Functional Medicine 101

Functional Medicine 101 provides an overview into the principles and practices of a holistic approach to healthcare. In this course, we will explore how functional medicine goes beyond conventional medicine to identify the underlying causes of illness and discomfort, aiming to treat the entire individual rather than merely addressing symptoms. Throughout this course, participants will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of functional medicine and its significant impact on promoting overall health and wellness. Students will gain an understanding of the interconnectedness between various aspects of human health, including nutritional status, exercise habits, hormones, genetics, stress, sleep quality, toxins, and other influential factors.

Learning Outcomes: A. Understand the role that the gut plays in whole body health, recognize and identify the various external, and internal factors that affect the normal function of the gut. B. Explain the role that the liver plays in detoxification and identify various epigenetic factors associated with impaired detox pathways and their common symptoms. C. Identify the internal and external sources that contribute to oxidative stress and demonstrate an understanding of substances that aid the body in reducing free radicals. D. Differentiate the phases of adrenal stress and explain the effects that excess cortisol has on optimal thyroid and sex hormone health. E. Understand the importance of sleep quality and identify factors that may interfere with normal circadian rhythms.

Module One: The Gut, Liver, and Optimizing Detoxification - Introduction to the Functional Medicine Thinking Process, Digestion and Absorption, Intestinal Barrier Function, The Microbiome & Dysbiosis, Healing the Gut: 5R Protocol, Total Toxic Burden, 3 Phases of Detoxification, Genetics and Detoxification Pathways, Common Toxic Substances and Symptoms.

Module Two: Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Stress Management - Reactive Oxygen Species, Protective Mechanism of Antioxidants, Cardiovascular Disease and Inflammation, Autoimmunity and Contributing Factors, Sleep Hygiene Optimization and Circadian Rhythms, Stress Management and Mindfulness.

Module Three: Hormone Balance: Adrenal, Thyroid and Sex Hormone Regulation - Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, Adrenal Stress and Cortisol Function, Optimal Thyroid Function, Female Hormones Assessment and Balance, Infradian Rhythm and Cycle Syncing, Male Hormone Assessment and Balance.

To complete this course, the participant will watch the videos included in the three modules and complete a short quiz after each video. Must watch the entire video and answer the quiz questions before moving to the next module.

• -Assess the interconnected relationship between digestive health, detoxification pathways, and systemic wellness
• -Evaluate oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and recommend evidence-based interventions including antioxidant support and lifestyle modifications
• -Analyze adrenal function and cortisol patterns to identify dysfunction and its impact on thyroid and reproductive hormone health
• -Design personalized approaches to optimize sleep quality and circadian rhythm alignment for improved patient outcomes
• -Apply functional medicine principles to identify root causes of chronic disease rather than managing symptoms in isolation
• -Integrate knowledge of genetic predispositions, environmental toxins, and epigenetic factors into comprehensive patient assessment strategies