Functional Medicine Institute

02/12/2026

Sexual wellness plays an important role in overall vitality, confidence, and healthy aging.

Changes in libido, sensitivity, or performance are not isolated concerns. They can reflect underlying shifts in hormones, circulation, metabolism, or nervous system health.

Functional medicine approaches sexual wellness by addressing the whole body rather than focusing on symptoms alone. Supporting hormone balance, metabolic health, circulation, and stress resilience can positively impact sexual health at every stage of life.

Learn more about how FMI's Specialty Care providers support your sexual health with a functional medicine approach: https://funmedinstitute.com/self-scheduling-specialty-care-pt-inquiry/



Shared for education only and not a substitute for professional medical guidance.

02/10/2026

Are you getting enough protein? Most people aren’t, and it impacts more than just muscle.

Protein supports muscle, hormone production, blood sugar balance, and overall metabolic health. Under-eating protein is common and often overlooked, and it can contribute to fatigue, cravings, and hormone imbalances.

The updated US Dietary Guidelines recommend 1.2–1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for most adults. Prioritize high-quality protein at every meal to give your body the building blocks it needs to function at its best.

Are you meeting your protein needs? Share your favorite protein sources in the comments below.



Shared for education only and not a substitute for professional medical guidance.

02/10/2026

Most people are under-eating protein, and it can impact metabolism more than they realize.

The updated US Dietary Guidelines now emphasize protein as a foundation for blood sugar balance, muscle health, and long-term metabolic function. In functional medicine, protein intake is often a key lever for supporting insulin sensitivity, inflammation balance, and sustained energy.

In this reel, Amber Warren, PA-C explains why protein is prioritized in the new guidelines and how small, realistic shifts can make a meaningful difference over time.

👉 Explore high-quality protein options at funmedshop.com
🎧 Listen to the full episode of the Functional Medicine Institute Podcast: https://youtu.be/DTqfSIaV5xM



Shared for education only and not a substitute for professional medical guidance.

02/06/2026

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize food quality, not calorie counting.

The Functional Medicine Food Pyramid reflects this shift by prioritizing nutrient-dense foods that support metabolism, hormones, and heart health.

Protein comes first to support muscle and blood sugar balance.

Vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats form the core of daily nourishment.

The new guidelines also call out the importance of limiting added sugars and ultra-processed foods.

Whole grains still matter, but quality matters more.

This is about fueling your body for long-term health.



Shared for education only and not a substitute for professional medical guidance.

02/06/2026

The New Food Pyramid Explained | Amber Warren, PA-C

The food pyramid has flipped, and it matters more than you think!

The updated 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines are here, and they’re changing how nutrition is approached in schools, hospitals, and healthcare systems nationwide.

Amber Warren, PA-C breaks down:
• What actually changed
• Why protein is finally the priority
• How this impacts metabolism, insulin resistance, and overall health

🎧 Listen to the full episode of the Functional Medicine Institute Podcast and learn how these changes can support you and your family.

02/05/2026

The New Food Pyramid Explained | Amber Warren, PA-C

The food pyramid has officially flipped, and it matters more than most people realize.

The updated 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines now prioritize protein and whole foods while reducing refined carbohydrates. These changes aren’t just about what’s on your plate, they shape nutrition in hospitals, schools, and healthcare systems across the country.

In this episode of the Functional Medicine Institute Podcast, Amber Warren, PA-C breaks down:
• What changed in the new guidelines
• Why protein is finally taking center stage
• What this means for metabolism, insulin resistance, and long-term health

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:

The food pyramid has officially been flipped, and it has major implications for metabolic health.In this episode of the Functional Medicine Institute Podcast...

02/03/2026

Weight is regulated by hormones, not willpower.

Hunger, fullness, blood sugar, and metabolism are guided by hormonal signals. When those hormones are out of balance due to stress, poor sleep, inconsistent nutrition, or metabolic challenges, weight regulation can feel harder than it should.

That is why balanced hormones matter.

A personalized approach considers at the whole picture:
• Lifestyle and nutrition as the foundation
• Sleep, stress, and movement as key drivers of hormonal balance
• Hormones like GLP-1 and GIP as part of an individualized care plan when appropriate

When hormonal balance is supported alongside healthy lifestyle habits, the body is better positioned to regulate weight in a more sustainable way.

Shared for education only and not a substitute for professional medical guidance.

01/29/2026

GLP-1, GIP & Glucagon: The Hormones Behind Sustainable Weight Loss | Heather Lucas, MSN, FNP-C

Injectable peptides are designed to support and stabilize your body’s natural hormonal signals. They do not replace hormones. They work best when the foundation is in place.

In Episode 74 of the Functional Medicine Institute Podcast, Amber Warren, PA-C and Heather Lucas, MSN, FNP-C explain how peptide therapies can support metabolic health, and why stress, sleep, movement, nutrition, and gut health ultimately determine long-term results.

In this episode, we discuss:
• How injectable peptides strengthen existing hormonal communication
• Why healthy cells and baseline metabolic support matter for outcomes
• How lifestyle foundations work alongside peptide therapy for sustainable weight loss

🎧 The full episode is available on all major podcast platforms.

01/28/2026

GLP-1, GIP & Glucagon: The Hormones Behind Sustainable Weight Loss | Heather Lucas, MSN, FNP-C

Most weight loss advice focuses on calories and willpower.
But sustainable weight loss is driven by hormones.

GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon play a critical role in appetite regulation, blood sugar balance, and energy metabolism. When these hormones are disrupted by stress, poor sleep, aging, or metabolic dysfunction, weight loss can feel frustrating no matter how hard someone tries.

In Episode 74 of the Functional Medicine Institute Podcast, Amber Warren, PA-C and Heather Lucas, MSN, FNP-C discuss:
• How GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon work together to regulate hunger and metabolism
• Why weight loss resistance is so common
• How functional medicine supports these pathways through lifestyle foundations and, when appropriate, targeted therapies

🎧 The full episode is available on all major podcast platforms:

In this episode of the Functional Medicine Institute Podcast, Amber Warren, PA-C, sits down with functional medicine nurse practitioner Heather Lucas, MSN, F...

01/27/2026

The number on the scale tells you how much you weigh. It does not tell you what your body is actually losing.

Rapid weight loss often includes lean muscle and metabolically active tissue, not just fat. Over time, this can slow metabolic rate, worsen insulin sensitivity, and increase the likelihood of weight regain. That is why focusing only on weight can be misleading.

A healthier approach prioritizes preserving muscle, supporting hormonal signaling, and improving metabolic flexibility. Nutrition quality, adequate protein intake, resistance training, sleep, and stress physiology all play important roles in how the body adapts and maintains long-term health.

True health is not defined by a number on the scale. It is defined by how well your body functions.

If you are ready to focus on metabolic health rather than short-term weight loss, schedule a personalized appointment.

01/23/2026

GLP-1s aren’t just weight loss drugs.
They are gut–brain hormones that help regulate appetite, satiety, and blood sugar. Key players in metabolic balance.

In many metabolic conditions, this signaling is impaired. Hunger stays high. Blood sugar becomes harder to manage. This is biology, not willpower.

GLP-1 medications support your body’s natural pathways, but long-term balance also depends on:
• Protein and fiber intake
• Sleep quality and stress regulation
• Gut health and overall lifestyle

Without addressing these root factors, removing support can lead to rebound; another sign that the underlying physiology needs care.

Weight regulation is hormonal first. Calories are downstream. Support the biology, and the body follows.

01/22/2026

GLP-1, GIP & Glucagon: The Hormones Behind Sustainable Weight Loss

In Episode 74 of the Functional Medicine Institute Podcast, Amber Warren, PA-C and Heather Lucas, MSN, FNP-C discuss:
• How GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon work together to regulate hunger and metabolism
• Why weight loss resistance is so common
• How functional medicine supports these pathways through lifestyle foundations and, when appropriate, targeted therapies

🎧 The full episode is available on all major podcast platforms.
https://funmedinstitute.com/podcast/glp-1-gip-and-glucagon-the-hormones-behind-sustainable-weight-loss/

In this episode of the Functional Medicine Institute podcast, Amber Warren, PA-C, is joined by functional medicine nurse practitioner Heather Lucas, MSN, FNP-C, to discuss the science behind GLP-1–based therapies and metabolic weight loss. They explain how hormones such as GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon...