The Principles of Functional Nutrition
The Principles of Functional Nutrition Certificate is aimed at those with no previous experience in Functional Medicine and comprises of two modules: Clinical Imbalances (CI) and Addressing Clinical Imbalances (ACI).
About the Course
The aim of this course is to introduce the key concepts of Functional Medicine - specifically antecedents, triggers and mediators (ATMs), the main clinical imbalances and how to address those imbalances through diet, lifestyle and supplements. In order to develop effective treatment plans, students are trained to conduct comprehensive, systematic and concise interpretations using the Functional Medicine clinical tools (matrix and timeline) and the Signs and Symptoms questionnaire by Dicken Wetherby.
Course Content
Clinical Imbalances (CI) Module
This module is run over 4 lecture weekends, topics covered in each weekend are outlined below.
CI1: Introduction to Functional Medicine and Digestive and Microbial Imbalances
This lecture weekend will introduce the concepts of functional medicine; including antecedents, triggers and mediators (ATMs) and the Functional Medicine tools, specifically the timeline and matrix. It will also look at imbalances of the different phases of digestion and different sections of the digestive tract and how to support and modulate the digestive system with diet and nutrients
CI2: Detoxification and Oxidative/Reductive Imbalances
This lecture weekend will look at detoxification and toxic elimination, including movement of toxins into and out of the body, phase 1 and 2 detoxification pathways, problems with imbalances in the detoxification pathways, effects of toxicity on different systems of the body and effects of toxicity on cellular function.
It will outline the concept of acid and alkaline balance in the body and free radicals. Finally, the weekend will finish with how to support and modulate the detoxification and antioxidant systems with diet and nutrients.
CI3: Immunological and Inflammatory Imbalances
This lecture weekend will outline Th1-Th2 imbalances and associated conditions: inflammation, intolerances/allergies, autoimmune conditions and effects of immune system imbalances on other systems of the body. It will cover how to support and modulate the immune system with diet and nutrients.
CI4: Structural and Hormonal Imbalances
This lecture weekend will look at how stress affects the endocrine and nervous systems: the physiological effects of chronic stress, the HPA axis and general adaptation syndrome, the effects of stress on different systems of the body. It will also cover blood sugar imbalances and their impact on health, thyroid hormone imbalances and their impact on health, reproductive hormone imbalances, individual neurotransmitter imbalances and their impact on health and common structural imbalances. Finally, it will finish with how to support and modulate the endocrine and nervous systems.
Addressing Clinical Imbalances (ACI) Module
The aim of this module is to put knowledge of Functional Medicine Imbalances and concepts into practice by conducting systematic, comprehensive and concise interpretations using the Functional Medicine tools (Matrix and Timeline) and the Signs and Symptoms questionnaire by Dicken Wetherby. In order to do so, one must develop questioning skills that follow logical progression and order using the Clinical Imbalances tables. Once a clear picture of the client has been built the appropriate treatment plan can be developed. This module will run over two lecture weekends and will cover the following three areas:
Questioning and Interpretation Skills
Practice using the IFM Paperwork and Interpretation
Treatment Plan Development
This certificate is taken jointly with IHS Nutritional Therapy diploma Year 2 Students.
Entry Requirements
This programmes is open to healthcare practitioners only. Please contact the office for further details on 076 603 0746.
All applicants will be interviewed to determine their suitability for the course.
How to Apply
Training is an investment in your future. As with any investment it is important to identify what you wish to gain and which course will be most suitable for your needs. The Institute staff will spend time speaking with you to ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision. We recommend you attend one of our regular open evenings to find out more about the course structure, content and career opportunities.
To enrol you will need to complete the application form, save it and email to info@instituteofhealthsciences.com
If you would like IHS to contact you please fill out our online contact form and a staff member will get in touch with you shortly.
