Functional medicine is one of those parts of health that, when you start researching, listening, or reading into, you tend to go down a rabbit hole. It's enlightening to see not only the amount of work and the quality of work but also and pedigrees of some of the experts in this field. No longer is it "alternative" - functional medicine is now researched and supported by some of the world's finest universities and highest qualified minds.

The basis of this medicine is a holistic approach. Rather than treating symptoms, it aims to promote wellness and treat the actual causes of chronic diseases. Before suggesting lifestyle changes or supplements, it looks at the person. It considers the person's lifestyle environment through genetics, emotional markers, and other factors.

I have spent hours or days listening to publications and podcasts on functional medicine, and I find it challenging to pick my favourite experts in this field. I will give a brief run-through of the ones I find easy to relate to and whose work clicks with me.

Dr Aviva Romm 

One of my favourite functional medicine authors, her works specialise in chronic stress and Women's Health. She has online courses and an entertaining podcast. I recommend a browse through her website - its full of great informational and has several online courses, which are excellent.

Her two books worth a read (or listening to) are Hormone Intelligence (which shows us how to heal illnesses such as infertility, PCOS and endometriosis) and The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution (which gives helpful and very readable advice on managing thyroid and adrenal conditions).

Dr Kara Fitzgerald

Doctor Fitzgerald has specialised in using functional medicine to treat chronic diseases. She is an expert on epigenetics and has published clinical trials which establish how lifestyle changes can be clinically shown to slow ageing (i.e. DNA Methylation). She works alongside an extensive team, and her website contains anti-ageing recipes and research.  One of her books, "Younger You", gives practical advice on reducing biological age.

Dr Mark Hyman

This best-selling New York Times author is a practising physician who extends the use of functional medicine with his patients alongside conventional medicine when necessary.

He has found the Ultra Wellness Centre in Massachusetts (A place I will one day treat myself to a stay in).  He has a platter of podcasts and listeners on YouTube. He is straightforward (and upbeat) to listen to and explains how our lifestyle and nutrition impact illness. He dislikes sugars (like so many of his colleagues) and details how food and lifestyle can improve our minds and bodies while slowing the ageing process. An advocate for taking selenium and Vitamin D supplements, he stresses the importance of adding more plant-based nutrition to our diets while reducing stress and regular exercise. 

Dr Jeffrey Bland

He is considered the Father Of Functional medicine. He has published numerous books and research articles on this topic and founded the Institute of Practical Medicine. Originally a biochemist and nutritionist. He has undertaken groundbreaking work on epigenetics (how our genetic profiles are altered by lifestyle) and has impressive work on increasing health and slowing ageing and illness. 

Dr Terry Wahls 

Author of the world-famous book The Walhs Protocol, she is considered an expert in autoimmune diseases and MS. She is a physician by trade and specialises in using functional medicine in treating and preventing autoimmune diseases. Anyone suffering from these conditions finds a quick dive into his work rewarding. Her work proves the benefits of adding more of a nutrient-rich paleo diet to your choices.

Ultimately, she challenges the outdated and largely disproved food pyramid by designing her Wahls Food Pyramid. It's hard not to embrace her work, given her struggle with MS and the fact that she has the daring to name her sons Zach and Zebby. 

Dr Susan Blum

Another expert on also immune diseases is Susan Blum, a physician and founder of the Blum Centre for Health in New York City, who specialises in using functional medicine to treat these conditions. Famously quoted as saying, "Being a doctor isn't my job; it's my calling. My mission is to offer the hopeless hope". She has written several books, and her work is impressive. Her work on healing Arthritis alongside other autoimmune illness are featured on her YouTube channel.

Dr David Perlmutter

An expert on brain health, this neurologist advocates using functional medicine, such as reducing carbohydrate intake and tweaking nutrition to improve overall health and slow central nervous system illnesses. His most famous book and worldwide top best seller is The Grain Brain. This outlines how a high-carb hydrated diet damages the brain and can be implicated in the increase of Alzheimer's and other brain illnesses. His work on eating a Gluten Free diet is fascinating in Ireland, which has a very high incidence of coeliac disease. 

Dr Alessio Fasano 

A specialist in celiac disease and gluten-related illnesses, his fantastic book Gluten Freedom gives the reader a practical guide on managing conditions caused by this hazardous food. It is a must-read (or listen to) for anyone with these conditions. He is a physician (paediatric gastroenterologist), a Professor at Harvard Medical School and a world-known researcher and expert in functional medicine.  

Dr Frank Lipman

Another physician and acupuncturist by qualification, he has written several books on functional medicine. I enjoyed The New Health Rules, which look at guidelines for overall health rather than treating specific illnesses. He still works as a physician and founded the 1111 Wellness Centre in New York City. Originally for South Africa and a celebrity doctor, he now lives and works in New York.

Dr Robert Rountree

A brilliant book written by this physician is called Innovative Medicine for a Healthier Child. This outlines in easy-to-follow terms how parents can apply functional medicine to protect their children's health. He has written extensively on probiotics and supplements such as natural mushrooms, curcumin and NAC for improving your immune system.

Ann O’Flynn B.Pharm, MA, BSc, MPSI

Ann is the owner of dPharmacy and has a particular interest in Health foods and supplements. Ann is a Tutor pharmacist and has gained numerous qualifications in alternative therapies - which she uses alongside her extensive clinical training. If you have any queries on medicines or health foods, please contact us by email, text or phone.