In this episode, Lori Kurcher shares her inspiring journey from a service-oriented background to becoming a functional medicine expert. She discusses hypermobility spectrum disorders, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and practical lifestyle strategies for managing chronic illness, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis, self-advocacy, and holistic care.

Keywords: functional medicine, Ehlers-Danlos, hypermobility, chronic illness, lifestyle strategies, diagnosis, self-advocacy, connective tissue, neuroimmune, health coaching

Key Topics: Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and EDS

Practical lifestyle strategies for chronic illness

Importance of diagnosis and self-advocacy

Sound Bites: "COVID has uncovered many hidden conditions."

"Diagnosis can be challenging but crucial."

"Regulating the nervous system is key."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Functional Medicine and Personal Journeys

03:34 Lori's Transition to Functional Medicine

06:04 Challenges and Discoveries in Health

08:59 Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

11:47 The Impact of COVID-19 on Health

14:30 Navigating the Healthcare System

16:54 The Importance of Awareness and Education

19:44 Future Directions in Functional Medicine

27:01 Introduction to Resources for EDS

28:10 Connecting with the Functional Medicine Community

29:46 Practical Lifestyle Changes for Quality of Life

34:33 Understanding the Impact of COVID on Chronic Illness

37:13 The Role of Education in Functional Medicine

42:49 Becoming a Health Coach in Functional Medicine

Resources:

• The Ehlers-Danlos Society — https://www.ehlers-danlos.com
• Beighton Score (joint hypermobility assessment) — https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/assessing-joint-hypermobility/
• Invitae Genetic Testing — https://www.invitae.com
• The Norris Lab (EDS Research) — https://www.thenorrislab.com/copy-of-eds-research
• The Dr. Z — https://www.thedrz.com
• Join our Functional Medicine 2.0 Community — https://link.thedrz.com/join-fm2-community