Prevention and Treatment

Practitioner

The Functional Medicine Approach to COVID-19: Virus-Specific Nutraceutical and Botanical Agents
In this context of insufficient evidence regarding the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, the scope of this document is to assess the scientific plausibility of promising prevention approaches and therapeutic (nutraceutical and botanical) interventions and then to offer clinical recommendations.

Patient

Boosting Immunity: Functional Medicine Tips on Prevention & Optimizing Immune Function During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak
With the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease in the news, The Institute for Functional Medicine would like to remind you that there are several steps you can take to reduce your chances of being exposed to respiratory viruses and to boost your immunity in the event of exposure. The following information outlines what you can do to help keep yourself and your family safe.

Practitioner

The Functional Medicine Approach to COVID-19: Additional Research on Nutraceuticals and Botanicals
This document assesses the scientific plausibility of additional nutraceutical and botanical agents that may be considered for prevention or treatment of COVID-19, including beta glucans, mushrooms, Chinese skullcap, and licorice.

Resilience and Lifestyle

Patient

Good Sleep Hygiene May Help Protect Against Infectious Diseases
Public health concerns over the spread of COVID-19 in local communities is causing anxiety on a global scale. It may even be affecting your sleep at night. Anxiety is a leading cause of sleep dysfunction, and not getting enough rest may have negative effects on your health.

Practitioner

The Functional Medicine Approach to COVID-19: Nutrition and Lifestyle Practices for Strengthening Host Defense
This document outlines research on how modifiable lifestyle factors can help prevent infection and reduce the effect of infection if and when it may occur. It also includes a link to patient education tools.

PRACTITIONER

Free Lecture on Social Determinants of Health and Vulnerability
A free-access lecture by subject matter and functional medicine experts from the Veterans Administration explains how social determinants of health impact viral exposure and COVID-19 severity.

COVID-19 Vaccines

PRACTITIONERS

IFM’s COVID-19 Pre-vaccine Protocol
This tool provides guidance on interventions for patients waiting to receive vaccination that may improve the resulting immune response.

PATIENTS AND PRACTITIONERS

IFM’s COVID-19 Vaccines Statement
IFM’s statement regarding COVID-19 vaccines and the functional medicine approach to optimizing immune resilience.