The Functional Medicine MD

03/26/2026

Do You Eat Enough Protein?

Protein provides the amino acids your body needs to repair, regulate, and function at its best; however, most are undernourished with protein and do not get enough in our diets.

On her TV appearance for National Nutrition Month, Dr. Lela discusses the importance of protein in our diets and individualized protein recommendations!

Watch the full appearance here ➡ https://youtu.be/h7JIWIDjpSw

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela here: https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-03

03/24/2026

Macronutrients are the foundation of the foods we eat:

🍗 Proteins: Provide amino acids that repair and build muscle tissue
🍠 Carbohydrates: Fuel your body with quick energy
🥑 Fats: Support hormone production and provide long-lasting fuel

We often think reaching our health goals is a result of eliminating certain macronutrients; however, that is not the case. Dr. Lela discusses the balance of macronutrients and how the right amount for your body is what helps achieve optimal wellness.

Watch the full video on nutrition on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/h7JIWIDjpSw

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela by clicking the following link: https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-03

03/20/2026

Historically one of the measurements to assess health status has been weight alone; however, two individuals can weigh the same and have vastly different health profiles based on their body composition - specifically the proportion of lean muscle to body fat.

Higher lean muscle mass is associated with better metabolic function, improved insulin sensitivity, and better overall health as we age, and excess body fat - particularly visceral fat - can increase the risk of chronic conditions, even in individuals who fall within a "normal" weight range.

Dr. Lela discusses the connection between body composition and health on her latest TV appearance. Watch the full video on National Nutrition Month here ➡ https://youtu.be/h7JIWIDjpSw

The Functional Medicine MD offers free 15-minute phone consultations with Dr. Lela to discuss your health goals - schedule here: https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-03

03/18/2026

There is no shortage of popular diets we see content about- ketogenic, paleo, plant-based, low fat, intermittent fasting - each promoted as the optimal solution for better health. These approaches often overlook a fundamental principle: Nutrition is not one-size-fits-all.

Dr. Lela joined host Amber Lynn Carroll on Living East Tennessee on WATE 6 On Your Side for National Nutrition Month to discuss a variety of topics related to nutrition and wellness. Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/h7JIWIDjpSw

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela here ⬇
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-03

03/10/2026

What is grounding?

Grounding refers to direct skin contact with natural surfaces, such as grass, soil, sand, or natural bodies of water. Emerging research suggests this contact may influence autonomic balance, inflammation, sleep quality, and stress levels!

Dr. Lela discusses the benefits of grounding and its role in disease prevention in this video! Watch the full video on cancer and disease prevention: https://youtu.be/zr_5cQNfblc

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Lela here ⬇
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-03

03/09/2026

Exercise is not simply about weight management - it is one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing age-related decline and chronic diseases, including cancer.

On her most recent TV appearance, Dr. Lela discusses the benefits of exercise in disease prevention!

Watch the full video on YouTube here ➡ https://youtu.be/zr_5cQNfblc

Dr. Lela offers free 15-minute phone consultations to discuss how the functional medicine approach can benefit your health! Click the link below to schedule.
https://calendly.com/the-functional-medicine-md/15min?month=2026-03

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 ...

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