Tuesday Apr 08, 2025

EP07: Functional Medicine 101: Understanding Root Causes, Stress & Inflammation with Dr. Nathalie Bloom

Are we asking the right questions about our health? For Dr. Nathalie Bloom, a practitioner of functional medicine and clinical nutrition, the journey starts with why. “In functional medicine, we focus on the root cause, the why behind a problem or a condition or an ailment,” she explains to host Abby Starr in this episode of the Well-Informed Podcast.

Dr. Bloom peels back the layers of functional medicine, a practice rooted in addressing the whole person, not just their symptoms. Through her thoughtful and compassionate approach, she shows how personalized care and lifestyle adjustments can make a real difference in addressing the interconnected factors behind chronic conditions, stress, and inflammation.

How does stress manifest differently in the body? Why is prevention often misunderstood in mainstream healthcare? And what can we all do to optimize our well-being? Dr. Bloom provides insights, from understanding “perceived stress” to uncovering hidden patterns in our health through advanced blood tests.

This episode points out the importance of patient empowerment and the value of working collaboratively with healthcare providers. Dr. Bloom reminds us that wellness is deeply individual and begins with understanding our unique needs and goals.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 What Is Functional Medicine?

03:40 How Lifestyle and Stress Affect Chronic Conditions

07:22 Prevention vs. Detection in Healthcare

09:06 Functional Medicine’s Approach to Bloodwork

15:06 Inflammation and Autoimmune Conditions

22:03 Simple Ways to Reduce Inflammation

26:03 Thoughts on Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic

30:15 Why Active Participation in Your Health Matters

Links

Connect with Dr. Natalie Bloom:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathalie-bloom-73278430