functional medicine and nutritional genomics - American Association ...
functional medicine and nutritional genomics - American Association ...
functional medicine and nutritional genomics - American Association ...
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AAPI’S NUTRITION GUIDE TO OPTIMAL HEALTH: USING PRINCIPLES OF FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND NUTRITIONAL GENOMICS<br />
systems <strong>and</strong> how they interact with each other<br />
<strong>and</strong> the surrounding environment. A systems-level<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing is required to underst<strong>and</strong> the whole<br />
person <strong>and</strong> his or her relationship to health or<br />
disease. A ‚nutrition physical‛ is used to identify<br />
specific signs <strong>and</strong> symptoms that provide clues to<br />
c<strong>and</strong>idate nutrients that may be insufficient in the<br />
person’s diet <strong>and</strong> contribute to compromised<br />
health. A full underst<strong>and</strong>ing of physical findings<br />
<strong>and</strong> the potential nutrient impairments <strong>and</strong> how<br />
they impact the individual on multiple levels<br />
(molecular, cellular, organs, systems <strong>and</strong><br />
networks) is essential to optimize function <strong>and</strong><br />
promote well-being.<br />
Biomarker: Biomarkers are physiological indicators<br />
derived from multiple systems <strong>and</strong> pathways that<br />
impart signals that verify health or reveal <strong>functional</strong><br />
distress. Nutritional biomarkers can be determined<br />
in saliva, blood, urine, stool, or other tissues.<br />
Some examples include salivary hormone levels,<br />
urine organic acids, stool pathogens, <strong>and</strong> nutrient<br />
levels. Laboratory assessment of biomarkers is<br />
helpful to identify <strong>functional</strong> impairments that may<br />
be amenable to <strong>nutritional</strong> therapies.<br />
Metabolic Pathways: A free flow of metabolic<br />
pathways is important for optimal human<br />
functioning. It is an orchestrated, constant, <strong>and</strong><br />
collaborative breakdown <strong>and</strong> rebuilding. An<br />
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integrative <strong>and</strong> <strong>functional</strong> <strong>medicine</strong> approach<br />
evaluates the function of the pathways <strong>and</strong><br />
determines, via biomarker analysis, the <strong>nutritional</strong><br />
support that is needed to improve metabolic<br />
performance. Pathways are generally dependent<br />
on enzymes, <strong>and</strong> enzymes have co-factors, which<br />
commonly include vitamins <strong>and</strong> minerals. An<br />
IFMNT practitioner evaluates the many<br />
repercussions due to impairments in metabolic<br />
pathways <strong>and</strong> targets <strong>nutritional</strong> therapies<br />
accordingly.<br />
Core imbalances: Core clinical imbalances underlie<br />
various disease states. These imbalances include<br />
disruptions in cellular integrity, digestion,<br />
detoxification, energy metabolism, neuro-endocrineimmune<br />
function, <strong>and</strong> <strong>nutritional</strong> status <strong>and</strong><br />
promote inflammation <strong>and</strong> oxidative stress.<br />
Multiple factors, such as pathogens, allergens,<br />
infections, <strong>nutritional</strong> insufficiencies <strong>and</strong> deficiencies,<br />
toxins, negative thoughts <strong>and</strong> beliefs, <strong>and</strong> stress,<br />
interact with genes <strong>and</strong> the environment<br />
contributing to dysfunction. Signs <strong>and</strong> symptoms<br />
arise that can be detected through a<br />
comprehensive nutrition physical <strong>and</strong> laboratory<br />
assessment. Improving balance in the individual’s<br />
environmental inputs <strong>and</strong> in the body’s fundamental<br />
physiological processes is essential to restoring<br />
health <strong>and</strong> optimizing healing.<br />
2012