Functional Medicine and the Importance of Food

  Today we’re joined by Dr. Marian St. Petery, a functional medicine doctor who began her private practice in Birmingham in 2003. She expanded her training with the Institute for Functional Medicine by becoming a board certified IFMCP and was the first in the state of Alabama with this title. We talk all about functional medicine and the importance of food. She personally realized the importance of food when she was given a cancer diagnosis. We discuss what functional medicine is. Her goal is always for patients to get better and reduce the need for them to continue coming back for further care. There are so many aspects of life that make up who we are: what we eat, our lifestyle, and even the way in which we were born. These are the kinds of things that Dr. St Petery explores with her patients. Dr. St Petery shares the typical experiences of her patients, including the labs that she generally runs on them. She also goes through the top vitamin supplements she takes not only herself, but also recommends for her patients. When it comes to supplements, Dr. St. Petery recommends buying organic supplements whenever possible. Deanna asks Dr. St. Petery what she recommends to her patients regarding weight gain. In some cases, Dr. St. Petery will recommend a book. In other cases, she will help them with adrenal fatigue or thyroid issues to combat the underlying cause. There is a mind-body component to weight loss that often gets ignored, and weight gain can be a result of unresolved issues. Functional Medicine of Alabama Website: https://www.functionalmedicineofalabama.com/ 15% off of supplements online: Access password: FMOA20 Coupon code: wellandworthy21 The Institute for Functional Medicine: https://www.ifm.org Listen to this podcast to learn about CSA: https://wellandworthylife.com/from-the-spa-to-the-farm/