Advances in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Upper and Lower GI Issues and their Relationship to the Microbiome Part One
The conversion of food to substances that support healthy metabolism is a complex process involving interaction among the digestive, nervous, endocrine, immune, hepatobiliary, and microbiome systems. This represents a quintessential example of network systems activity which is a foundational concept underlying the Functional Medicine model. Over the past decade considerable progress has been made in the development of a more comprehensive understanding of this “supersystem” that regulates the processing of nutrients derived from the diet into cellular energy that controls both the structure and function of the individual.
This two-part educational series will focus on the advances in understanding as to how to assess alterations in the function of the gastrointestinal supersystem and develop personalized approach to managing clinical conditions associated with upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders including hypochlorhydria, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, peptic ulcers, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), dysbiosis, bile acid insufficiency, intestinal permeability disorders, fat soluble nutrient malabsorption syndromes, incomplete protein digestion disorders, and chronic irritable bowel conditions presenting as both constipation and diarrhea.
Part One of the two part-series will focus on an understanding of the structure and function of the digestive supersystem and its interaction with the nervous, endocrine, immune, and hepatobiliary systems. This program will provide an understanding of the various assessment tools available for defining dysfunctions in the gastrointestinal supersystem, and how to use this information in the development of a personalized lifestyle medicine program. Chronic irritable bowel syndrome will be used as a specific example of how to employ functional assessment tools in the development of a personalized patient management program.
Part Two of the series will focus on functional disorders of the upper and lower gastrointestinal system. Clinical advances in the use of personalized lifestyle medicine intervention on the management of nutrient malabsorption, dysbiosis, and altered function of the enteroendocrine and hepatobiliary system will be the focus on part two of the series.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will understand the advances being made in the function of the gastrointestinal supersystem.
- Participants will learn of assessment tools used in evaluation of the functional status of the gastrointestinal supersystem.
- Participants will be able to differentiate functional gastrointestinal issues of the upper versus the lower gastrointestinal system.
- Participants will learn how to approach the development of a personalized lifestyle medicine approach to the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Hourly Schedule
March 19, 2024
- 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Introduction to the Gastrointestinal Supersystem
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Speakers:
Jeff Bland, PhD
- 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
- Assessing the function of the gastrointestinal supersystem
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Speakers:
Kate Kresge, ND
- 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
- Chronic Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the gastrointestinal supersystem
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Speakers:
Malisa Carullo BSc, MSc, ND
- 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
- Panel Discussion Among the Faculty, moderated by Jeff Bland, PhD
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Speakers:
Jeff Bland, PhD
Speakers
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Jeff Bland, PhD
Jeffrey Bland, PhD, is a pioneering figure in the food-is-medicine movement and a leading expert in nutritional biochemistry. As founder of Big Bold Health, he now focuses on longevity through immune health, championing the concept of immune rejuvenation as a pathway to healthy aging. Dr. Bland’s work highlights the powerful role of plant polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids in supporting immune resilience. Widely known as the “father of Functional Medicine,” he has spent more than 40 years advancing nutrition science, regenerative agriculture, and personalized approaches to lifelong vitality.
Dr. Bland began his career in academia as a university professor. In the early 1980s, he became a protégé of two-time Nobel Laureate, Dr. Linus Pauling. Dr. Bland then spent decades as a natural products industry insider and entrepreneur, while also serving as a scientific advisor and mentor to dynamic founders and leading brands.
A lifelong educator, Dr. Bland has traveled the world many times over as a renowned speaker. In 1991, he and his wife, Susan, founded The Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, they established another educational nonprofit called The Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute, which brings together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to focus on new models of healthcare delivery, advancements in medical nutrition therapy, and exciting emerging science.
Dr. Bland is the author of The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life, as well as additional books and many research papers. His next book will be published by HarperCollins in March 2027. The Nourished Gene: Rejuvenate Your Immunity, Reverse Chronic Symptoms, and Activate Your Longevity is now available for pre-order from all major booksellers.
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Kate Kresge, ND
Dr. Kate Kresge is the Head of Medical Education at RUPA Health, a company dedicated to bringing root-cause medicine to the world. Before joining RUPA, Dr. Kate was the founding Director of Functional Medicine at Sanare Today, a 13-location practice on the east coast of the U.S. that combines therapy, coaching, natural medicine and more to help over 8,000 people thrive. Dr. Kate’s training in naturopathic medicine, biofeedback and nutrition allow her to emphasize root-cause treatments that are both low-cost and effective in order to help keep functional medicine accessible to all.
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Malisa Carullo BSc, MSc, ND
Malisa M. Carullo completed her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at National University of Health Sciences in Chicago, Illinois. She completed her MSc. in biology at the University of Ottawa with an emphasis on genetics and molecular evolution.
Malisa puts much focus on biological medicine and its treatment of chronic diseases, as well as healthy age management. Her practice interests include endocrinology, chronic infections, and blending naturopathic medicine with sports medicine.
She is currently working as a Clinical Affairs Liaison at Metagenics.
