The Northeast Ohio Institute of Functional Medicine is known as your Center for Hope and Healing, and that is exactly what we are. If you have suffered from health issues, or are just looking to feel your best, we are here to help set you on the individual path that works for YOU. Everyone has different genetic makeups, and physical and emotional histories that combine to create your current state of health. We use the most innovative testing mixed with plenty of conversation to determine where you are now and where you want to be!
 
Our team is led by Dr. Dorothy Sprecher, who discovered functional medicine on her own health journey. She opened the NEOIFM in 1997, and is one of the longest-practicing functional medicine doctors in our area. Dr. Cherie Lechner-Lunato provides chiropractic care, and Dr. Lilly Thompson practices psychology here in our office. Christine Spiroch, P.A., Ph.D  helps patients implement dietary and lifestyle adjustments if they are required to improve health.
 
  Wellness is a journey, and we are here to help!

What's New at the NEOIFM

We are currently operating on a telephone-only basis while COVID-19 is circulating in the area. Appointments will be done by phone or online. If you need to buy supplements, you can call in the order and pay by phone, and we will have them outside when you arrive to pick them up.
Dr. Sprecher is not affiliated with University Hospitals or the Cleveland Clinic, so she is not able to order COVID-19 testing. Testing would need to be ordered through one of the hospital systems.
One of the best ways to defend yourself from the illness is to build a strong immune system. Here are some of our favorite pieces on the immune system:

• Metagenics COVID-19 Defense
• Vitamin C Handout
• IFM COVID-19 Handout

We have discontinued Joy of Change and classes until further notice. We advise our patients to stay home, stay calm and practice good self care during this time. To read Dr. Sprecher's thoughts on the "pause" we are experiencing, click here.

Products of the Month

These are trying times, and most of us are more stressed than we have ever been. We offer a selection of natural products that can help restore calm and reduce restlessness as our Products of the Month.

• Mag L-Threonate from Metagenics and Neuromag from Orthomolecular are forms of Magnesium Threonate, which is a magnesium geared toward brain health. It helps relieve migraines, calm anxiety, and improve memory and sleep. Unlike many magnesiums, it provides benefits without GI side effects.
• Rescue Remedy drops combine impatiens, star of Bethlehem, cherry plum, rock rose and clematis. The formula is meant to help users relax, calm down, and focus.
• Thorne Pharma-Gaba-100 provides Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major calming brain chemical. Clinical studies show that the natural form of GABA in Thorne's PharmaGABA can decrease the brain's stress-related beta waves and increase the production of its alpha-waves, creating a sense of physical relaxation while maintaining mental focus. Other studies have shown reduced pupil diameter and heart rate, and enhanced sleep.
• Serenegen from Metagenics provides traditionally-used herbs to address organs and systems involved in the stress response. It is ideal for those who are “stressed and wired.”
• Lavela WS 1265 from Integrative Therapeutics is an oral form of lavender oil that promotes rest and relaxation. It has been shown in clinical trials to compare favorably to conventional options for occasional anxiety and offers relief without side effects.
• Clean Remedies Relax and Unwind detox bath salts can be added to your bath to support a deep body relaxation. It is infused with 38 mg of USDA Certified Organic and Kosher Certified Full Spectrum Hemp extract to help relax, restore and balance the body.
• Phytisone from Thorne provides botanical, non-glandular support for the adrenal glands. Its unique combination of key adaptogen botanicals and nutrients help the adrenals optimize their response to stress.

​All of these products are 25% off through November 30. Call us at (440)338-6344 to place your order for curbside pickup or delivery.                           

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Check out our clearance page!

We are offering 35% items on our new clearance page!  Our selection includes several items, including Modere Loqiq coffee and creamers, Yogi tea, Metagenics Wellness Essentials packs, MCT/Butyrate Liquid from Douglas Laboratories and Pure multivitamins. Click here to see the full selection of clearance items! They are available with shipping or curbside pickup. Call our office at (440)338-6344 to place your order.

Patient Testimonials

"I have been visiting Dr. Sprecher since 2006- when she discovered that I have a gluten allergy. I had been suffering from many of the symptoms of a food allergy and had been checked by a variety other physicians. Not one ever suggested that I might have a food allergy. All wanted to prescribe medication or additional exams.  Dr. Sprecher changed the trajectory of my health. I have been GF since March 2006. And making this one small change in my diet altered my health - from questionable to good!
I have recommended the NEO Institute of Functional Medicine to friends and family. Dr. Sprecher does not disappoint. She takes the time to truly understand your health issues. Over the past 12 years, she is the physician that I truly trust.
Thank you Dr. Sprecher!
-Sherry H.
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“Dr. Dorothy and I have been working together for years now. I first came to her because I was paralyzed with fatigue. She listened to my story for 2.5 hours. No doctor has ever spent that much time with me. I was willing to work with her and trust in her as so many other doctors had failed me along the way. I did all the testing, I did my homework, and I healed. Today, I am energized, educated and a believer of functional medicine and the work that Dr. Dorothy does. Dr. Dorothy has great instincts and has continued to guide me through menopause, an autoimmune issue, dietary concerns and digestive challenges. Dr. Dorothy also has a relationship with my son and daughter. She has given then so many tools to be healthy young adults and for that, I am forever grateful.”
-Tracey C.

"I have been a patient of Dr. Sprecher's going back about 15 years. She has been a Godsend to me throughout these years. I have encountered problems regular doctors are stumped by. Whenever I have a problem they cannot give me an answer to, I come back to Dr. Sprecher. She has gotten me back on track to health. What a blessing."
-Elizabeth P.