Frequently Asked Questions

Functional medicine represents a transformative, science-based approach to healthcare that offers hope for individuals struggling with complex, chronic conditions. At Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine, we practice a model of medicine rooted in the understanding that each person is biochemically unique.

Our team takes time to deeply listen to your story, investigate and address the root causes of imbalance, and design personalized treatment plans that integrate nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and appropriate therapeutic support.

👉 Watch a short video from the Institute for Functional Medicine to learn more.

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We recommend nutritional supplements when clinically indicated—as an adjunct to nutrition and lifestyle therapy. Our team partners only with companies that uphold the highest standards of third-party testing and quality control.

As a convenience to our patients, we offer access to a secure, online dispensary stocked with physician-vetted products. You’re always welcome to purchase supplements elsewhere, but we strongly encourage research and caution when shopping outside of professional-grade sources, as the supplement industry is not well regulated.

Lab costs vary depending on the complexity of your condition and your personalized care plan. Some foundational labs cost under $100, while more advanced testing panels may cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars in total.

We are always mindful of cost and will help you prioritize testing based on clinical relevance, available resources, and your goals. We can order tests in a stepwise fashion to help manage costs over time.

Functional medicine seeks to answer why illness occurs and addresses those root causes to restore health. Instead of simply matching symptoms to prescriptions, we take a systems-based approach—looking at how genetics, environment, nutrition, stress, sleep, movement, and spiritual well-being interact to influence health outcomes.

This method emphasizes partnership, education, and empowerment for long-term healing and vitality.

We do not contract with or bill insurance companies. However, if you are a non-Medicare patient, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement by submitting a superbill to your insurance provider. You may also be able to use funds from your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket expenses.

Our team can provide you with superbills upon request, but we do not communicate directly with insurance companies. If administrative support is needed for insurance-related communication, an hourly fee may apply.

We support patients dealing with a wide variety of chronic, often complex conditions. Areas of clinical focus include:

• Cognitive decline prevention and early intervention
• Burnout and stress-related disorders
• Hormone imbalances (perimenopause, menopause, andropause)
• Gut and microbiome health
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
• Metabolic dysfunction and inflammation
• Brain fog, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders

We also work with high-functioning individuals who are motivated to optimize their healthspan, brain vitality, and longevity.

We are committed to delivering exceptional care and building strong therapeutic partnerships. Clinical services already rendered are non-refundable. However, if you are dissatisfied with your experience, we encourage you to let us know so we can address your concerns.

Unopened lab kits may be returned within 30 days of purchase for a refund, minus shipping and handling. Please contact our team to initiate any returns or changes.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency department.

Our practice is not equipped to provide emergency medical or psychiatric services. However, if you are hospitalized, we encourage a trusted friend or family member to notify our office so we can support continuity of care when possible.

Helpful Contacts:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Mobile Crisis Hotline (Asheville & Surrounding Areas): 1-888-573-1006

Your follow-up schedule will be personalized to your needs. During the initial phase of care, visits may occur more frequently (e.g., monthly), and then transition to every 2–3 months or as needed for maintenance and continued progress. Your plan will be reviewed regularly and adapted based on your progress and preferences.

Absolutely. Healing often happens best in community. We welcome the involvement of trusted loved ones—with your consent—in care planning, education, and support. We also provide resources and tools to help family members understand and support your healing journey.

Dr. Libert and our team serve as integrative and functional medicine consultants. We do not function as primary care providers and require all patients to maintain an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician for routine screenings, emergency care, and urgent medical needs.

Our membership plans are designed to enhance your experience and provide consistent, high-touch support throughout your healing journey.

Depending on the level you choose, benefits may include:

• Direct messaging with your care team
• Prescription refills
• Lab coordination
• InBody Body Composition Analysis
• Monthly coaching sessions
• Access to educational programs and live office hours with Dr. Libert

For a full comparison of plans, please visit our Membership Options page or speak with our Patient Care Coordinator.

Yes, we offer secure telemedicine appointments for patients residing in states where our providers are licensed to practice. Virtual visits allow us to support patients beyond the Asheville area while maintaining the same level of personalized care.

If our philosophy of care resonates with you, we invite you to schedule a complimentary strategy session with our Patient Care Coordinator. This brief call gives you the opportunity to share your story, ask questions, and determine whether our services are the right fit for your needs. We’d be honored to walk with you toward vibrant health, clarity of mind, and greater joy.

While many of our patients experience remarkable improvements, we cannot guarantee specific results. Healing is a dynamic, individualized process that depends on many factors—including your level of commitment, consistency, and willingness to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

We promise to bring our full presence, clinical expertise, and compassion to every encounter and walk beside you with wisdom and care as you move toward your goals.

Brain fog is that frustrating feeling when your thinking feels cloudy, your memory feels sluggish, and it’s hard to focus or find the right words. It’s not a formal diagnosis, but it’s something many of us have felt—especially under stress, hormonal shifts, or after poor sleep or nutrition.

From a functional medicine perspective, brain fog is often a sign that something deeper is going on. It could be inflammation, gut imbalances, hormone fluctuations, or exposure to environmental toxins. That’s where detoxification comes in—not as a fad or extreme cleanse, but as a gentle, strategic way to support your body’s natural ability to “take out the trash.”

By identifying and reducing physical, emotional, and even digital toxins, you give your brain the chance to breathe again—literally. Simple changes like optimizing your liver and gut function, improving indoor air quality, and taking breaks from information overload can dramatically boost mental clarity.

As Dr. Libert often says, “Prioritize your well-being with a complete detox: renew your mind, declutter your emotions, nourish your body, feed your spirit, and harmonize your surroundings.”​

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Aging gracefully isn’t about chasing youth—it’s about preserving vitality, independence, and joy as you grow older. Functional medicine embraces this by focusing on healthspan, not just lifespan. It means feeling strong, clear-minded, and purposeful at every age.

At Caring for the Body, we use a personalized, proactive approach to aging. That includes optimizing brain health, balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, and supporting mitochondrial energy production. We look at your unique genetics, lifestyle, and environment to create a plan that works for you, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Our Rethink Aging program is built on this idea—combining precision medicine with compassionate care to help you feel energized, focused, and empowered as you age​. Aging gracefully isn’t a hope—it’s a plan.

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The gut-brain axis is the fascinating, two-way communication network between your digestive system and your brain. It’s like your brain and your belly are in constant conversation—sending chemical and electrical signals back and forth through nerves, hormones, and even gut bacteria.

Why does this matter for mental health? Because about 90% of your serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmitter) is actually produced in your gut! So if your gut is inflamed or imbalanced—say from poor diet, stress, or antibiotics—your mood, focus, and even sleep can suffer.

Supporting gut health with proper nutrition, probiotics, and stress reduction is a core part of functional medicine—and a key pillar in our care at Caring for the Body. When we help your gut thrive, we often see improvements in anxiety, depression, and brain fog too. As we like to say, “heal the gut, heal the brain.”

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Absolutely. Chronic fatigue is one of the most common reasons people seek functional medicine—and it’s usually a sign that something deeper needs attention. Rather than slapping a band-aid on the symptom, we look at the root causes: things like nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, mitochondrial dysfunction, sleep issues, or even hidden infections and toxic exposures.

Through our signature Rethink Aging program, we work on boosting energy from the cellular level up. That means supporting your mitochondria (the little engines inside your cells), fine-tuning your diet and supplements, and restoring a healthy rhythm in your day-to-day life.

Dr. Libert puts it beautifully: “Energize your life at the cellular level. Safeguard your mitochondria by minimizing toxins, nourishing your body, embracing exercise, and fortifying with essential nutrients. It’s the recipe for boundless energy.”​

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Your brain is incredibly resilient—and it can absolutely stay sharp and vibrant well into your later years. But it needs the right support. After 50, the most impactful lifestyle changes for brain health include:

• Prioritizing sleep: Deep, restorative sleep is when your brain clears out toxins and consolidates memory.
• Eating an anti-inflammatory diet: Think colorful veggies, healthy fats (like omega-3s), and avoiding sugar and processed foods.
• Moving your body regularly: Exercise increases blood flow and stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps grow new brain cells.
• Challenging your mind: Learning new skills, reading, and socializing all build “cognitive reserve.”
• Reducing toxin exposure: From air quality to household cleaners to emotional stress—clearing out the junk helps your brain shine.

And don’t forget purpose and joy. Staying connected to what brings you meaning—whether it’s faith, community, or creativity—is one of the most underrated secrets to a flourishing mind.

As Dr. Libert reminds us, “Embrace the ageless mindset, where your thoughts sculpt your health, fuel your vitality, and rewrite the story of aging to one of boundless possibilities.”​

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ADD/ADHD, now more commonly referred to as ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can manifest differently in children and adults.

• In Children:
  
  • Symptoms of inattention may include difficulty sustaining focus, being easily distracted, forgetfulness, and making careless mistakes in schoolwork.
  • Hyperactivity often presents as excessive fidgeting, running or climbing inappropriately, difficulty sitting still, and nonstop talking.
  • Impulsivity can appear as interrupting others, difficulty waiting their turn, or acting without thinking of the consequences.
• In Adults:
  
  • Inattention may manifest as procrastination, difficulty prioritizing tasks, forgetfulness, or frequently misplacing items.
  • Hyperactivity often appears less physically and more as feelings of restlessness or difficulty relaxing.
  • Impulsivity might show up as poor emotional regulation, interrupting others during conversations, or impulsive spending or decision-making.

It’s also worth noting that symptoms can vary significantly in intensity and presentation between individuals. Some people with ADHD predominantly exhibit inattentive symptoms (formerly known as ADD), while others may have predominantly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both.

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Diagnosing ADHD involves a comprehensive process that evaluates an individual’s behaviors, history, and current functioning. There is no single test for ADHD, but the following steps are commonly part of the process:

1. Clinical Interview: A healthcare professional (such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist) will gather a detailed history, including academic, work, and social functioning, as well as early childhood behavior.
2. Behavioral Questionnaires: Standardized forms like the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale or the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale may be used to collect information from parents, teachers, or the individual.
3. Observation: In some cases, professionals may observe the child or adult in different settings to assess behaviors directly.
4. Rule Out Other Causes: Conditions such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or even medical issues like sleep disorders or thyroid dysfunction can mimic ADHD symptoms, so these need to be evaluated and ruled out.
5. Neuropsychological Testing (if needed): This can include assessments of attention span, memory, and executive functioning to better understand the individual’s cognitive profile.

Diagnosis is based on criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), which requires that symptoms have been present for at least six months, started before age 12, and significantly impact daily functioning.

Treatment for ADHD often involves a multimodal approach, tailored to the individual’s needs. Here’s an overview:

• Medications:
  
  • Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) or amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse) are the most common and effective treatments. They work by enhancing the activity of brain chemicals involved in focus and self-regulation.
  • Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) or guanfacine (Intuniv), may be used if stimulants are ineffective or cause side effects.
• Behavioral Therapy:
  
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals develop coping strategies for managing distractions, improving time management, and building organizational skills.
  • Parent training programs are beneficial for children, equipping caregivers with techniques to manage behaviors effectively.
• Lifestyle Interventions:
  
  • Regular exercise helps improve focus, mood, and sleep—common areas of difficulty in ADHD.
  • A structured daily routine, with consistent sleep and meal schedules, can reduce overwhelm.
  • Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables may support brain health.
• School or Workplace Accommodations:
  
  • For children, this may include an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan to provide extra time for assignments or tests, seating arrangements to minimize distractions, and regular breaks.
  • Adults may benefit from productivity tools, noise-canceling headphones, or flexible work arrangements.

Combining therapies often yields the best results, as medication helps manage symptoms, while therapy and lifestyle changes address underlying skills and habits.

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Yes, symptoms of ADHD can change over time, and some people experience improvement as they age. However, this varies:

• In Children: Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms often decrease as children grow older and develop better self-regulation skills. However, inattentive symptoms may persist or become more noticeable in academic settings.
• In Adults: Many adults develop compensatory strategies to manage their symptoms, such as using planners, alarms, or delegating tasks. While hyperactivity may diminish, challenges with focus, organization, and time management often persist.

Neurological Perspective: The brain continues to mature into a person’s mid-20s, which may naturally help reduce some ADHD-related difficulties. However, for others, symptoms remain a lifelong challenge and require ongoing management.

Yes, many natural and non-pharmaceutical strategies can complement or, in some cases, replace medication:

• Dietary Changes:
  
  • A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) may support brain function.
  • Avoiding processed foods, artificial additives, and excessive sugar can help stabilize energy levels and reduce hyperactivity.
• Supplements:
  
  • Magnesium, zinc, iron, and vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to ADHD. Addressing these deficiencies with supplements or dietary adjustments may help.
• Behavioral Strategies:
  
  • Mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques can improve focus and emotional regulation.
  • Consistent routines and visual schedules can help individuals manage time and tasks effectively.
• Exercise:
  
  • Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, boosts dopamine levels, which helps improve focus and mood.
• Sleep Hygiene:
  
  • Prioritizing sleep is essential, as ADHD symptoms often worsen with fatigue. Strategies like maintaining a regular bedtime and reducing screen time before bed can help.
• Therapies:
  
  • Neurofeedback, a type of brainwave training, has shown promise in helping some individuals improve focus and self-regulation.

While these approaches may not fully replace medication for everyone, they can significantly enhance overall well-being and help manage ADHD symptoms more holistically.

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