

Meet the Doctor
Dr. John Bartemus is passionate about helping you optimize your physiology and return to a state of health and function. He has experience helping people with autoimmunity, chronic infections, thyroid disorders, etc. Click below to get started:

What Is Functional Medicine?

Address the Cause
Typically patients come to us having been told that everything looks normal based on the standard tests routinely run by their medical doctor (physical examination, urinalysis, blood tests etc.). They know deep down that things are not “normal”…
- Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
- The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.
- Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and addressing complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society.
- There’s a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in basic sciences and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years—particularly in the area of complex, chronic illness.
- Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both address and prevent these illnesses in their patients.
- Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
- The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.
- Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and addressing complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society.
- There’s a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in basic sciences and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years—particularly in the area of complex, chronic illness.
- Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both address and prevent these illnesses in their patients.
About Us
John Bartemus, DC, CFMP, BCIM, Author
Dr. John Bartemus has over 15 years of healthcare experience.

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease” – Thomas Edison
Dr. John Bartemus is a Chiropractic Physician who strives to meet the standard for health care that Thomas Edison set over a century ago. Now more than ever, our society needs holistic doctors who are devoted to finding the unique cause of each individual person’s issues and correcting it in a natural, drug-free way.
Time and research have shown that more drugs do not equal more health. Our nation is suffering from a burden of chronic disease that is not the result of a deficiency of pharmaceuticals. It is the result of a lack of knowledge as to what our bodies require to be healthy. Our society is built on a magic bullet paradigm, this will never lead to health. Disease did not happen overnight, neither will health.
If you are looking for an objective, evidence-based, holistic integrative health doctor to help you determine the cause of your dysfunction(s) and remove them, Dr. John Bartemus is here to help you.
OUR MISSION
We strive to provide current, evidence-based care that addresses the cause of your dysfunction.
We aim to:
- Provide hope and solutions for those suffering with chronic ailments
- Provide answers and explanations to “Why Me?”
- Give objective, evidence-based results
- Use testing to determine YOUR specific biochemical and physiologic CAUSE of your ailment
- Promote general wellness for all people and families that desire to live at full potential
CREDENTIALS
- Bachelor of Science – Biology
- Bachelor of Science – Life Sciences
- Doctor of Chiropractic
- Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
- Board Certified Integrative Medicine
- Graduate, American Functional Neurology Institute
- Board Eligible, Diplomate American Clinical Board of Nutrition
- Member, International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehab
- Member, PANDAS Physician’s Network
- Member, NC Integrative Medical Society
- Member, NC Physician’s for Freedom
OUR LOCATION
Functional Medicine Charlotte
If you live in Charlotte, greater Charlotte, or Lake Norman area, you can easily get to our office via Highway 77. We are conveniently located off of exit 28 in Cornelius.
Videos
High cholesterol, fear/avoidance of the sun, low vitamin D, and your heart disease and cancer risk
The media and dermatologists tell you to stay out of the sun due to supposed cancer risk. Could their recommendations be increasing your heart disease risk?
Sun and Tree photo by Drew Rae from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-tree-and-flying-birds-against-setting-sun-580685/
Woman with lightbulb photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-draw-a-light-bulb-in-white-board-3758105/
Get a FREE AUDIO copy of Dr. Bartemus’ Amazon International Best-Selling book, The Autoimmune Answer here: t.ly/UU_H
John Bartemus, DC
Functional Medicine Charlotte
704-895-2240
http://www.FunctionalMedicineCharlotte.com
Disclaimer: *Please note that the information shared on this YouTube Channel is informational and educational and is not to be interpreted as medical advice. Before implementing any information from this channel, please consult first with your primary care provider.
Alzheimer’s Disease blood test is better than specialists at diagnosing Dementia. #alzheimer #brain
Brand new research by the American Medical Association reveals that a blood test is better than the current standard of care for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Get a FREE AUDIO copy of Dr. Bartemus’ Amazon International Best-Selling book, The Autoimmune Answer here: t.ly/UU_H
John Bartemus, DC
Functional Medicine Charlotte
704-895-2240
http://www.FunctionalMedicineCharlotte.com
Disclaimer: *Please note that the information shared on this YouTube Channel is informational and educational and is not to be interpreted as medical advice. Before implementing any information from this channel, please consult first with your primary care provider.
High cholesterol, fear/avoidance of the sun, low vitamin D, and your heart disease and cancer risk
The media and dermatologists tell you to stay out of the sun due to supposed cancer risk. Could their recommendations be increasing your heart disease risk?
Sun and Tree photo by Drew Rae from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-tree-and-flying-birds-against-setting-sun-580685/
Woman with lightbulb photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-draw-a-light-bulb-in-white-board-3758105/
Get a FREE AUDIO copy of Dr. Bartemus’ Amazon International Best-Selling book, The Autoimmune Answer here: t.ly/UU_H
John Bartemus, DC
Functional Medicine Charlotte
704-895-2240
http://www.FunctionalMedicineCharlotte.com
Disclaimer: *Please note that the information shared on this YouTube Channel is informational and educational and is not to be interpreted as medical advice. Before implementing any information from this channel, please consult first with your primary care provider.
Alzheimer’s Disease blood test is better than specialists at diagnosing Dementia. #alzheimer #brain
Brand new research by the American Medical Association reveals that a blood test is better than the current standard of care for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Get a FREE AUDIO copy of Dr. Bartemus’ Amazon International Best-Selling book, The Autoimmune Answer here: t.ly/UU_H
John Bartemus, DC
Functional Medicine Charlotte
704-895-2240
http://www.FunctionalMedicineCharlotte.com
Disclaimer: *Please note that the information shared on this YouTube Channel is informational and educational and is not to be interpreted as medical advice. Before implementing any information from this channel, please consult first with your primary care provider.
Podcasts
5 Causes of Brain Fog
Brain fog is a common symptom suffered by many people each day. In this episode, we will dive into 5 common causes of brain fog. These causes may show up individually or in combination. How many are contributing to your brain fog?
Is Your Anxiety Due to Poor Balance?
The cerebellum (the area at the back of the brain) is best known for its role in balance and coordination. However, the cerebellum does more than that — when it starts to malfunction, the results can be not only worsened balance, but also anxiety, insomnia, and hyper sensitivity.
The cerebellum is a primary integrator of information for the brain. Our body has hundreds of thousands of receptors that detect motion, vision, and where and how our body and joints are positioned at all times. These receptors constantly relay information to the brain so that we can move and function properly in our environment.
This information requires organizing before heading to the rest of the brain. The cerebellum condenses the information and “gates” it, meaning it releases it in manageable amounts to the brain’s cortex, the outer covering with its characteristic folds.
The cortex, which is responsible for higher-order functions of thought and action, decides if you need to carry out a specific action or thought in response to the information, such as turn left, answer a question, run from danger, make a decision, etc. The cortex then sends its information back to the cerebellum to help carry out actions.
When things go wrong with the cerebellum
The cerebellum is a common site of dysfunction. It can degenerate, meaning neurons die. The cerebellum is very susceptible to sensitivity to gluten and other foods, environmental toxins, autoimmunity, and oxidative stress. It also can degenerate with age — why older people notoriously have bad balance. Children born with brain developmental disorders often have poor cerebellar function.
Poor cerebellar function is observed in various ways, such as poor balance, lack of coordination, or a tremor as you go to pick something up or bring a glass to your mouth (known as termination tremors).
Stand with your feet together, your arms at your side, and then close your eyes. If you sway more frequently to one side, that may indicate the side with more cerebellar dysfunction — it takes it longer to respond to falling on that side of your body.
Other tests your doctor may use to observe cerebellum function are coordination tests such as: finger to nose, walking heel to toe in a straight line, performing complex alternating movements, and ocular tracking (the eyes give insight into function).
Poor cerebellar function can also cause dizziness, disorientation, and nausea in cars, on boats, or when seeing things move swiftly, such as in a movie. Basically, the cerebellum is not able to respond appropriately to input from the environment.
Cerebellum function and anxiety and insomnia
As the cerebellum loses function it begins to falter at its job of gating information delivered to the cortex. As a result, excess information slips through.
This means the cortex and areas in the brainstem receive more information than they can adequately manage. Much of the role of the frontal cortex is to act as a brake pedal on the brainstem, preventing the brainstem from spinning out of control. Our brainstem governs myriad functions, such as emotions, heart function, blood pressure, and digestion.
This poorly gated sensory overload can cause many symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Startle easily
- Insomnia due to racing mind
- Irritable
- Trouble staying asleep
- Highly emotionally sensitive
- Fearful
- Heart racing/palpitations
- Blood Pressure changes
- Digestive Issues
Many factors work against us when it comes to healthy brain function that prevents an overactive brain and anxiety. They include a culture that cherishes overworking, inflammatory diets, unstable blood sugar, too much screen time, stressful lives, and not enough sleep.
Ask my office for information on how to dampen brain activity and help relieve anxiety and insomnia.
Beating Acid Reflux Naturally
Do you suffer from acid reflux, indigestion, slow gut transit time, or feeling like there’s a brick in your stomach after eating? Or perhaps you’re on a restricted diet for a chronic health condition but still react to an ever shrinking list of foods. If so, you need to work on restoring digestion.
Many factors affect digestion, including aging, poor brain function that affects gut function, poor diet, and more. Often the problem isn’t the food itself, but a hyper sensitive immune system reacting to food proteins that are not broken down properly. Thankfully, you can improve your symptoms greatly with proper supplementation.
Breakdown of food proteins is key for good digestion
For good digestion, you need sufficient hydrochloric acid (HCl) and digestive enzyme activity in the gut. These both serve the important function of breaking down food proteins, which prevents the immune system from targeting them and causing symptoms.
HCl is naturally present in the stomach and is vital for digestion of proteins. Low HCl symptoms include:
- Not feeling well after eating meat
- Feeling like meat sits in your stomach too long
- Feeling like you ate a brick
- Acid reflux
- Constipation
It may sound contrary that low stomach acid can cause acid reflux. In fact, many people with acid reflux-like symptoms are mistakenly prescribed acid-blockers intended to cut stomach acid, when in fact it’s low stomach acid causing the problem — the low stomach acid results in undigested food becoming rancid and moving back up the esophagus to cause the pain and burning sensation. What these people need is additional HCl to improve digestion.
Many people with poor digestion also have poor pancreatic enzyme output. Similar to stomach acid, these enzymes are critical to break apart food proteins so the immune system doesn’t react to them, causing inflammation.
Supplement with HCl and digestive enzymes for healthy digestion
Supplementing with HCl (use code: lifeatoptimal) and digestive enzymes can go a long way toward improving your digestion by supporting breakdown of food proteins as well as relieving symptoms.
Follow this advice when supplementing with HCl and digestive enzymes:
- HCl: Supplement with HCl when you eat meats to help break down the proteins better. This will not only improve your digestion but also bring you relief from uncomfortable symptoms. Take HCl with the last bite of the meal.
- Digestive Enzymes: Take these with all meals; include pepsin, bromelain, and proteases. Look for a high-quality, broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement with a minimum of fillers. This is the best one I can find (use code: lifeatoptimal). Take one capsule with the first bite of each meal.
Oral tolerance and digestive function
It’s particularly important for people with food sensitivities to support food protein breakdown with proper levels of HCl and digestive enzymes. At the root of this is the concept of oral tolerance. Oral tolerance is how well a person’s immune system can tolerate acceptable foods while responding appropriately to bacteria or other harmful compounds.
While there are other factors that affect oral tolerance, it’s important for food proteins to be broken down small enough that the body accepts them and doesn’t mount an immune reaction against them, causing symptoms.
You’ve heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” When we can’t digest food properly, it means our bodies aren’t getting the fuel to function at their best. If you suffer from symptoms of poor digestion or food sensitivities, contact my office.
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A Comprehensive Approach to Healthcare
Most imbalances in functionality can be addressed; some can be completely restored to optimum function, and others can be substantially improved.
Prevention is paramount. Virtually every complex, chronic disease is preceded by long-term disturbances in functionality.
Changing how the systems function can have a major impact on the patient’s health. Functional medicine practitioners are holistic doctors who examine a wide array of available interventions and customize an action plan including those with the most impact on underlying functionality.
Functional medicine expands the clinician’s tool kit. Action plans may include combinations of botanicals, nutritional supplements, therapeutic diets, or detoxification programs. They may also include counseling on lifestyle, exercise, or stress-management techniques.
The patient becomes a partner. As a patient, you become an active partner with your functional medicine practitioner. This allows you to really be in charge of improving your own health and changing the outcome of your chronic ailment(s).
A Comprehensive Approach to Healthcare
Most imbalances in functionality can be addressed; some can be completely restored to optimum function, and others can be substantially improved.
Prevention is paramount. Virtually every complex, chronic disease is preceded by long-term disturbances in functionality.
Changing how the systems function can have a major impact on the patient’s health. Functional medicine practitioners are holistic doctors who examine a wide array of available interventions and customize a treatment plan including those with the most impact on underlying functionality.
Functional medicine expands the clinician’s tool kit. Treatments may include combinations of botanicals, nutritional supplements, therapeutic diets, or detoxification programs. They may also include counseling on lifestyle, exercise, or stress-management techniques.
The patient becomes a partner. As a patient, you become an active partner with your functional medicine practitioner. This allows you to really be in charge of improving your own health and changing the outcome of chronic ailment(s).
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