GI Function & Dysfunction: Insights & Education
Gut Dysfunction & Chronic Conditions
For many chronic conditions, dysfunction starts in the gut. While this statement might seem transparent, the dynamic between gastrointestinal dysfunction and chronic disease is anything but simple; it is multifaceted, compelling, and complex. Research suggests that when the normal integrity of the GI tract is compromised, it can result in distant systematic complaints, even in the absence of overt GI symptoms.
How does a clinician unravel the many systemic diseases that are linked to GI dysfunction? Explore more below about how functional medicine addresses common issues related to GI dysfunction.
This module takes a whole systems approach to evaluating and treating not only local gastrointestinal disease, but many systemic diseases that are linked to GI dysfunction. It will discuss in detail the important laboratory evaluations to be considered, the appropriate clinical connections that must be made, and the treatment approaches that should be used.
+ Click to read the clinical competencies to be mastered through the GI module
- Identify the most important and reliable laboratory evaluations associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction
- Evaluate the relationship between systemic disease and gastrointestinal dysfunction
- Recognize and treat the most important antecedents and triggers of gastrointestinal dysfunction
- Develop and organize individual treatment protocols using lifestyle, diet, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and botanicals
- Understand and be able to implement a variety of therapeutic diets
- Reframe the patient’s story in the context of the Functional Medicine Matrix Model and a patient-centered assessment, incorporating the concepts of antecedents, triggers, and mediators

GI Related Articles
Who is AFMCP designed for?
IFM encourages a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. We welcome a variety of licensed healthcare disciplines to AFMCP, including MDs, DOs, NDs, DCs, physician assistants, nursing professionals, and nutrition professionals.
Can I take another course before taking AFMCP?
Many learners find taking AFMCP first helps them to understand IFM’s proprietary tools, such as the Functional Medicine Matrix, and provides context for the skills, processes, and science behind incorporating Functional Medicine principles into practice. The course is offered multiple times each year in order to meet the needs of clinicians wishing to begin their IFM education with AFMCP. However, AFMCP is not a prerequisite to take any IFM course if you are comfortable with the material to be presented.
Will I be certified as a Functional Medicine practitioner after attending AFMCP?
No. AFMCP is one of seven required courses in the IFM Certification Program. In addition to AFMCP, you must complete the six Advanced Practice Modules as required coursework for the IFM Certification Program.
Will I be listed on the Find A Practitioner search after I attend AFMCP?
After attending AFMCP, you will be eligible to list your profile in our Find A Practitioner search as long as you are also enrolled in the IFM Membership Program. Before your profile is listed, however, you must fill in your practice information within your account profile to activate your profile to appear in the search.

Diagnosing SIBO & SIFO
Microbial overgrowth in the small intestine is linked to several health issues.

Gut Microbiome & Exercise
How does the gut microbiome response to exercise inform personalized clinical interventions?

Treating GERD
Does risk outweigh benefit for PPIs? Adjunct therapies may provide symptom relief.

Primary Causes of IBS
Many lifestyle factors affect both IBS emergence and severity.

Obtener abundancia posbiótica
Posbióticos demuestran beneficios nutricionales, metabólicos e inmunitarios para la salud.

Desencadenantes inflamatorios
Las síntomas de reacciones alimentarias pueden manifestarse lejos de los intestinos.

Learn About IFM's GI Experts
Attendee Testimonials
This course is a wealth of knowledge that can be implemented into practice right away. If you want to understand the GI system, what to look for and how to create a plan to improve a client's quality of life, I highly recommend this course

GI 2022 Attendee
IFM's GI APM is an essential training for practitioners interested in truly delivering solutions to their patients. Without the approaches presented here, health care is not only incomplete, it is just incorrect. Attend the next one!

GI 2022 Attendee
The advanced GI module is a new evidence-based approach to gastrointestinal pathologies, with diverse strategies for treatment according to the matrix model of understanding human physiology.

GI 2022 Attendee

Join Functional Medicine Newsletter
Sign up for IFM's weekly newsletter to receive functional medicine news and insights on topics such as nutrition, common conditions you see in your practice, and improving patient compliance.**By submitting the form below, you indicate that you have read and agree to IFM’s privacy policy. We promise to treat your data with respect. If your interests change in the future, you can update your preferences or unsubscribe from emails at any time using the link provided at the bottom of each email.