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: Paperback / softback
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 intricate connections between these two factors.

Each body, a remarkable system within a larger system, is an ecology in its own right, intricately woven with social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental factors. This profound realization stems from the teachings of epigenetics, which reveal that structural inequalities are encoded within our genes. 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. She argues that our internal ecologies are shaped by inequalities embedded in our physical and social environments. Vega further suggests that health practices that focus solely on patients' unique biology, without accounting for the broader systemic inequalities, inadvertently perpetuate systemic inequities.

One area where functional medicine comes under scrutiny is its approach to treating chronic disease. By leveraging epigenetic science and focusing on individual microbiomes, functional medicine aims to heal chronic conditions. However, critics argue that this approach reduces illness to problems of "lifestyle," primarily diet, while neglecting the inability of poor people to access nutritious food. Functional medicine thus undermines its own critique of the economics of healthcare.

To address these concerns, Vega draws on novel digital ethnographies and reflects on her own experience of chronic illness. She challenges us to rethink not only the determinants of well-being but also what it means to be human in the face of these complex challenges. Through her work, Vega encourages us to embrace a more holistic perspective, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of our bodies, minds, and environments.

In conclusion, functional medicine offers a promising approach to treating the microbiome and reversing chronic disease. By leveraging systems biology and epigenetic science, functional medicine provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between the microbiome and human health. However, it is essential to address the broader systemic inequalities that shape our internal ecologies and to ensure that healthcare practices are equitable and accessible to all. By rethinking the determinants of well-being and embracing a more holistic perspective, we can work towards a future where chronic disease is a thing of the past, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477326862