Nested Ecologies - A Multilayered Ethnography of Functional Medicine

Functional medicine leverages systems biology and epigenetic science to treat the microbiome and reverse chronic disease, but it can inadvertently reiterate systemic inequities by reducing illness to problems of lifestyle and neglecting the inability of poor people to access nutrition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2023
Publisher: University of Texas Press

The intricate interplay between the microbiome and chronic disease presents a complex challenge that requires a holistic approach. Enter functional medicine, which harnesses the power of systems biology and epigenetic science to delve into the complexities of this relationship.

Each body, a remarkable system within a larger system, forms an ecology that is intricately intertwined with social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental factors. This understanding stems from the field of epigenetics, which reveals that structural inequalities are encoded in our genes, shaping our lives. However, our ecological embeddedness extends far beyond our DNA, as our bodies are teeming with trillions of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, each reflecting the unique milieus of our individual experiences.

In her book "Nested Ecologies," Rosalynn Vega explores the profound implications of taking our microbial being seriously. Vega argues that our internal ecologies are shaped by inequalities embedded in our physical and social environments. She further suggests that health practices that focus solely on patients' unique biology, without accounting for the broader systemic inequalities, inadvertently perpetuate these inequities.

Functional medicine, as a holistic approach, aims to heal chronic disease by leveraging epigenetic science and treating individual microbiomes. By focusing on lifestyle factors, such as diet, functional medicine seeks to address the root causes of illness. However, Vega raises a critical point by highlighting that this approach may inadvertently undermine its own critique of the economics of healthcare. Functional medicine often reduces illness to problems of lifestyle, primarily diet, while neglecting the inability of poor people to access nutritious food. This neglect perpetuates systemic inequalities and further marginalizes those who are already vulnerable.

To address these challenges, Vega proposes a reimagining of the determinants of well-being and what it means to be human. Drawing on novel digital ethnographies and reflecting on her own experience of chronic illness, Vega challenges us to explore new perspectives and approaches that can break down the barriers to health and promote equity.

In conclusion, the relationship between the microbiome and chronic disease is a complex web that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Functional medicine, by leveraging systems biology and epigenetic science, offers a promising avenue for understanding and treating this relationship. However, it is essential to recognize the limitations of this approach and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system that addresses the root causes of illness and promotes well-being for all individuals.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477326855