0
selected
-
1.
Fasting and Mitochondrial Health
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2023
Abstract
The IFM provides a concise summary of fasting and its impact on mitochondrial health, exploring fasting intervention types and the mechanism of action of two key players mediating mitochondria biogenesis: PGC-1 alpha and NrF2.
-
2.
The connection between POPs and Metabolic Syndrome
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2023
Abstract
This IFM insight investigates the growing link between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and increased rates of metabolic syndrome. There is evidence that POPs may also impair metabolic functioning of ‘normal weight’ individuals and not just those who are overweight or obese due to their potential impact on the gut microbiome. Underlying mechanisms are explored as well as the risks of eliminating POPs from the body. They review dietary approaches that may be targeted to support individuals with metabolic syndrome along with a high toxic burden in light of the ubiquity of POPs in our food environment.
-
3.
Supporting Men’s Mental Health
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2023
Abstract
An insightful short read by the IFM raising awareness about gender norms around masculinity and the stigma of men’s mental health as barriers for support by practitioners. It suggests that men’s mental health issues may go unrecognised or undiagnosed due to presenting factors and the fact that men are in general less likely to seek support. The evidence for reducing mental health stigma in men and tailoring lifestyle interventions are discussed.
-
4.
Sleep deprivation: a deeper dive into clinical screenings, mitochondrial impact, and therapeutic interventions
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2023
Abstract
A concise but informative article from the IFM summarising the importance of sleep for our health with a particular focus on mitochondria. An exploration of the connection between sleep deprivation and oxidative stress, and the role of our circadian clock. Nutrition, exercise, and mind-body therapies are reviewed as potential levers to improve sleep quality and protect against mitochondrial oxidative damage.
-
5.
Micronutrients, Phytonutrients, and Mental Health
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2022
Abstract
The IFM provides some food for thought around the topic of micronutrient deficiency in the population today and how this is having a detrimental impact on our mental health. The many avenues of micronutrient depletion are explored including stress and the link between the coronavirus pandemic and the rise in mental health issues across the globe. They shine a spotlight specifically on magnesium and B vitamins where low levels have been linked to increased risk of depression, plus the importance of anti-inflammatory dietary phytonutrients and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, D and E which have been associated with reduced levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Besides the evidence for a varied and nutrient dense diet, we are reminded that strategies for managing stress should also be considered with respect to both the direct impact on our mental and physical health, and the risk of micronutrient depletion.
-
6.
Hot Topic April 2022: New study examines impact of sleep quality on dysregulated blood glucose control
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2022
Abstract
The fact that sleep quality impacts glucose homeostasis is not new however a recent study summarised here reinforces the importance of sleep as a modifiable risk factor for diabetes prevention. It was identified that postprandial glycaemic responses to breakfast were more pronounced if sleep efficiency was poor the night before, and an association was also found between postprandial glycaemic control and fluctuations in an individual’s usual sleep pattern. Unravelling a client’s sleep routine could therefore be another lever in which to support blood glucose regulation.
-
7.
Food Crops: Nutrient Fluctuations and Malnutrition
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2022
Abstract
This article provides an insight into fluctuating nutrient levels within our food crops and why this might be happening, delving into the impact of climate change and farming methods on soil quality and subsequent nutrient availability. Research appears to be limited with respect to the level of pesticide exposure and health outcomes in organic food versus conventional food, but what has been noted is higher levels of polyphenols in organic crops which can reduce the risk of a wide range of chronic diseases. Having an awareness of the relationship between environmental change, food crops and human health can help practitioners to navigate the increasingly complex and hot topic of food sustainability with their clients.