This advanced class will expand on Disease Begins in the Gut and dive into the rich world of inflammatory gut diseases and stool testing. Healing from chronic states of dis-ease often requires a detailed exploration and rebalancing of the gut’s ecosystem: its inhabitants and their metabolites. This course builds off of the DBIG, Immune Function, Loss of Tolerance, and Hypervigilance, and Disease 202: Autoimmune Interconnectedness courses*, pulling together what we know about the role of enhanced intestinal permeability and immune system skewing to further our understanding of the promotion of digestive tract-specific dis-ease states. We will explore the influence of the oral microbiome in gut and systemic whole health, as well as dive more deeply into some of the more common autoimmune, inflammatory, and microbiota-induced gut disorders, as well as colonic dysbiosis and functional stool testing. Finally, we will focus on revitalizing the intestinal terrain, using symptoms, dietary and lifestyle patterns, and functional stool testing data to build customized recommendations for adults and children so that they can regain balance in their guts. Often, the best way to ensure our patients and clients avoid (or heal from) chronic disease is to take care of their GI tracts. 

*Prerequisites for this advanced deep dive clinical course are Level 1 Disease Begins in the Gut, Level 2 Immune Function, Loss of Tolerance, and Hypervigilance and Level 2 Disease 202: Autoimmune Interconnectedness

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course participants should be able to demonstrate application of the following clinical competencies:

• Explain the role of the human microbiota in the development of a variety of gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms and dis-ease states
• Differentiate between various beneficial, opportunistic/pathobiont, and pathogenic gastrointestinal microbes 
• Identify root causes of gut microbial imbalances and their interplay with the immune system
• Distinguish between the limitations and benefits of various types of stool testing 
• Evaluate stool testing and utilize optimal interpretation of markers for assessment with the aggregate clinical picture
• Demonstrate the ability to create a customized gut revitalization plan 

Modern society regards anxiety and depression as illnesses “in the head” – that is, somewhere along a marginalized spectrum from imagined suffering to evidence of brain dysfunction. Yet, these mood and neurological imbalances are actually common symptoms of dis-ease elsewhere in the body.

*Self-test Required

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course participants should be able to demonstrate application of the following clinical competencies:

• Analyze the role that neuropeptides and neurotransmitters play in mood imbalance and how an individual’s emotional response to the environment is connected to the enteric nervous system, the systemic body, and the central nervous system and brain.
• Identify the common root causes of mood imbalances, looking beyond the nervous system to the interconnectedness between mood and whole-body health e.g. metabolic function, toxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, thyroid/adrenal health, specific nutrient needs, microbiome balance, and sex hormone regulation.
• Evaluate the implications of long-term use of medications used for conventional treatment of depression and anxiety.
• Use the functional medicine approach and interventions for anxiety and depression by addressing unique root causes in an individual.
• Understand the common blood marker indication for root causes of mood imbalances 
• Interpret neurotransmitter testing despite its limitations and identify common neurotransmitters dynamics/pathway impairments in test results.
• Illustrate how the role of stress, mindset, and common modern lifestyle factors affect mood balance and practical guidance and help patients build awareness that their choices in seemingly unrelated areas can affect their mental health.

OVERVIEW:

Even through the functional medicine lens, bone health is often relegated to a cursory discussion of calcium, Vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise. This will be a rich education in prevention of and remedy for bone dis-ease and dysfunction. We’ll cover sex hormones, magnesium, and pH but also the perhaps surprising roles of everything from bone marrow to heavy metals, from kidneys to K2, from cell phones to PPIs, LPS, self-talk, butyrate, and much more.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course participants should be able to demonstrate application of the following clinical competencies:

• Explain the components of the skeletal system: bone composition, function, formation, and remodeling.
• Determine contributors to and implications of bone density loss and fall-related fractures.
• Identify the common root causes of bone loss and explain the role of hormones, stress, inflammation, and immune system dysregulation on bone health.
• Review testing considerations: DEXA scan and additional targeted labwork.
• Determine bone building nutrients: including the role of Vitamin D, K2, magnesium, and calcium. Evaluate strontium use and considerations.
• Explain dietary and nutrient considerations, including how phytates, oxalates, tannins, and fluoride affect mineral absorption. Differentiate the benefits and risks of calcium food sources versus overt supplementation.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Many of our patients are fearful of this poorly-understood vulnerability and its various manifestations. They are (still) afraid of LDL, salt, and dietary fat. And usually feel disempowered about how to ensure their future cardiovascular health.  Join us for a deep dive into the rich interconnectedness of cardiovascular health and dysfunction.  Scientific research in just the past few years has highlighted some powerful interconnectedness at play with nutrition, toxicity, and (no surprise) the gut.

We will delve into myths and truths about the dis-ease and the health-promoting effects of diet, thyroid function, sex hormones, insomnia, mainstream cardiovascular medications, highest-impact testing, and many other factors.  Learn powerful Rapid Relief remedies as well as Root Cause resolution options to help your patients optimally address hypertension, hypotension, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, hyper-coagulability, and much more.

Hormones: chemical compounds present so sparsely in the blood that their concentration is usually measured on the level of a few parts per trillion. Yet they are tremendously powerful in coordinating the actions of our organs and glands – and affecting our quality of life! Steroid hormones in the body can act in a symphony of harmony or discord, and specific lifestyle choices play a huge role in this outcome.

*Self-test Required

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course participants should be able to demonstrate application of the following clinical competencies:

• Examine the synergistic and interactive biochemistry of hormones (their interconnectedness).
• Differentiate among the fundamental diverse roles of the HPATG axis in the body in maintaining homeostasis and optimal balance. 
• Analyze common root causes and dynamics of hormone imbalances including endogenous and exogenous sources of hormones, and how environmental and lifestyle behaviors affect their synthesis, activity, and detoxification.
• Identify primary drivers of estrogen dominance; common biochemical and physiological contributors; and how to address root causes.
• Interpret androgen dominance and anovulation in women; its interconnectedness with other hormones; and interventions through the functional medicine lens. 
• Differentiate between perimenopause and menopause transitions including common patterns of hormone shifts and symptoms, how to create balance, and navigate changes. 
• Identify common male hormonal imbalances and their manifestations (e.g. BPH), including root causes, biochemistry, impact of lifestyle choices, and interventions
• High-level considerations for hormone replacement therapy, including known potential risks, supportive supplementation, and medication considerations. 
• Evaluate and utilize hormone testing options.