Family Functional Medicine

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Family Functional Medicine

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Family Functional Medicine, Medical and health, 7-C Corporate Center Court, Greensboro, NC.

Drawing from natural and holistic therapies alongside conventional medical training and genetic testing, Dr. Ingram works with patients to delay, lessen or altogether prevent many chronic conditions.

03/30/2026

We all know that mental health issues are a big societal and individual problem, with more and more people struggling with anxiety and depression than seemingly ever before. 😔🫥

Mental health issues are multifactorial - genetics, neurochemistry, trauma, chronic stress, poor sleep and nutrition, substance abuse, social isolation, and some medications are just a few of the things that can contribute.

One often overlooked factor is environmental exposure to things like air pollution and heavy metals!

A recent review of over 100 studies explored links between environmental exposures and mental health, and the findings are eye-opening. 👀

💨 Air pollution—especially PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide—has one of the strongest and most consistent connections to depression. Long-term exposure seems to impact brain health and inflammation.

🚬 Secondhand smoke (particularly in pregnancy or childhood) is another big one. People exposed early in life had a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

⚠️ Heavy metals like lead and cadmium also show some links to both anxiety and depression—especially in long-term exposure. Think old pipes, contaminated soil, or workplace hazards.

While we can’t control all of these exposures, we can make small changes to lower them, including using an air purifier indoors, avoiding areas with heavy traffic when exercising, going fragrance-free at home, and reducing secondhand smoke exposure wherever possible.

Making these changes won’t suddenly eliminate anxiety or “cure” depression, but they may “take the foot off the gas,” so to speak!

Cleaning up the environment and curbing air pollution has so many benefits - protecting mental health is just one of them. 🌍💚

________________________________________________________
References: PMID: 32533365

03/27/2026

Welcome to “Environmental Toxins Basics” series, where we do a mini breakdown of the chemical names we see tossed around all the time but that you might be fuzzy on.

👉Today is pesticides!

“Pesticide” is a catch-all term that really applies to chemicals (both natural and synthetic) that are used to kill or control pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents.

Swipe through to learn more about these chemicals, where we are exposed to them, what the health issues are with them, and what the big takeaway is!

Then, pop in the comments and let me know what questions you have!

References: PMID: 33579300, https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pesticides

03/25/2026

Your eyes are constantly working for you—but are you supporting them?

Join us for a free, open-to-the-public talk with Dr. Gropper on how to protect and support your vision at every stage of life.

We’ll cover:
• Dry eye + common triggers
• Digital eye strain
• Aging eyes (AMD, glaucoma, retinal concerns)
• How lifestyle + nutrition impact vision

One theme you’ll hear more than once:
Eat the Rainbow 🌈

📅 April 22nd
⏰ 12 pm
📍 Facebook Live

This event is FREE for the public.
(Our members already have access as part of their program.)

Reserve your spot: https://www.facebook.com/share/18AQHxN4Jz/

03/24/2026

Hormone replacement therapy starts with understanding the individual.

We look at your goals, symptoms, and lab work, and carefully weigh the benefits and risks before making a recommendation.

Bioidentical hormone therapy uses compounds that closely match what your body naturally produces and is often customized through specialized pharmacies.

Conventional hormone therapy uses synthetic hormones, is more widely available, and is typically covered by insurance—making it a reasonable starting point in some cases.

There is no single “right” approach—only what’s right for you.

03/23/2026

𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 𝗨𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞!
📕 Brain Energy
by Dr. Chris Palmer

Our lending library is missing this title.
If you have it, please drop it off at the front desk.

No questions asked. 💛

03/16/2026

Movement Supports Brain Health
Your brain depends on blood flow.

Even though the brain makes up only about 2% of your body weight, it uses roughly 20% of your oxygen and blood supply. When circulation is reduced, brain performance declines.

One of the most effective ways to support brain health is regular movement.

Exercise increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a compound that helps neurons grow, repair, and strengthen their connections.

In simple terms, movement helps the brain stay adaptable and resilient.

Simple ways to support your brain through movement:
• Walk 20–30 minutes daily
• Include strength training during the week
• Reduce long periods of sitting

Exercise is not just about burning calories.

Exercise is fertilizer for your brain.

03/10/2026

Hormones play an important role in how the brain functions—for both women and men.

We often think of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in relation to reproductive health, but they also influence memory, motivation, and brain communication.

• Estrogen helps support connections between nerve cells in the brain. When levels decline, some people notice word-finding difficulties or brain fog.
• Testosterone contributes to motivation, drive, and mental energy in both men and women.
• Thyroid hormone regulates the speed at which nerve cells communicate, influencing focus, mood, and overall cognitive function.

When hormones shift—whether during menopause, andropause, thyroid imbalance, or other changes—people may experience brain fog, low motivation, or mood changes.

In some cases, thoughtful hormone support may help protect brain health, but this is always something that should be evaluated individually.

Another key factor is cognitive reserve—the brain’s “bank account” of resilience. The more connections you build over time through learning, movement, relationships, and mental engagement, the more support your brain has as you age.

Hormones are one piece of the larger picture when it comes to protecting long-term brain health.

03/08/2026

Honoring the Women of Family Functional Medicine 🌸

This , we recognize the women who lead, serve, and support our community every day.

Our practice is 90% women-led—guided by Dr. Ami Ingram and supported by an extraordinary team of professionals dedicated to thoughtful, whole-person care.

Each woman on our team brings strength, expertise, and compassion to the families we serve.

Today we celebrate their leadership, their commitment, and the many ways women continue to shape the future of medicine.

💬 Share a woman who has influenced your health journey below.

03/07/2026

The 3 Brain Chemicals That Shape Your Mood

Different moods reflect different chemistry.

Low serotonin may show up as irritability, rumination, or noticeable PMS shifts.
Low dopamine can feel like low motivation, flat mood, or persistent brain fog.
Low GABA often looks like racing thoughts, anxiety, or feeling wired but exhausted.

Here’s what’s often overlooked:

Your body has to build these neurotransmitters.

Serotonin requires tryptophan, B6, and magnesium.
Dopamine depends on adequate protein, iron, and B vitamins.
GABA relies on magnesium and proper conversion pathways.

If the raw materials are insufficient, production declines.

You cannot create calm without ingredients.

Before turning to high-dose supplements:
✔ Evaluate labs
✔ Assess vitamin D
✔ Ensure adequate protein intake
✔ Address inflammation
✔ Support sleep

Foundations first.

Motivation is biochemical.
Calm is biological.
Mood is physical.

03/04/2026

Microplastics: What We’re Learning

You’ve likely seen the recent headlines — microplastics have been detected in human lungs, intestines, and even placentas.

Last year, researchers at the University of New Mexico published a study in 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 examining tissues from deceased individuals. They identified micro- and nano-plastics in the 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘆𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻.

Of the three organs studied, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Even more concerning, levels appear to be rising. When researchers compared tissue samples from 2016 to 2024, they found nearly a 𝟱𝟬% 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 across tissues in less than a decade.

At this stage, much of the research has focused on confirming presence — not defining impact. In other words, we know these particles are there, but we do not yet fully understand what they mean for long-term health.

There are emerging correlations between microplastics and certain health concerns — including cardiovascular disease, immune system activation, and possible neurodegenerative conditions. However, this field is still early. Clear causation has not been established.

Complete avoidance is not realistic. Microplastics have been detected in food, water, and air.

What we can do is reduce overall plastic exposure where possible.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘀:

* Using glass or stainless steel instead of plastic for food and water storage
* Avoiding heating food in plastic containers
* Choosing filtered water
* Reducing ultra-processed and heavily packaged foods
* Limiting single-use plastics when feasible

Small changes are reasonable. Perfection is not required.

Which of these steps are already part of your routine? Let us know in the comments

References PMID: 39901044

03/02/2026

Most people are told to manage symptoms.

Take something for the fatigue.
Avoid the foods that hurt your stomach.
Live with the inflammation.
“Give it time” after mold exposure.
“Push through” after COVID.

Root cause medicine asks a different question:

**Why is this happening in the first place?**

At Family Functional Medicine, Dr. Ingram looks deeper.
If you are exhausted, she asks what is driving it — hormones, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, immune burden, chronic infections, mold toxicity, post-viral inflammation.

If your stomach hurts when you eat, she looks at digestion, microbiome balance, food sensitivities, enzyme function, and inflammation — not just acid suppression.

If you feel chronically inflamed, she evaluates immune triggers, stress load, environmental toxins, blood sugar balance, and hidden contributors that keep the fire burning.

If you are recovering from mold exposure or struggling after COVID, she works to identify what is still dysregulating the system — so you can move toward true recovery, not just survival.

Root cause care is investigative. It is personalized. It is thorough.

And this is where Mary comes in.

Once Dr. Ingram identifies what needs to shift, Mary helps you implement those changes in real life — at a pace that fits your capacity. Whether it’s food, sleep, stress regulation, environmental changes, or daily routines, she helps you put the pieces together in a way that is sustainable.

Medical insight + practical lifestyle strategy.

Because healing rarely happens from a prescription alone.
It happens when the plan meets your everyday life.

If you are tired of managing symptoms and ready to understand your body more clearly, root cause medicine may be the next step.

02/27/2026

Let’s talk about the gut–brain connection.

70–80% of your immune system lives in your gut. Most of your serotonin — your “calm” neurotransmitter — is made there too.

If your gut is inflamed or imbalanced, your mood and brain function can suffer.

Common disruptors:
• Bacterial or yeast overgrowth
• Food sensitivities (especially gluten and dairy)
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Antibiotic use

For some, gluten can drive brain inflammation. Dairy contains casomorphin, a morphine-like protein that may affect mood in certain individuals.

Not everyone is sensitive — but some clearly are.

When the gut is irritated, mood often follows.

Your mood is not just “in your head.”
Often, it starts in your gut.

Address

7-C Corporate Center Court
Greensboro, NC
27408

Telephone

+13363656010

Website

https://family-functional-medicine.teachable.com/p/metabolic-reset/?src=social, https://familyfunctionalmedicine.podia.c

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About Dr. Ingram

Ami Ingram, MD, is licensed to practice Medicine in North Carolina and Texas. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from North Carolina State University and her medical degree from Brody – East Carolina University School of medicine in Greenville, N.C.

Dr. Ingram spent several years working in a family practice, as well as in obstetrics. She kept noticing that many of the prescriptions she wrote included side effects that often required additionalprescriptions for her patients. This created further side effects.

What was the root cause of their illness, she wondered. Was it possible to get upstream from their malady? Dr. Ingram's research soon took her to the relationship between the body's organs alongside the overlay of genetics, nutrition and lifestyle.

Through courses offered through the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), North Carolina Integrative Medicine Society (NCIMS) and Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Ingram has developed a multi-faceted, natural approach to treat both existing conditions and get ahead of challenges that may present later in life.