The Role of Epigenetics in Functional Medicine with Dr. Jeffrey Bland

In this Everything Epigenetics episode, Dr. Jeffrey Bland and I discuss his significant contributions to functional medicines and how he has shaped this field. We also define functional medicine as a multidisciplinary approach that draws on the expertise of various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nutritionists, and researchers, to address complex health issues from a holistic perspective.

Dr. Jeffrey Bland, considered one of the pioneers in the field of functional medicine, has made notable contributions to the development and popularization of this approach to healthcare. 

We talk about his journey in co-founding the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) in 1991 alongside his wife, Susan Bland, and how he established a prominent institution dedicated to promoting and advancing functional medicine principles. 

Dr. Bland has authored influential books, including "The Disease Delusion," which explores the root causes of chronic illnesses. Through lectures, workshops, and educational initiatives, he has played a pivotal role in educating healthcare professionals and the public about functional medicine's core principles, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various body systems. 

Dr. Bland and I also chat about his research in nutrition, genetics, and chronic diseases that has expanded our understanding of how dietary factors, genetics, and lifestyle choices influence health. 

We discuss advocating for personalized healthcare and for individualized treatment plans that consider each patient's unique genetic and epigenetic makeup and health history. 

Additionally, Dr. Bland underscores the importance of lifestyle medicine, integrating principles like diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep into functional medicine's holistic approach. 

Lastly, we chat about the importance of epigenetics in Functional Medicine and how epigenetics is shaping the future of healthcare. 

In this episode of Everything Epigenetics, you’ll learn about: 

• How Dr. Bland and I met 
• Dr. Bland's four mentors 
• How the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) got started 
• How Dr. Bland’s views on medicine have changed throughout his career
• The idea of preventive medicine
• Epigenetics as a paradigm shifting concept
• How epigenetics has impacted his thoughts in functional medicine 
• Dr. Bland’s book he wrote in 1989 tilted “Genetic Nutrioneering” 
• Why you should test your genetic code
• Why you should get your epigenetics analyzed
• The work that needs to be done in epigenetics to further solidify the concept as nutrition is medicine
• The need for n=1 studies in epigenetics
• Dr. Bland’s clinical trial with TruDiagnostic
• The importance of deconvolution in epigenetic data analysis
• Immunity rejuvenation through Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat
• Regenerative practices 
• What Dr. Bland wants to see accomplished is this field during his lifetime 

Where to find Dr. Jeffrey Bland:
Website - https://jeffreybland.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjeffreybland/