Welcome to the 2nd FMP Essentials Mastermind Newsletter!

We’re excited to continue this journey with you in our thriving community of passionate functional medicine practitioners. In this edition, we’re covering the importance of zinc-copper ratios, along with What’s New at FMP Essentials—including upcoming courses, meet-ups, and community announcements. You’ll also find our latest podcast release on managing hypertension, a fresh blog post delving into Myths and Misconceptions of Functional Medicine Part 2, and a must-watch webinar on the role of nitric oxide in gut health and toxicity.

Zinc : Copper Ratios

In functional medicine, maintaining a balance of zinc-to-copper ratio is crucial for health. These two essential trace minerals work in opposition; if one is too high, it can deplete the other, leading to health issues. For optimal health, a zinc-to-copper ratio of 0.8 to 1:1 in serum is generally recommended, though individual requirements may vary.

What Happens When Copper is Too High?

Excess copper relative to zinc can disrupt numerous bodily functions:

• Neurological Symptoms: Elevated copper levels are linked to mood disturbances due to their impact on neurotransmitter balance, and have also been associated with cognitive concerns, including an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Weakened Immune Response: High copper levels can dampen immune function, making individuals more prone to infections.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Elevated copper levels can lead to estrogen dominance, potentially affecting reproductive health.
• Increased Oxidative Stress: Excess copper promotes oxidative stress, which accelerates cellular aging and may contribute to chronic disease.
• Metabolic Function: Higher copper to zinc ratios are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in some populations. 

How to Measure Zinc-Copper Balance

The most reliable way to check zinc and copper levels is through serum testing. When analyzing results, consider both the absolute levels and the zinc-to-copper ratio to get a comprehensive understanding of the patient's mineral balance.

Check out this instagram video on zinc-to-copper ratios with Dr. Elyaman!

References:

What's New At FMP Essentials?

We have exciting updates to share with our community!

• A4M Longevity Fest Meet Up: We are hosting a meetup at the A4M Longevity Fest in December. If you are attending the conference and would like to connect with fellow functional medicine practitioners, we'd love to meet you in person. Please fill out this form, if you are interested and we will keep you posted on our plans. 

• IMC Health Summit: Dr Elyaman will be traveling ot Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the end of the month to speak about functional medicine at the IMC Health Summit. He will also be hosting a workshop for primary care providers and a FMP Essentials Meetup. If you are considering traveling to Jeddah and would be interested in either of those events, please fill out the interest form here. 
  • FMP Essentials Meet Up on November 27th (1 - 2 pm)
  • Workshop: Functional Medicine Foundations for Primary Care on November 28th (8:30 - 4:00 pm) 

• Mastermind: We continue to work on our Silver and Gold memberships which are set to launch at the beginning of 2025, offering advanced clinical content and leadership development tools. Click here to join the waitlist!

• Fatty Liver Course Updates: We've added new resources and handouts to the Resource Hub section of the MASLD course. If you are registered for this course, be sure to check out these valuable tools you can use as references in your practice.

• Podcast Feature: Dr. Elyaman appeared on the Rational Wellness Podcast with Dr. Ben Weitz to discuss Fatty Liver Disease. They delve into the significance of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), its causes, diagnostic methods like FibroScan technology, and functional medicine approaches to treatment—including dietary changes, exercise, and targeted nutraceuticals. Listen here!

New Webinar Added to the Mastermind!

Check Out This Month's Blog Post

We’re excited to bring you Part 2 of our 3-part blog series, tackling 15 Common Myths About Functional Medicine Practitioners. In this installment, we address the next 5 misconceptions that people often have about functional medicine, continuing to clear up the confusion once and for all. Be sure to check out this month’s blog, and stay tuned for Part 3 coming soon!

Click here to view the article!

Check Out This Month's Podcast Episode

We’re excited to share the latest episode of our podcast, and as part of our Mastermind community, you’re getting exclusive early access before it’s released to the public!

In this month’s episode, Dr. Yousef Elyaman engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Ellie Campbell, a board-certified family physician and integrative medicine expert. They take a deep clinical dive into hypertension, exploring the critical role of functional medicine in its prevention and management.

The episode delves into uncovering underlying causes beyond traditional methods, highlighting the significance of tests like oxidative stress markers, advanced lipid profiles, and salivary diagnostics for oral pathogens. Dr. Campbell uncovers the fascinating connection between oral health and hypertension, explaining how periodontal pathogens can influence cardiovascular risk.

She offers actionable insights into therapeutic lifestyle interventions, supplements like magnesium and CoQ10, and the judicious use of medications when necessary. This episode is packed with practical tools and cutting-edge information designed to enhance your clinical approach to preventing and treating hypertension

How to watch/listen: Log into your account, select the Bronze Mastermind, and scroll down to the "Expert Interviews, Insights & Podcasts" section to find the episode.

Help Us Grow Our Community!

Know a colleague who would benefit from being part of this Mastermind? Feel free to invite them to join us! 

Thank you for being part of our community!

-The FMP Essentials Team