In this episode of the You World Order Showcase podcast, Jill Hart interviews Dr. Ailina Ismail, a functional medicine doctor focused on helping ambitious women combat fatigue, chronic pain, and brain fog. Dr. Ailina shares her insights into the differences between conventional and functional medicine, the critical importance of nutrient balance, and why patients should advocate for their health.The Road to Functional MedicineDr. Ailina’s journey into functional medicine began with her own family. As a mother of three, including two children on the autism spectrum, she faced challenges conventional medicine couldn’t resolve. This led her to explore functional medicine as a way to address the root causes of health issues rather than merely managing symptoms. She emphasizes that while conventional medicine is essential for acute issues, it often falls short in dealing with chronic conditions that benefit from a more holistic approach.Key Differences Between Conventional and Functional MedicineConventional medicine often operates on a “pill for an ill” philosophy, focusing on symptom relief rather than exploring underlying causes. Dr. Ailina describes how functional medicine looks beyond immediate symptoms, addressing factors like diet, sleep, and stress to treat conditions more comprehensively. She uses diabetes as an example: rather than simply prescribing medication to lower blood sugar, functional medicine seeks to understand lifestyle factors that contribute to the condition.Addressing Common Health Concerns: Fatigue, Pain, and Brain FogDr. Ailina specializes in treating women who struggle with persistent fatigue, chronic pain, and brain fog. According to her, these symptoms are commonly misunderstood and misdiagnosed, often attributed to lifestyle choices without deeper investigation. She explains the concept of “nutrient debt” and the importance of checking levels of essential nutrients like zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and B12. In her practice, she interprets blood tests from a functional perspective, offering insights that conventional practitioners may overlook.Understanding Root Causes of FatigueFatigue isn’t always a straightforward issue. Dr. Ailina encourages patients to think of fatigue as a symptom with multiple layers. These layers can range from sleep quality to physical, mental, and emotional stress. By examining the “pyramid of dysfunction,” she identifies how seemingly unrelated issues, such as poor gut health or unresolved trauma, contribute to fatigue. Additionally, she discusses the connection between mental fatigue and the impact of constant, low-level stress on overall wellness.The Role of Gut Health in Functional MedicineOne of Dr. Ailina’s main focuses is gut health, especially in the context of brain health and overall wellness. She highlights the gut-brain connection, noting that the vagus nerve is a vital link in this relationship. In her experience, improving gut health can lead to significant mental and physical health improvements. This is particularly important for individuals on the autism spectrum, as gut health can profoundly impact brain function.Utilizing Food as MedicineIn her practice, Dr. Ailina advocates for using food as a primary tool for healing. Instead of relying solely on supplements, she encourages her patients to focus on nutrient-dense foods. She explains the value of a “rainbow diet,” which includes colorful fruits and vegetables that provide a broad spectrum of nutrients. For example, she suggests magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds as natural alternatives to supplements, noting that whole foods often contain complementary compounds that aid in absorption.The Benefits of...

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