Ben Lynch, ND, received his doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. He is the president of Seeking Health, a company that helps educate the public and health professionals on overcoming genetic dysfunction. Dr. Lynch’s passion for identifying the root cause of disease directed him to the field of epigenetics—the science of understanding gene expression and how to use diet, supplements, environment, and lifestyle to shape genetic destiny. Dr. Lynch is a pioneer in his field and is widely considered the authority on gene variations by his peers in the medical community. He is also the best-selling author of Dirty Genes: A Breakthrough Program to Treat the Root Cause of Illness and Optimize Your Health.
Christopher Shade, PhD, graduated with a doctoral degree in environmental science/aquatic chemistry from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He is the founder and CEO of Quicksilver Scientific®, a nanoparticle dietary supplement company where he has patented a mercury speciation diagnostic process to analyze human toxicity. Dr. Shade also founded the only clinical lab in the world offering mercury speciation analysis, and he has designed cutting-edge dietary supplements and protocols for detoxification, immune and foundational wellness, and longevity. Dr. Shade’s comprehensive understanding of mercury and its interactions with sulfur compounds, particularly glutathione, make him an expert in the toxicity and detoxification of heavy metals. He regularly speaks worldwide as an educator on mercury, environmental toxicities, neuroinflammation, immune dysregulation, and the human detoxification system.
Anna Cabeca, DO, is a triple board-certified osteopathic doctor who received an obstetrics and gynecology degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She is a fellow of gynecology and obstetrics, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. She also holds special certifications in functional medicine, sexual health, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Cabeca is the president and chief medical officer of Golden Isles Medicinal Spa and the founder of The Girlfriend Doctor, an integrative medicine lifestyle website and podcast aiming to help women live happier, healthier lives. Dr. Cabeca is the author of 2 best-selling books: The Hormone Fix, a groundbreaking holistic lifestyle program for menopausal women, and Keto-Green 16, a comprehensive nutritional plan for staying healthy and slim at any age.
Cheryl Burdette, ND, received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. She is the director of education and the naturopathic residency program at Progressive Medical; the founder and educational director of a functional laboratory, Precision Point Diagnostics; and the education director for XYMOGEN. Dr. Burdette also serves on independent IRBs giving feedback concerning various studies in integrated medicine. She is involved in study design and translational research, has lectured extensively internationally, and is a chapter author in the book Laboratory Evaluations of Molecular Medicine. Her passions are teaching the practices of integrative and naturopathic medicine and increasing awareness of evidence-based natural therapies.
The health-restoring mission of functional medicine is actualized by finding and addressing the root cause of system dysfunction in individual patients. Removing factors that inhibit healing and replenishing factors that support healing play a central role in treatment. Growth and repair depend on the adequacy of raw materials, energy, and signaling molecules that stem from dietary intake. Results from an appropriate testing protocol can provide insight into a patient’s nutritional status and help determine if supplemental support is needed for optimal nourishment.
Regenerative Plasma Exchange™ is a therapy that endeavors to accelerate the salutogenic process of removing and replenishing factors that impact healing. The Personalized Systems Medicine™ guidance is a program that enables practical application in clinical practice with optimal nutrition support being crafted from individual test results. Both plasma exchange and personalized nutrition hold great promise for regenerating and boosting peak brain performance to optimize neurologic outcomes from Autism to Alzheimer’s.
David Haase, MD, received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and is board certified in both family and integrative holistic medicine. He is the founder and CEO of MaxWell Clinic and a primary educator for mitochondrial influences on health at the Institute for Functional Medicine. He is also the cofounder and sponsor of The Food Initiative—a non-profit organization that helps youths make healthier choices for their bodies and their communities. Dr. Haase specializes in fatigue, brain-related disorders (mood, attention, anxiety, insomnia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, seizures, head injury), inflammatory and immune dysregulation, allergy, and cancer support.
Wendy Warner, MD, earned her medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as holistic medicine. She is the founder and medical director of Medicine in Balance where she integrates her expertise in functional medicine and as a trained herbalist with her full mesa carrier, Q’ero tradition, Merbakah medicine lineage—the traditional practice of incorporating energy and balance into the healing process. She is a past president of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine, an educator for the Institute for Functional Medicine, and the coauthor of Boosting Your Immunity for Dummies.
Despite the technological advances in prevention and treatment, cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in America. The primary preventive approach is to decrease low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol,” yet 75% of patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction have normal LDL levels. Additionally, 45% of those admitted for a heart attack have healthy high-density lipoproteins (HDL)—or “good cholesterol”—levels. So, what is being missed?
According to current research, there is much more to the equation than the standard lipid panels focusing on LDL and HDL. Advanced lipid testing is part of an integrative medicine protocol providing further insight into cardiovascular risk factors allowing for individualized solutions to reduce a patient’s risk for a major cardiac event.
Yousef Elyaman, MD, graduated from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and is a board-certified internist with a cross-specialization in pediatrics. He is also one of the first functional medicine–certified practitioners worldwide. As the founder and medical director of Absolute Health, he has successfully integrated an insurance-based functional medicine approach into his practice. Dr. Elyaman customizes comprehensive treatment plans incorporating the latest in modern medicine with natural and alternative treatments and methods that contribute significantly to overall health and well-being. Dr. Elyaman also provides educational events open to the public on a regular, ongoing basis. He frequently guest lectures at local hospitals and community centers to discuss comprehensive care plans and overall wellness.
James Munro, ND, graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR, with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and is the owner of his self-named private practice, Dr. James Munro. Initially serving as the director of clinical services at XYMOGEN, Dr. Munro is currently the medical director of XYMOGEN and WholeScripts, helping to develop and produce exclusive professional formulas that provide quality supplements to healthcare practitioners. His dedication to providing top-quality care, especially in chronic diseases related to the gut–brain axis, has led him to take the social media world by storm as he imparts his wealth of knowledge. Dr. Munro shares his wisdom on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, and writes his own series of motivational blog posts on jamesistrying.com. He has become a true social influencer who cares deeply about helping people achieve their overall wellness goals.
Make your Florida escape an extraordinary one at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. Located on a lush, 500-acre property, it's ideal for exploring the Orlando area -- or for relaxing poolside in the Florida sunshine. Unwind at the outdoor pool complex, including a lazy river, or try a challenging 18-hole golf course designed by PGA great Greg Norman. Select from enticing in-house dining options, from luxury Italian fare at Primo to a farm-to-table menu and craft selections at Whisper Creek Farm. Amenities include: