Dr. Jeffrey Bland, an internationally recognized leader in nutritional medicine and the father of Functional Medicine, discusses the evolving understanding of immune health. He emphasizes the concept of immuno-rejuvenation, which focuses on the body’s ability to replace older cells with new ones. Bland highlights the power of ancient dietary practices and modern science, particularly the benefits of plant-based nutrients. He also explores the interconnectedness of the immune and nervous systems and advocates for a holistic, community-centered approach to healthcare.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
The First AIDS Diagnosis
Dr. Bland recalls a young doctor presenting the first HIV/AIDS case he diagnosed.
This changed his view of viral infections forever and shifted his focus to immunology.
insights INSIGHT
Immune System Adaptability
The immune system is adaptable; immune cells are derived from bone marrow stem cells.
These cells are imprinted by the body's environment, impacting resilience.
insights INSIGHT
Environmental Impact on Immune Cells
Immune cells are further shaped by the environment they enter, such as the thymus gland.
A stressed body primes immune cells for inflammation, increasing the risk of cytokine storms.
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Ultraprevention offers a revolutionary approach to health by identifying and eliminating the causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. The book outlines a six-week plan that involves removing toxins, repairing the body through personalized nutrition, and recharging with stress management and gentle movement. It challenges traditional medical myths and provides practical tips for a healthier lifestyle.
Disease Delusion
Jeffrey Bland
The world turned upside down
Christopher Hill
Food Fix
Mark Hyman
In 'Food Fix', Dr. Mark Hyman delves into the systemic issues within the global food system, highlighting how corrupted food and agriculture policies driven by money and lobbying contribute to chronic diseases, climate change, poverty, violence, and educational achievement gaps. The book pairs the latest nutritional and environmental science with a critical examination of the food industry and its policies. It offers practical solutions for individuals, businesses, and policymakers to create a healthier world, society, and planet by focusing on regenerative organic agriculture, public health initiatives, and policy reforms.
People have never been more curious about strengthening the immune system than they are right now. The COVID-19 pandemic has got us all thinking seriously about our health and what it means to have immune strength, now and in the future. To get the most out of this trying time, we need to be open to looking at our health in ways we haven’t before. My guest today on The Doctor’s Farmacy, Dr. Jeffrey Bland, is a pro at that, and for this reason and so many others he is considered the father of Functional Medicine. Dr. Bland has been an internationally recognized leader in the nutritional medicine field for over 35 years. He’s authored five books on nutritional medicine for the healthcare professional and six books on nutrition and health. With his wife, Susan, Dr. Bland founded The Institute for Functional Medicine in 1991, a nonprofit organization focused on educating healthcare practitioners on effective approaches to treating and preventing chronic disease by getting to the root cause.
Dr. Bland has always been a major inspiration for me. I was thrilled to have a video-call with him to discuss new ways of looking at optimal health and immunity in the face of this pandemic. In trying to better understand COVID-19, Dr. Bland went back to the basics of the immune system. He breaks down the processes at work, explains what the now often-heard phrase “cytokine storm” means, and talks about using food as medicine to promote immuno-rejuvenation. That means we’re not just supporting the current state of our immune system, we’re reviving it from the ground up. We talk about this and so much more on this week’s valuable episode.
Here are more of the details from our interview:
Acknowledging the psycho-physical effects of COVID-19 and the three zones of learning the disease offers (4:35)
The Dr. Hyman Show 
