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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

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RIFM News

Dr. Jenski attains third board certification.

November 20, 2023

Jodi Caddell, CFNP joins RIFM

November 1, 2023

Introducing Functional Primary Care

November 1, 2023
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PCOS in Young Women

Understanding the Problem & Finding Solutions

Discover why PCOS cases have increased by 67% in young women and the functional medicine approach that goes beyond birth control pills to restore true hormonal balance.

May 7, 2025
Magnesium-rich foods including bananas, avocado, spinach, almonds, walnuts, dried apricots, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, chia seeds, and yogurt displayed on a light background with the text 'Mg' highlighting magnesium benefits.

Magnesium

The “Missing Mineral” 80% of Americans Desperately Need for Better Sleep, Fewer Cramps & Calm Nerves

Elite athletes depend on electrolytes… but most doctors never test for it. Discover why magnesium could resolve your sleep issues, muscle cramps, and anxiety.

April 30, 2025
Meet Veronica Porterfield

From Global Justice to Personal Healing

Meet Veronica Porterfield (MS, LN, MPAS, PA-C)

Meet RIFM’s newest provider: Veronica Porterfield, whose remarkable journey from global justice advocate to functional medicine expert brings hope to patients seeking root-cause solutions for complex chronic conditions.

April 23, 2025

Breaking the Trauma Cycle

New Psychedelics Research is Transforming Mental Health Treatment

New research in psychedelic medicine shows promise for breaking through trauma patterns that traditional treatments can’t reach.

April 16, 2025
A young woman stands outdoors in profile, eyes closed and smiling peacefully while taking a deep breath.

Breathwork for Stress Relief

8 Science–Backed Techniques to Calm Your Nervous System

The Power of Your Breath Nature’s Stress Relief Tool Is stress your constant companion? You’re not alone. In today’s high–pressure world, chronic stress has become an unwelcome companion…

April 9, 2025
Smiling woman sitting by a bright window, eating a fresh salad from a container. Text overlay reads “Calm Anxiety with FOOD…” suggesting the connection between nutrition and emotional well-being

Calm Your Anxiety With Food

The Functional Medicine Breakthrough

Discover how the gut-brain connection impacts anxiety and learn 5 science-backed dietary strategies to reduce symptoms naturally.

April 2, 2025
YouTube Series
In this conversation, I sit down with my friend and colleague Sachin Patel to talk about the often-overlooked yet transformative power of breath work. We explore how this ancient practice not only helps regulate the nervous system and release trauma, but also plays a key role in detoxification, emotional healing, and whole-body wellness. Whether you're new to breath work or looking to deepen your practice, there's something in here for everyone! Want to learn more about breathwork? Check out our blog: Breathwork for Stress Relief: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/breathwork-for-stress-relief/ About Sachin: Sachin Patel is a father, husband, philanthropist, functional medicine practice success coach, speaker, author, breathwork facilitator, and plant medicine advocate. Sachin is convinced that “the doctor of the future is the patient” and he has committed himself to helping others raise their consciousness, activate their inner doctor, and initiate their deepest healing through the use of lifestyle, and breathwork. Sachin founded The Living Proof Institute through which he pioneered a revolutionary approach to patient-centered healthcare. Sachin coaches hundreds of practitioners around the world so that they are empowered to deliver affordable and inspired care to their communities through his Perfect Practice Mentorship Program. He is an advocate of transforming the healthcare paradigm and he has devoted his life to the betterment of health care for both patients and practitioners. Email: sachin@becomeproof.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/thesachinpatel/ Instagram: Sachin Patel For Free Resources and Tools about Breathing: http://breathworkwithsachin.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
The Breathwork Routine That Helped Break My Wife’s Trauma Cycle– Here's How with Sachin Patel
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS5GNjAwN0Y0QTFGOTVDMEMy
I'm so excited to share this conversation with my friend and colleague Shelly Rose, a functional nutritionist, natural foods culinary instructor & founder of Pure Roots Nutrition! We dive into how your kitchen can become a place of true healing, from using food therapeutically to overcoming the real-life struggles of meal planning. Shelly shares so many helpful, realistic tips for making food a powerful, joyful part of vibrant health. About Shelly: Shelly Rose is a functional nutritionist and natural foods culinary instructor with a passion for helping people cultivate a joy-filled, vibrant life. She accomplishes this through real food, movement, anxiety and stress relief, meaningful connection, purpose, time in nature, and restorative sleep. Shelly is the founder of Pure Roots Nutrition, where she has empowered clients to take a food- and lifestyle-first approach to health since 2011. Shelly earned her master’s in human nutrition and functional medicine from the University of Western States, in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine. She began her career with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and culinary arts from Bastyr University where she also trained in botanical medicine and farm-to-table culinary arts. Rooted in the philosophy that true healing begins from within, Shelly takes an evidence-based, intuitive, and highly personalized approach to wellness. She believes everything is connected and thus it’s important to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. When she’s not teaching, you’ll likely find her traveling with her family, recipe testing, practicing yoga and breath-based meditation, lifting heavy things, and adventuring outdoors—hiking, camping, trail running, paddling, and mountain biking. Pure Roots Nutrition Website: purerootsnutrition.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 If you’re interested in learning more about our curated food plans and food resources, head here: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/nutrition/ 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 Kitchen Into a Pharmacy: Real Food Secrets with Shelly Rose
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS43NERCMDIzQzFBMERCMEE3
I'm so excited to introduce you to Veronica Porterfield, the newest member of our team at Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine! In this episode, Veronica shares her powerful journey—from her daughter's missed wheat sensitivity diagnosis to becoming a PA and certified functional medicine practitioner. We also dive into what it's like to blend conventional and functional medicine, and what patients and practitioners alike can learn from her path. 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
When a Mother's Love Changed EVERYTHING (and Launched Veronica Porterfield's Healing Career)
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS41NTZEOThBNThFOUVGQkVB
In this fun and eye-opening convo with my go-to olive oil expert, Cody from The Olive Oil Taproom, we dive into everything olive oil—from its ancient roots and health benefits to how most store-bought oils are secretly cut with seed oils (yikes). Cody shares his family’s journey into the olive oil world, breaks down how real extra virgin olive oil is made, and why it matters so much for your health—and your brain! The Olive Oil Taproom Website: https://theoliveoiltaproom.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
Olive Oil Exposed: Ancient Secrets, Modern Lies & What You’re Really Eating
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS42Qzk5MkEzQjVFQjYwRDA4
In this conversation with Dr. Hartman and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, they dive deep into the world of neurodivergent kids—those wired differently, with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. They discuss how the education system often fails these brilliant minds by prioritizing traditional academics over hands-on learning and creativity. Dr. Ro shares insights on how parents can nurture their kids' strengths, embrace alternative educational paths, and help them turn what might seem like challenges into incredible superpowers. W H A T N E X T ? Watch Dr. Ro & Dr. Hartman’s previous interview here: https://youtu.be/LNAk7yvW6Xk?si=2BXvffCYgcq3SdMx 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 Neurodivergent Kids: Why Schools Are Failing Them with Dr. Ro
YouTube Video UEwxektpdFo1dUFocFdQSGFZb3FvM29icjh1QlFGUzdkYS4zMEQ1MEIyRTFGNzhDQzFB
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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.

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