functional medicine offers hope and healing through a root-cause lens.
At the heart of functional medicine is a systems-based view: that the body functions as an interconnected whole. “We don’t treat symptoms—we investigate the fire behind the alarm,” says Dr. Alessi. “Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or joint pain are warning signs. The question is, what’s causing the fire?”
For many patients, the journey to Dr. Alessi’s Tampa-based clinic begins after years of frustration—visits to multiple specialists, normal labs, and no clear answers. But Dr. Alessi doesn’t just rely on basic panels. Instead, he utilizes comprehensive testing—from gut and blood work to toxin and hormone analysis—to find the upstream dysfunction that drives disease.
“Inflammation, for instance, isn’t always the problem—it’s often a response,” Dr. Alessi explains. “Short-term inflammation is healing. But when it becomes chronic, it can trigger autoimmune conditions, hormone imbalances, and metabolic decline.”
Gut First, Hormones Follow
A major focus of Dr. Alessi’s functional framework is the gut. Often referred to as the “first brain,” the gut houses up to 85% of the immune system and plays a critical role in hormone regulation, neurotransmitter production, and detoxification.
Through his clinic’s signature 5R protocol—Remove, Replace, Re-inoculate, Repair, Rebalance—patients begin with gut healing before addressing hormonal issues. “You can’t fix the downstream if the upstream is still broken,” he says.
For example, when Dr. Alessi personally discovered he had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a standard TSH lab missed the diagnosis. It wasn’t until he ran antibody tests and dug into gut healing that he was able to reverse the condition and reach remission. That experience now fuels his passion and empathy as a provider.
Muscle as Metabolic Medicine
In partnership with MYOS MD, Dr. Alessi emphasizes the critical role of muscle health in aging and long-term vitality.
“Muscle is your metabolic engine. It supports insulin sensitivity, injury prevention, and even hormone production,” he says. “Especially as patients age, building and preserving muscle becomes a priority.”
In his clinic, MYOS MD is a trusted tool for patients struggling with muscle loss, fatigue, or slow recovery. He shares stories of older athletes and busy parents alike who regained strength, reduced soreness, and improved performance using Fortetropin-powered supplementation in conjunction with personalized protocols.
Personalized, Data-Driven, Accessible
At Alessi Functional Health, care doesn’t stop at the appointment. Patients receive 24/7 access to providers, real-time accountability, and detailed action plans. Testing isn’t just one-and-done—it’s part of a continuous feedback loop to measure, manage, and maintain health progress over time.
“Functional medicine isn’t just for ‘alternative types’ anymore,” Dr. Alessi says. “It’s evidence-based, data-driven, and fully personalized. The future of healthcare is not rejecting conventional medicine—it’s evolving it.”
To discover how functional medicine and muscle health can transform your patient outcomes, visit MYOSMD.com. For more from Dr. Alessi, follow him on Instagram @Dr.AlfredAlessi or tune into his podcast Health Decoded.