Amy Beard MD

There are many things to consider before starting the journey towards opening your own functional medicine practice. There is no standard "business plan", and this type of practice is very different than those operating within the conventional medicine/insurance model. Don't make the mistakes I did! Paul and I discuss our journey, from leaving the ER to now owning and operating a telemedicine functional medicine practice.

The majority of Functional Medicine practitioners seem to go to great lengths to avoid anything to do with the Christian faith but will embrace anything new age, or culturally appropriate any other religion's "metaphysical" aspects. This could be a reason that some Christians are wary of Functional Medicine. The truth is that Functional Medicine is MADE for Christians. The Bible is full of "Functional Medicine" tips. This podcast looks at Functional Medicine from the optics of the Christian faith and explains how Christians should not be wary of Functional Medicine. The truth is Christianity is the best way to fully harness the benefits of Functional Medicine. Don't let the secular misinformation bullies keep you from Functional Medicine. God wants us to do our part to stay healthy and then lean on his Grace to finish healing.

Don't fall for it. Don't accept the excuses... "getting older" or "it's your genes" or "it's just something that happens". Chronic diseases are increasing at an alarming rate. And more testing and better treatments are not what's needed. We discuss what is contributing to this dramatic rise in diseases that were once considered uncommon, and what you need to do about it should you find yourself with a common but not normal disease.

We go over the 15 signs of an abusive relationship according to psychologists (for what that's worth). And it appears we are currently in one with regards to the advice provided by "medical experts". But also, many of the signs are consistent with the experiences I and many others have had with their healthcare providers. If these signs ring true for you, it's time to get out of the abusive relationship.

If you want your child to thrive and reach their full potential, stop feeding them JUNK! Annie Hale, one of my health coaches and mother of 6, shares some of her tried and true strategies for providing healthy meals and snacks on a budget. She can help you change your child's mindset--they will WANT to eat healthy.

This 60-day program was so successful in my practice that we are now offering it to anyone. This program addresses the key areas all functional medicine practitioners are going to address (or should be), no matter the chronic issue. This program is the first step, and often the last step for many, for overcoming chronic issues once and for all.

Many common household products are full of harmful chemicals that cause endocrine disruption, cancer, and immune dysregulation. Reduce your exposure to these toxicants to reduce their harmful effects on your health.

Being sedentary is the new smoking. It's THAT bad. Physical activity is as essential as the air you breathe. Paul and I discuss the MANY ways physical activity reduces immune dysfunction via its positive effects on mitochondrial function, gut health, hormone and thyroid balance, detoxification, etc. We also discuss the pitfall of overexercising and how too much exercise can backfire and make it much more difficult to lose weight. Move your butt or get a gut.

Most people underestimate the amount of chronic stress present in their lives, as well as its negative impacts on their health. Chronic stress produces chronic elevations in cortisol. Not a good scenario for your waistline and backside. Paul and I discuss how cortisol makes you fat, the often under appreciated sources of chronic stress, and the steps you need to take to keep those cortisol levels low.