The Institute for Functional Medicine

We are delighted to share IFM’s 2024 Impact Report. This annual report highlights a year marked by meaningful growth, expanded access, and impactful partnerships shaping the future of functional medicine and helping us advance the transformation of healthcare for patients and practitioners. We would like to offer a special thanks to all our 2024 donors and partners. Read more about our impact here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pgo.ifm.org/419jKH5

Nutrition has the potential to greatly improve health outcomes for individuals, but most nutritional recommendations are general guidelines that may not be suitable for each patient’s needs. The Therapeutic Food Plans (TFP) course provides an in-depth overview of IFM’s foundational food plans and gives you the clinical confidence to quickly select and customize an appropriate dietary intervention to address specific health concerns. Swipe through these graphics to review some of the topics covered in this course, and register to join our upcoming cohort at https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pgo.ifm.org/3HfSyiV!

According to recent statistics, the global burden of migraine has increased to impact over one billion people.* While the exact pathophysiology of migraine is unclear, some etiologies have been suggested, such as: 🔵An overall pro-inflammatory and oxidative state.* 🔵Mitochondrial dysfunction.* 🔵Common migraine triggers such as stress, hormonal changes, skipped meals, disturbed sleep, environmental allergens, and food allergens or sensitivities.* How can clinicians address the root causes of migraine? A functional medicine approach considers mitochondrial dysfunction, triggers, and oxidative stress. Read more about treating the underlying causes of migraine in the following article: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pgo.ifm.org/41mjeoX

On a recent episode of "Pathways to Well-Being," Dr. Peter Staats, MD, MBA joined us to discuss the role of the vagus nerve in modulating the body’s response to chronic and acute stressors, exploring vagus nerve stimulation therapies for restoring parasympathetic balance. In the following clip, Dr. Staats discusses whether vagus nerve stimulation techniques, such as cold water immersion or deep breathing, are best used as a preventative measure or as an immediate intervention during times of stress. He suggests that both approaches are beneficial: daily practice can help maintain a healthy nervous system, and on-the-spot application can effectively manage acute stress responses. Listen to the rest of the episode, or read a written transcript, by clicking here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pgo.ifm.org/4m1sG9F

Bioenergetics is a core component of the functional medicine approach, essential for understanding how energy production at the cellular level impacts broader physiological function. In IFM’s Bioenergetics Advanced Practice Module (APM), you’ll explore the root causes of mitochondrial dysfunction, identifying subtle and overlooked clinical indicators of cellular energy dysregulation in conditions such as fatigue, migraines, brain fog, depression, and pain. Learn how therapeutic approaches including nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management can support mitochondria, improving the respiratory capacity of each mitochondrion and reducing reactive oxygen species production. A new cohort has just started today; register to join us here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pgo.ifm.org/4kX56K1

A recent story by Fox News discusses the gut-health connection and how the “5R approach” can be used to boost immunity and reduce inflammation. IFM chief of medical affairs and educator, Dr. Joel Evans, was one subject matter expert interviewed. Read the full feature here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pgo.ifm.org/44MciUo

Is mitochondrial dysfunction a potential root cause for your patients with chronic disease? At the Bioenergetics Advanced Practice Module (APM), you’ll learn how to evaluate five types of mitochondrial dysfunction, including often overlooked clinical indicators in conditions such as fatigue, migraines, depression, and pain. From precision assessment to effective management, you’ll learn how nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management, and other hands-on modalities can be effective therapeutic approaches for supporting mitochondrial health and improving cellular energy production. Course access begins this Monday, July 28! Learn from the functional medicine experts during this self-paced, 6-week online course. Sign up now: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pgo.ifm.org/3IL7bev

Human studies have demonstrated a reduction of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms in participants following a clinical ketogenic diet.* These improved symptoms included cognitive as well as motor symptoms and overall disease ratings. Therapeutic ketogenic diets have also been studied by IFM educator Terry Wahls MD, IFMCP, with the specific aim of reversing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Such diets have been shown to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, improve mitochondrial function, and reduce oxidative stress.* Dr. Wahls has used ketogenic diets in her clinical practice for a wide variety of health issues that result from mitochondrial disease and continues to study how diet impacts MS disease progression. In the following video, Dr. Wahls talks about her latest research. Read more about using the ketogenic diet for neurological disorders here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pgo.ifm.org/45buTcz

Having just concluded our first Hormone Advanced Practice Module (APM) self-paced cohort, we would like to take a minute to thank the sponsors who helped make the program possible. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we rely on the generous support of our various industry partners to continue expanding the reach and impact of functional medicine worldwide. We would like to take a moment to thank Genova Diagnostics, Integrated Connections, Rupa Health, a Fullscript Company, Metagenics, and more for supporting this program.

Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction have all been noted in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Nutrition strategies that include nutrient-based antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents as well as therapeutic food plans that support mitochondrial function and brain health may improve patient outcomes. In the following video, IFM educator Monique Class, MS, APRN-BC, IFMCP, reviews one of IFM’s therapeutic food plans, the Mito Food Plan. She discusses how, as a component of a personalized treatment plan, this nutritional approach supports cognitive health and addresses neurodegenerative conditions by using targeted foods and nutrients to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and health. Learn more about preventing neurodegenerative diseases through nutrition in the following article: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pgo.ifm.org/40YLMER