The Functional Medicine MD

03/06/2026

"Eating clean" is not about perfection - it's about lowering the inflammatory burden that drives chronic disease!

In this clip, Dr. Lela discusses highly processed foods - especially ultra-processed products high in refined sugars, seed oils, additives, and preservatives - that are commonly associated with increased risk of a variety of diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.

Watch the full segment on cancer and chronic disease prevention here: https://youtu.be/zr_5cQNfblc

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela to see how she can help you reach your health goals: https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-03

03/05/2026

While inherited genetic mutations may increase the risk of cancer, biochemical signals regulate how genes are activated or silenced. These signals are responsive to modifiable factors, such as nutrition, metabolic health, toxic burden, sleep quality, and chronic inflammation. Check out what Dr. Lela says about the connection between genetics and cancer!

Click here to watch the full segment on cancer prevention: https://youtu.be/zr_5cQNfblc

Click the link below to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela ⬇
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-03

03/04/2026

Did you know chronic inflammation is one of the most overlooked drivers of disease - including cancer?

On her latest appearance on Living East Tennessee on WATE 6 On Your Side, Dr. Lela discusses the connection between inflammation and cancer prevention.

Watch the full segment here ➡ https://youtu.be/zr_5cQNfblc

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela to discuss how she can help you meet your health goals here: https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-03

02/04/2026

Chronic disease is increasingly prevalent among adults ages 18-34, challenging the long-held belief that these are conditions that develop later in life. 60% of young adults in this age group are living with at least one chronic condition, such as an autoimmune disorder, IBS, anxiety/depression, hypertension, or diabetes.

Although this statistic is worrisome, most of these conditions are treatable. Dr. Lela was recently featured on a webinar titled, "Inside the Gut: Inflammation, Immunity & Autoimmune Conditions", where she discusses the link between intestinal permeability and its downstream effects on inflammation, immune function, and chronic disease processes. Watch the full video here ➡ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OusEKKYwZ_4

To schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine how she can help you prevent or treat chronic disease, click the link below:
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-02

02/02/2026

"Inside the Gut: Inflammation, Immunity & Autoimmune Conditions"

In this recorded seminar hosted by ACCESS MEDICAL LABS, Dr. Lela Iduna explores leaky gut and gut wellness - from causes and contributing factors to assessment considerations and evidence-based treatment approaches! To learn more, watch the video on YouTube below!

Ever wonder why your gut is often called your "second brain"—or why it holds the key to your immune system? In today’s video, we are peeling back the layers ...

12/31/2025

A New Year is the perfect opportunity to prioritize your health - but one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work.

Functional medicine isn't about guessing what is happening within your body or symptom management - it is about understanding and preventing or treating the root cause of disease. Lab work and biochemistry are the foundation of integrative medicine, evaluating blood chemistry, nutrient levels, hormones, inflammation markers, and metabolic function. These values help develop a personalized wellness plan tailored to your specific needs.

On her latest Living East Tennessee appearance, Dr. Lela explained how lab testing is a great way to establish a baseline of health and can provide valuable information to optimizing wellness as we enter the New Year!

Watch the full segment here: https://youtu.be/fKAQaVEMgE4

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela to speak with her and determine how she can help you reach your New Year goals ⬇
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-01

12/30/2025

Mental Health & Gratitude This Holiday Season

The holidays can bring joy - and stress. Dr. Lela reminded us on her latest TV appearance that deep breathing and gratitude exercises can benefit our mental health during this busy time of year.

Watch the full segment here: https://youtu.be/fKAQaVEMgE4

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela below ⬇
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-01

12/29/2025

During the winter months, reduced sun exposure can significantly lower the body's natural production of vitamin D. ☀️

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with reduced immune function, low energy levels, mood changes, and impaired bone health.

Dr. Lela explains why vitamin D should be taken with vitamin A and vitamin K on her latest appearance on Living East Tennessee on WATE 6 On Your Side!

Watch the full segment here ➡ https://youtu.be/fKAQaVEMgE4

Schedule free 15-minute phone consultations with Dr. Lela to discuss how she can help you meet your health goals here: https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-01

12/26/2025

The holiday season brings changes in routine, increased dietary indulgences, and higher stress levels. 🎄

Omega fatty acids support a balanced inflammatory response, have significant cardiovascular benefits, and provide cognitive support. Check out what Dr. Lela had to say on her latest appearance on Living East Tennessee!

Watch the full segment on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/fKAQaVEMgE4

To schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela, click the following link:
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-01

12/23/2025

The holiday season is a time for celebration, indulgence, and making memories with loved ones; however, the abundance of festive meals and seasonal treats can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels and adhere to a healthy diet.

On her latest segment of Living East Tennessee, Dr. Lela discusses the benefits of berberine, a supplement that supports:

✨ Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
✨ Heart Health
✨ Digestion and Gut Health
✨ Liver Function

To watch the full segment, click the following link:
https://youtu.be/fKAQaVEMgE4

Click the the link below to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela!
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-01

12/22/2025

Did you know many insurance deductibles reset on January 1st?

If you have met your annual deductible, the end of the year is an ideal time to complete ordered preventative and diagnostic testing with less out-of-pocket costs for you!

On her December 17th appearance on Living East Tennessee, Dr. Lela discussed the importance of lab testing and some of her favorite lab values to check!

Watch the full video here ➡ https://youtu.be/fKAQaVEMgE4

Dr. Lela offers free 15-minute phone consultations to discuss your health goals and how she can help. To schedule, click the link below ⬇
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-01

11/20/2025

Chia pudding makes a great breakfast, dessert, or snack that is filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fats!

The recipe can be tailored to your dietary needs and modified with different flavors or fruits. Dr. Lela shared some of her favorite chia pudding flavors on her most recent appearance on Living East Tennessee!

Watch the full segment about cholesterol and healthy fats here ➡ https://youtu.be/z83cfRNwVOo

To schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn how functional medicine can help you reach your health goals, click the link below ⬇
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2025-11