Family-on-Bike

You Were Made for Health!

Welcome to RIFM!

Thank you for for trusting us with your time. We believe you were made for health ... but it’s hard to harness your body’s remarkable power to heal when you’re dealing with a broken healthcare system, confusion, and misinformation.

We help you restore your health & hope with science-backed solutions, so you can live the vibrant life you were made for. We encourage you to explore our free resources, and our membership opportunities.

—Aaron Hartman, Christian Jenski, & Jodi Caddell

The Most Trusted Functional Medicine Practice in Richmond

Featured In

Explore Membership

Our Expertise

RIFM News

Our Podcast is Here!

December 11, 2024

Best in Richmond—2 Years Strong!

August 1, 2024

Health Impact of the Bridge Disaster

April 4, 2024

First-Of-It’s-Kind Probiotic That Promotes Weight Loss

March 19, 2024

Vote for Richmond’s Best Medical Practice

March 15, 2024

New Service: Advanced Body Composition Analysis

December 29, 2023
Blog
All
  • All
  • 2024 Highlight
  • Anti-Aging
  • Cancer
  • Coach's Corner
  • COVID-19
  • Detox
  • Fasting
  • FM Primer
  • Food Plans
  • Functional Medicine
  • Functional Primary Care
  • Gut
  • Heart Disease
  • Hormones
  • Hypermobility
  • Inflammation
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Men’s Health
  • Mold / CIRS
  • Mystery Illnesses
  • Nutrition
  • Organic
  • Parenting
  • Podcast
  • Recipe
  • Skin
  • Sleep
  • Social Media
  • Stress
  • Supplements
  • The Triangle of Health
  • Trauma
  • Uncategorized
  • Vitamin D

The 80% Solution

The Surprising Reason Your Brain Isn’t the Boss of Your Health

Your gut does more than digest food—it produces key brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, shaping mood, focus, and long-term brain health. Discover how gut health is revolutionizing mental and physical well-being.

February 19, 2025
Insulin Resistance: Our Sticky Problem

Your Hormones in Harmony | Part 3

Insulin Resistance: Our Sticky Problem

...and surprisingly simple solutions

Insulin resistance affects 80% of Americans, raising heart-disease risk by 40%. Discover the nutrient shown to be 4× more effective than the top diabetes drug, plus easy, proven steps to regain metabolic health.

February 12, 2025

Made for Health

What Really Causes Cardiovascular Disease

& How You Can Beat the Odds...

Discover how advanced screening, smart nutrition, and lifestyle tweaks can safeguard your heart.

February 5, 2025
Tired mom slumped on coach with blurred family circling her

Made for Health

CIRS vs. Hypothyroid

Stop the Guesswork & Reclaim Your Energy

Confused by overlapping symptoms of CIRS & low thyroid? Discover how to spot the difference, test properly, and reclaim your energy.

January 28, 2025

The Latest Vitamin D Research

Why This “Sunshine Supplement” Still Rules

Vitamin D: the “King of Supplements” for immunity, heart health, energy, and more. Discover its benefits and practical tips for thriving year-round.

January 22, 2025

Made for Health

Nourish & Flourish

The Surprising Power of Small Shifts in Your Daily Diet

Boost health and strengthen bonds with simple, real food changes. Learn how local ingredients and easy swaps can transform your meals and life.

January 15, 2025
YouTube Series
This episode of Made for Health Dr. Hartman and Dr. Jenski discuss stress as part of what they call "The Triangle of Health," exploring how different types of stress (internal, external, and environmental) can impact the body's ability to heal. They delve into the scientific aspects of stress, including the limbic system's role, psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinology, and how various stressors like childhood trauma, chronic illness, and relationship issues can create physiological responses that affect overall health. They emphasize that while some stress can be beneficial (eustress), chronic or unaddressed stress can create roadblocks to healing, and they discuss how patient histories and long-term doctor-patient relationships are crucial for identifying and addressing underlying stress-related health issues. W H A T N E X T ? If you want to watch more interviews from the Made for Health series, check out our playlist below! Made for Health Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zKitZ5uAhpWPHaYoqo3obr8uBQFS7da A B O U T D R . H A R T M A N & R I F M Dr. Hartman’s interest in integrative & functional medicine first began after he and his wife Rebekah adopted their first daughter Anna in 2007. The medical system didn’t offer much hope for Anna’s medical condition and they were forced to explore alternative treatments. Over time, Aaron began to apply the new concepts and treatment modalities he was learning to his clinic patients as well as his own family. In 2012 he formalized his commitment to exploring new and advanced treatment opportunities through his membership with the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine and then the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2015 he received his second board certification in Integrative and Holistic Medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties and in 2016 earned the recognition as a Certified Practitioner in Functional Medicine from the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, Aaron and Rebekah’s commitment to their family’s health led them to move to a little farm outside of Richmond Virginia. While researching how to care for their land, animals, and livestock, Aaron and Rebekah learned about the intricate connections between their health, that of the land they cultivate, the animals they care for, and the food they eat. This led to Dr. Hartman’s intense interest in nutritional medicine as well as ecological medicine and toxicology. Dr. Hartman opened Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine in 2017. His mission at RIFM is to apply the sum total of his scientific research, medical knowledge, clinical experience and continuing studies to his patients in an individualized manner. This new field of medicine has been called Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Systems Biology Medicine and Root Cause Medicine. R I F M W E B S I T E: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for Integrative & Functional Medicine videos uploaded every week. – Dr. Aaron Hartman, MD
The Science of Stress: How Your Brain & Body Actually React with Dr. Jenski
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS41RTNBREYwMkI5QzU3RkY2
In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Hartman and Becky Hartman dive into the essentials of sourcing high-quality food and integrating it into your life as part of a journey toward better health. They share their personal experiences transitioning to real, unprocessed foods, practical tips, lessons learned, and a comprehensive food-sourcing guide to help you navigate this journey no matter where you live. Food Sourcing Guide (Scroll down to resources section): https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/nourish-flourish/# W H A T N E X T ? If you want to watch more interviews from the Made for Health series, check out our playlist below! Made for Health Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zKitZ5uAhpWPHaYoqo3obr8uBQFS7da A B O U T D R . H A R T M A N & R I F M Dr. Hartman’s interest in integrative & functional medicine first began after he and his wife Rebekah adopted their first daughter Anna in 2007. The medical system didn’t offer much hope for Anna’s medical condition and they were forced to explore alternative treatments. Over time, Aaron began to apply the new concepts and treatment modalities he was learning to his clinic patients as well as his own family. In 2012 he formalized his commitment to exploring new and advanced treatment opportunities through his membership with the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine and then the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2015 he received his second board certification in Integrative and Holistic Medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties and in 2016 earned the recognition as a Certified Practitioner in Functional Medicine from the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, Aaron and Rebekah’s commitment to their family’s health led them to move to a little farm outside of Richmond Virginia. While researching how to care for their land, animals, and livestock, Aaron and Rebekah learned about the intricate connections between their health, that of the land they cultivate, the animals they care for, and the food they eat. This led to Dr. Hartman’s intense interest in nutritional medicine as well as ecological medicine and toxicology. Dr. Hartman opened Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine in 2017. His mission at RIFM is to apply the sum total of his scientific research, medical knowledge, clinical experience and continuing studies to his patients in an individualized manner. This new field of medicine has been called Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Systems Biology Medicine and Root Cause Medicine. R I F M W E B S I T E: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for Integrative & Functional Medicine videos uploaded every week. – Dr. Aaron Hartman, MD
Gut Health 101 Ep.5: A Practical Guide to Sourcing Real Food for Your Family with Becky Hartman
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS4yQUJFNUVCMzVDNjcxRTlF
In this insightful interview, Dr. Hartman sits down with Dr. Ana-Maria Temple, a holistic pediatrician and bestselling author, to explore the power of integrative medicine for children's health. They discuss the root causes of chronic conditions like eczema, ADHD, and asthma, emphasizing nutrition, environmental factors, and the dangers of artificial food dyes. Discover actionable insights to support healthier, thriving families with fewer medications. Dr. Ana Maria Temple is a holistic pediatrician, best selling author of 2 books of Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World and Ending the Eczema Epidemic. She has on online program: The Eczema Transformation. In her private practice she treats general peds patients and chronically ill children with a functional medicine approach. Her passion is to inspire, educate and empower mamas to revamp their families health and reverse chronic disease with less medications. Her hobby: a slight addiction to social media Dr. Ana-Maria Temple’s Links Email: ana@familywellnesstips.com Website: www.dranamaria.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dranamaria IG: https://www.instagram.com/dranamariatemple/?hl=en W H A T N E X T ? If you want to watch more interviews from the Made for Health series, check out our playlist below! Made for Health Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zKitZ5uAhpWPHaYoqo3obr8uBQFS7da A B O U T D R . H A R T M A N & R I F M Dr. Hartman’s interest in integrative & functional medicine first began after he and his wife Rebekah adopted their first daughter Anna in 2007. The medical system didn’t offer much hope for Anna’s medical condition and they were forced to explore alternative treatments. Over time, Aaron began to apply the new concepts and treatment modalities he was learning to his clinic patients as well as his own family. In 2012 he formalized his commitment to exploring new and advanced treatment opportunities through his membership with the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine and then the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2015 he received his second board certification in Integrative and Holistic Medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties and in 2016 earned the recognition as a Certified Practitioner in Functional Medicine from the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, Aaron and Rebekah’s commitment to their family’s health led them to move to a little farm outside of Richmond Virginia. While researching how to care for their land, animals, and livestock, Aaron and Rebekah learned about the intricate connections between their health, that of the land they cultivate, the animals they care for, and the food they eat. This led to Dr. Hartman’s intense interest in nutritional medicine as well as ecological medicine and toxicology. Dr. Hartman opened Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine in 2017. His mission at RIFM is to apply the sum total of his scientific research, medical knowledge, clinical experience and continuing studies to his patients in an individualized manner. This new field of medicine has been called Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Systems Biology Medicine and Root Cause Medicine. R I F M W E B S I T E: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for Integrative & Functional Medicine videos uploaded every week. – Dr. Aaron Hartman, MD
The Truth About Food Dyes & Kids’ Health with Dr. Ana-Maria Temple
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS4yQjZFRkExQjFGODk3RUFD
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Elisa Song, one of America's first holistic pediatricians, as she shares her journey from conventional medicine to pioneering integrative care for children. Learn how Dr. Song combines conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, and other holistic approaches to empower parents and transform children's health. Dr. Elisa Song, MD, is a renowned holistic pediatrician and the visionary founder of Whole Family Wellness, one of the nation’s pioneering integrative pediatric practices. A graduate of Stanford University, New York University, and UCSF, Dr. Song combines her extensive training in conventional pediatrics with expertise in functional medicine, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. With a mission to empower parents to support their children's health naturally, she created Healthy Kids Happy Kids, a platform dedicated to providing accessible, evidence-based tools and insights for fostering vibrant, resilient families. Beyond her clinical accomplishments, Dr. Song is deeply rooted in her personal roles as a mother to two spirited children, Kenzi and Bodi, and a wife to her supportive husband, Peter. Her journey as both a parent and physician fuels her compassionate approach to addressing health challenges ranging from common ailments like colds and ear infections to complex conditions such as autism, ADHD, and autoimmune disorders. Dr. Song’s philosophy merges the best of conventional and holistic practices, offering families a comprehensive and integrative path to wellness. Dr. Song’s passion for education extends beyond her practice. She serves as a sought-after lecturer for esteemed organizations such as the Institute for Functional Medicine and the Holistic Pediatric Association. Through Healthy Kids Happy Kids, Dr. Song bridges her professional expertise and personal experience to inspire parents worldwide to take charge of their children’s health with confidence, joy, and creativity. Dr. Elisa Song’s Links Website: healthykidshappykids.com IG: @healthykids_happykids Book: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, an Integrated Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience W H A T N E X T ? If you want to watch more interviews from the Made for Health series, check out our playlist below! Made for Health Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zKitZ5uAhpWPHaYoqo3obr8uBQFS7da A B O U T D R . H A R T M A N & R I F M Dr. Hartman’s interest in integrative & functional medicine first began after he and his wife Rebekah adopted their first daughter Anna in 2007. The medical system didn’t offer much hope for Anna’s medical condition and they were forced to explore alternative treatments. Over time, Aaron began to apply the new concepts and treatment modalities he was learning to his clinic patients as well as his own family. In 2012 he formalized his commitment to exploring new and advanced treatment opportunities through his membership with the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine and then the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2015 he received his second board certification in Integrative and Holistic Medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties and in 2016 earned the recognition as a Certified Practitioner in Functional Medicine from the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, Aaron and Rebekah’s commitment to their family’s health led them to move to a little farm outside of Richmond Virginia. While researching how to care for their land, animals, and livestock, Aaron and Rebekah learned about the intricate connections between their health, that of the land they cultivate, the animals they care for, and the food they eat. This led to Dr. Hartman’s intense interest in nutritional medicine as well as ecological medicine and toxicology. Dr. Hartman opened Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine in 2017. His mission at RIFM is to apply the sum total of his scientific research, medical knowledge, clinical experience and continuing studies to his patients in an individualized manner. This new field of medicine has been called Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Systems Biology Medicine and Root Cause Medicine. R I F M W E B S I T E: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for Integrative & Functional Medicine videos uploaded every week. – Dr. Aaron Hartman, MD
Transform Your Child's Health with Dr. Elisa Song!
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS41MzY4MzcwOUFFRUU3QzEx
Join Dr. Aaron Hartman as he interviews Dr. Jill Carnahan, a pioneer in functional medicine with an extraordinary personal story of resilience and healing. From her battle with breast cancer at 25 to overcoming Crohn's disease, Dr. Jill shares how these challenges shaped her compassionate approach to medicine. Dive into her insights on environmental toxins, integrative care, and finding strength in the face of uncertainty. Dr. Jill Carnahan is Your Functional Medicine Expert®. She is dually board certified and is the founder and Medical Director of Flatiron Functional Medicine. As a survivor of breast cancer, Crohn’s disease, and toxic mold illness she brings a unique perspective to treating patients. She specializes in searching for the underlying causes of illness through cutting-edge lab testing and personalized medicine protocols. Released in 2023, Dr. Jill's Best Selling book, Unexpected: Finding Resilience though Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith is a powerful prescriptive memoir that will have you laughing and crying with her on the journey, leaving you with the key resources you need to achieve optimal health and wellness. She is also executive producer, film writer, and featured in an award winning new documentary about her journey overcoming chronic illness called Doctor/Patient, now available streaming online and on Amazon Prime. As a popular inspirational speaker and prolific writer, she shares her knowledge of hope, health, and healing live on stage and through newsletters, articles, books, and social media. Patients and fans alike are encouraged by Dr. Jill’s science-backed medical knowledge delivered with authenticity, love, and humor. She is known for inspiring her audience to thrive even in the midst of difficulties. Be sure to follow @drjillcarnahan on Instagram for access to all her content. Dr. Jill’s Links Website: https://www.jillcarnahan.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Tg7FE_TgHuCLGrHgP8sdw Health Store: https://www.drjillhealth.com/ Email: drjill@flatironfunctionalmedicine.com W H A T N E X T ? If you want to watch more interviews from the Made for Health series, check out our playlist below! Made for Health Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zKitZ5uAhpWPHaYoqo3obr8uBQFS7da A B O U T D R . H A R T M A N & R I F M Dr. Hartman’s interest in integrative & functional medicine first began after he and his wife Rebekah adopted their first daughter Anna in 2007. The medical system didn’t offer much hope for Anna’s medical condition and they were forced to explore alternative treatments. Over time, Aaron began to apply the new concepts and treatment modalities he was learning to his clinic patients as well as his own family. In 2012 he formalized his commitment to exploring new and advanced treatment opportunities through his membership with the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine and then the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2015 he received his second board certification in Integrative and Holistic Medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties and in 2016 earned the recognition as a Certified Practitioner in Functional Medicine from the Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, Aaron and Rebekah’s commitment to their family’s health led them to move to a little farm outside of Richmond Virginia. While researching how to care for their land, animals, and livestock, Aaron and Rebekah learned about the intricate connections between their health, that of the land they cultivate, the animals they care for, and the food they eat. This led to Dr. Hartman’s intense interest in nutritional medicine as well as ecological medicine and toxicology. Dr. Hartman opened Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine in 2017. His mission at RIFM is to apply the sum total of his scientific research, medical knowledge, clinical experience and continuing studies to his patients in an individualized manner. This new field of medicine has been called Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Systems Biology Medicine and Root Cause Medicine. R I F M W E B S I T E: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for Integrative & Functional Medicine videos uploaded every week. – Dr. Aaron Hartman, MD
Cancer & Crohn's Patient to Functional Medicine Healer: An Inspiring Story of Resilience & Recovery
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS5DRUQwODMxQzUyRTlGRkY3
Load More... Subscribe
Podcast

Made for Health

with Aaron Hartman, MD

You were made for health—vibrant, thriving, and full of possibility. But navigating today’s broken healthcare system, endless misinformation, and confusion can feel overwhelming. On Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman cuts through the noise to deliver science-backed solutions that restore your health and reignite your hope. Join us each week for expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring conversations that empower you to harness your body’s incredible power to heal. Whether you're seeking clarity, direction, or just a trusted voice, this podcast is your roadmap to the vibrant life you were made for.

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App!