The Institute for Functional Medicine

While there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis (MS), adopting a nutritional approach for ameliorating symptoms has already proven beneficial for some patients. Specific nutrients and dietary patterns have been investigated for neuroprotective properties, slowing progression of disease symptoms, and improving a patient’s quality of life. Explore how nutrition can help to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases in the following graphics, and read more on the topic here: https://hubs.la/Q02HxvFD0

In recent years, more pharmacists have been receiving functional medicine training with the goal of becoming integrated into an expanded functional medicine collaborative care team. As part of their role, pharmacists can provide information about the potential for drug-induced nutrient depletion, when a pharmaceutical prevents absorption, retention, or normal function of a particular nutrient, as well as provide ways to correct the issue. On today’s episode of "Pathways to Well-Being," we welcome functional medicine pharmacists Lara Zakaria, PharmD, CNS, IFMCP (Lara Zakaria Nutrition & FxMed - the Foodie Farmacist) and Melody Hartzler, PharmD, CBACP, BC-ADM, to discuss drug-induced nutrient depletions and the role of pharmacists on collaborative care teams. Listen to the full episode or read a transcript here: https://hubs.la/Q02GDWD60

Ultra-processed food (UPF) is common in the modern Western diet. Excessive consumption of UPF has previously been associated with negative health impacts. How does high intake of these foods impact brain health? Read more about UPF and Alzheimer's risk in the following article: https://hubs.la/Q02GsGct0

The hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, and gonadal axis modulates health in a wide variety of ways. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an extremely common intervention, but it has its own health risks and may not address underlying causes of hormonal imbalance. The functional medicine approach often starts with personalized lifestyle interventions, sometimes augmented with botanicals or supplements.

Explore common issues related to hormone dysfunction in the following graphics, and learn more about how functional medicine addresses these issues here: https://hubs.la/Q02Ft-tw0

Next week's Hormone conference will clarify how to approach hormonal dysregulation, with emphasis on comprehensive hormonal assessment and an integrative approach to treatment of hormonally-driven conditions. Register to join us here: https://hubs.la/Q02FtP-W0

The “state of ketosis,” achieved by adhering to a ketogenic diet, may exert a protective effect against neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis by improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. Research studies continue to enhance our understanding of how ketogenic therapies work and what effects they have on both neurological disorders and the mitochondria. Learn more about using the ketogenic diet for neurological disorders here: https://hubs.la/Q02FhKpM0

What functional medicine approaches support the skeletal system and bone-related hormone health? Specific to supporting the hormones that regulate bone homeostasis, nutrition and other modifiable lifestyle factors may play a key role. Swipe through these graphics to learn more about lifestyle-based support for bone health. If you are curious to learn more, read what regulatory hormones play a critical role in the lifelong process of bone remodeling, and how can we support these bone hormones, in the following article: https://hubs.la/Q02F8zgl0

Join IFM in celebrating Plastic Free July this month! Chronic, long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as those found in plastic products, has been shown to have widespread physical effects. Throughout the month of July, we will be sharing helpful information about the health implications of toxicant exposure, tips to reduce our exposure to these common chemicals, and insights to restore well-being in our Clinical Digest. If you are not already on the list, we invite you to subscribe to IFM's free, bi-weekly Clinical Digest here: https://hubs.la/Q02DYrZ90

Can maintaining healthy lifestyle habits after 80 help you live to become a centenarian? According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans ages 100 and older, also known as centenarians, is projected to more than quadruple over the next three decades, from an estimated 101,000 in 2024 to about 422,000 in 2054.* A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that participants were more likely to live to 100 if they had a healthy lifestyle in their 80s.* Lifestyle factors like smoking, exercise, and whether people ate a diverse diet were considered in the study. Read more about the study's findings, limitations, and implications via Healthline: https://hubs.la/Q02DMr470

It is never too late to adopt new, healthy lifestyle habits!

These Healthy Habits Later in Life Can Help You Live to 100 Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits after 80 may be a key factor for living to age 100 and beyond.

Testosterone therapy may be an appropriate treatment option for some patients but has been associated with a range of potential risks and adverse effects. For patients with low testosterone or a testosterone deficiency diagnosis, addressing lifestyle considerations and nutritional interventions first is not only safe but may lead to the desired results. Click through these graphics to explore lifestyle interventions to consider for patients with suboptimal testosterone levels, and click here to read more: https://hubs.la/Q02DtK0G0

Functional medicine recognizes the important connection between mental, emotional, and spiritual health and overall physical health and well-being. Physiological disturbances in these areas are a vital part of a patient’s health story and are highlighted at the core of the functional medicine matrix. How do clinicians address the mental-emotional-spiritual connection to physiology when working within low-resource communities and with patients who experience healthcare access issues? In this episode of "Pathways to Well-Being," we welcome 2024 AIC speaker Dr. Kara Parker to discuss how social determinants of health impact personalized clinical approaches to a patient’s mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Listen here: https://hubs.la/Q02D8jkv0

What role does nature play in our mental health? Clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Professor Andrea Mechelli is the project lead on Urban Mind, a research study which, for the last several years, has been looking at how aspects of the urban environment affect mental wellbeing globally. The study's recent findings suggest that nature –and certain features such as natural diversity and birdsong– can boost our mental health. Read more about these findings and their implications for public mental health in his interview with The Guardian here:

Prof Andrea Mechelli: ‘People who live near green space are less likely to struggle with mental health issues’ The scientist leading a study into how the urban environment affects our wellbeing on the surprising and lasting psychological benefits of even just a small dose of nature

What is the relationship between s*x hormones and the gut microbiome? Studies suggest that s*x hormones help to shape microbial composition and influence function. A growing evidence base also indicates a s*xually dimorphic relationship between testosterone and estrogen and gut microbiota diversity. This research adds another component to the complex relationship between hormones, intestinal health, and chronic disease as well as another clinical consideration for personalized gut and hormone-balancing interventions.

Learn how s*x hormones help to shape gut microbiota and overall GI health, and how they may further inform personalized hormone-balancing therapies: https://hubs.la/Q02C8wpD0

IFM offices are closed today in observance of Juneteenth. This nationally recognized holiday celebrates the emancipation of the final group of enslaved African Americans following the Emancipation Proclamation and commemorates America’s dedication to the cause of freedom and equality. Happy Juneteenth to all who celebrate!

Migraine is a complex issue related to the interaction between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This interaction may manifest differently for each individual patient. Nutrition, gut health, and supporting mitochondrial function are important lifestyle-based treatment strategies for clinicians to consider when working with a patient who has chronic migraine.

Nutrition is one such lifestyle-based treatment strategy. Nutritional interventions that emphasize nutrients that support mitochondrial function are of specific importance. Swipe through these graphics for some examples, and learn more about treating the underlying causes of chronic migraine in the following article: https://hubs.la/Q02C8psl0

Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS) is a common yet complex endocrine and metabolic condition. How can lifestyle treatments and the functional medicine approach help? Swipe through to learn about possible treatment approaches for PCOS, and read more on the subject in the following article: https://hubs.la/Q02BYZL_0

Early interventions focused on modifiable lifestyle factors may slow neurodegeneration and promote healthy aging, which continues to be backed by emerging research. How does exercise improve mitochondrial function, cognition, and patient outcomes? Swipe through these graphics to learn which types of physical activity may improve attention, executive function, and memory, and read more about exercise and brain fitness here: https://hubs.la/Q02BNkDJ0

Personalizing a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes an appropriate exercise program is part of a functional medicine approach to optimizing brain health. Learn more about applying this approach through IFM’s on-demand Lifestyle course: https://hubs.la/Q02BN94d0

Applications for the 2024 Functional Medicine for All Scholarship are now open! IFM is committed to expanding access to functional medicine for all, and that begins with providing more opportunities for practitioners and clinicians. The Functional Medicine for All Scholarship is intended for clinicians worldwide who are beginning their IFM certification journey and who are currently working with medically underserved communities.

The scholarship award includes the cost of the September 2024 Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP) cohort and the option to attend virtual facilitated sessions with functional medicine professionals to enhance program learnings. IFM was able to increase the number of scholarship awards this year thanks to the generosity of the VoLo Foundation.

Applications must be received prior to July 1 at 5:00 pm PT to be considered, so don't wait! Learn more and apply at https://hubs.la/Q02BpvLk0.

Do you know a deserving clinician who would be a great fit for this scholarship? Tag them in the comments or share this post with them!

This month and always, we are proud to recognize and celebrate LGBTQIA+ members of our patient and practitioner community. From chronic illness to disease prevention, functional medicine systematically addresses the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of all patients - regardless of identity, expression, background, or perspective.

Happy to all who celebrate!

Celebrating excellence in the field of functional medicine, we are proud to announce the recipients of several annual awards: the Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine, the Founders’ Scholarship, and the Debbie Sanstad Scholarship. These honors were presented during the 2024 Annual International Conference (AIC), the largest gathering of healthcare professionals, clinicians, researchers, and students from around the globe in AIC's 31-year history.

Highlighting the remarkable achievements of this year's award recipients, IFM CEO Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA shared that "their dedication to patient-centered, whole person care echoes the very essence of our efforts and vision to advance the transformation of healthcare and advance the highest expression of individual health.”

To read more about these awards and to learn more about these very deserving recipients, we invite you to read our press release: https://hubs.la/Q02zTvTF0

Join us in extending our congratulations and appreciation to Tracy Gaudet, MD, Alison Cooper, MD, MPH, Leticia Mendoza Galindo, MD, and Jeanine Wagner, MSN, FNP/AGACNP-BC!

What is the role of functional medicine in population health? The continued rise in the number of individuals who suffer from chronic diseases worldwide remains a primary concern of population health experts, highlighting the relevance of a functional medicine approach to care. Gail C. Christopher, DN, IFM Board Chair, will be joining Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA, IFM CEO, for a forward-thinking discussion on the role of functional medicine in reducing chronic diseases and improving population health at the upcoming Annual International Conference (AIC).

During this discussion, they will affirm the critical importance of the provider-patient relationship, how that relationship impacts not just the patient but their families and communities, and how these impacts can change the trajectory of the world we live in today. Through this discourse, they will challenge attendees to identify the micro and/or macro scale roles we can each play by continuing to positively lift up the power of functional medicine and support its appropriate use to drive systemic changes and ensure health equity and improvements in population health.

This information is important for all of us, so even if you're not registered for AIC, IFM will be livestreaming the presentation this Saturday, June 1 at 4:30 PT on Instagram, , and on YouTube here: https://hubs.la/Q02yw9630. Please share this link with anyone you feel may benefit from tuning in!

Last chance to register for ! Our Annual International Conference (AIC), taking place May 29-June 1, will explore new paradigms in medicine, providing clinicians with innovative approaches for optimizing health at every level of care.

If you are not joining us in-person in Las Vegas, you can still stream AIC from anywhere in the world and earn CME credit for doing so.

Explore the latest research and innovative clinical practices in functional medicine with expert presentations from leading clinicians including:

🔵(Newly Added!) Jeremy Nicholson, PhD: Precision Medicine in the Real World: Phenomic Approaches to Understanding the Health to Disease Continuum
🔵Peter Staats, MD, MBA: The Next Frontier: The Vagus Nerve
🔵Nadine Clopton, MA: Regenerative Health Care & Regenerative Agriculture
🔵Dr. Leana Wen, MD, MSc, FAAEM: The Promise and Peril of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
🔵Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, DO: Muscle: The Organ of Longevity
🔵Dr. Stacy Sims, PhD: Exercise for Women Throughout the Lifespan

Limited seats remain. View the full livestream schedule and register to join us here: https://hubs.la/Q02yswsN0

What do cortisol curves tell us about health? As research continues to elucidate the health consequences of dysregulated cortisol slopes, measuring cortisol over the course of a day may help predict health outcomes for patients. Understanding the factors that affect cortisol secretion can inform appropriate interventions. The functional medicine model shows clinicians how to identify the sources of stress in each patient and best practices for measuring cortisol levels and implementing the most appropriate personalized treatment plans. Read more about stress hormones and their impact on health here: https://hubs.la/Q02yqMS20