Functional Medicine

The COVID Testing Conundrum

By Erik Goldman, Editor

Am I infected? Am I infectious? Am I immune? These are simple, reasonable questions that millions of people—practitioners and patients alike—are asking every day, all over the world. It would be nice if there were simple answers. There aren’t.

The Virome: 10 Facts about Viruses You Might Not Know

By Anita Teresa Boeninger & Val Elefante

The COVID pandemic has triggered an unprecedented surge in viral research, with hundreds of new papers posting every day. All that we are now learning underscores how little we really know about the virome—the fascinating and vast world of viruses. What is known about viruses is both fascinating and unsettling.

Evaluating COVID Serology Tests

By Erik Goldman, Editor

The Institute for Functional Medicine’s COVID-19 Task Force has developed a set of practical questions to help you assess the validity of COVID-related serological tests.

New Autism Treatment Targets Gut Health

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

A novel therapy targeting the gut microbiome could open new doors in the treatment of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Investigators at Arizona State University (ASU) found that autistic children who received fecal transplants experienced long-term improvements not only in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but in core Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms as well.

Why the Mediterranean Diet is the Best Diet on the Planet

By Steven Masley, MD, Contributing Writer

Mediterranean countries have some of the longest life spans on the planet. Despite their high rates of tobacco use, and they have lower rates of heart disease, memory loss, cancer, and obesity. Physician-Author Steven Masley set out on a 7-month journey to discover how cuisine and culture converge to engender health across this diverse region. 

Botanicals Can Ease the Silent Suffering of Incontinence

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

Urinary incontinence is far more common than many people realize. Those affected often feel ashamed, and they hide their suffering. Further, the commonly prescribed drugs can cause adverse effects so unpleasant that patients choose to forego treatment. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Several botanical medicines, used in combination, can safely address urinary dysfunction without the concerning side effects.

Can Personalized Nutrition Save Healthcare?

By Robert Bonakdar, MD, Contributing Writer

Even though poor diet is the leading cause of death in the US, and kills more people than smoking, there are big disparities in the level of nutrition counselling offered during medical visits. The challenge for physicians is how best to connect available evidence to the individual needs of each patient. Fortunately, personalization tools like the DayTwo glycemic control algorithm are making it easier.

Six Essentials for Optimal Wintertime Health

By Russell Jaffe, MD, Contrbuting Writer

With shorter days and colder weather, many people have trouble finding the motivation to stay healthy during the winter. The following tips can prepare people for what winter has in store for us, and more.