6 min read
Interview with Functional Medicine Expert Dr. Will Cole
Posted By
Krysta Fioranelli
Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert, who consults people around the world via webcam and locally in Pittsburgh. Named one of the "Top 50 Functional Medicine and Integrative Doctors" in the nation, Dr. Cole specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems.
He is the author of Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum, and the New York Times best seller, Intuitive Fasting, in which he shows how to use the powerful benefits of flexible intermittent fasting to gain metabolic flexibility and find food peace.
Dr. Cole is host of the new podcast, The Art of Being Well, and has co-hosted the popular podcasts, Goopfellas and Keto Talk.
Q: Why is health and wellness important to you?
I believe that health is wealth on all levels. Seeing patients all over the world from my functional medicine clinic struggling with health issues has given me a perspective that not all people get to see. I’ve had a front row seat to watch as a patient’s potential to live a joyful and adventurous life is deeply hindered by unfortunate symptoms, and I’ve also been able to witness those same patients be able to step into the life they’ve dreamed of after devoting effort towards the healing process. Seeing my patients go from pain and frustration to healing and joy makes it easy to see health and wellness as a priority.
Q: While living a busy life, how do you practice a healthy lifestyle within your career?
Since I opened my clinic over a decade ago, creating healthy habits and practices within my work has been a top priority. Part of that was choosing to have my clinic open 4 days a week instead of 5 to promote a healthy work-life balance. I also make the most of my time here at the office by walking on our lunch break or even trying different food protocols with my team! Doing something like an OMAD week with my whole team not only gives us all the natural health benefits, but it brings fun into the mix, which helps us keep our stress levels down.
Q: What is your favorite part about consulting people around the world?
My favorite part is that there are no borders to my work. I get to see patients from all locations, cultures, living conditions, and more; and it has made the world seem a lot smaller. Sometimes I’ll have one patient in Qatar and one in Alabama experiencing the exact same health issues, even though their lives are worlds apart.
Q: Having the first Functional Medicine Telehealth Clinic in the world, how does it feel to share your message of health to so many people, and why was it important to get that started?
I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to share this message with people all around the world and it’s something I’m so grateful for. The medical system, popular foods, and food availability is different in each country, so it’s important to focus on each patient as an individual and work with their options and opportunities.
Q: What advice would you give to other men about living an active lifestyle?
Living an active lifestyle doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym for an hour or more every day. To me, it means giving my body different opportunities to avoid staying stagnant. That might involve lifting weights, but it can also mean taking a hike with my family, using my standing desk instead of sitting while I consult with patients, or doing a Peloton workout.
Q: What is a health or fitness tip/hack you can share with us?
Every food you eat is either going to feed or fight inflammation and disease - there is no neutral food, no Switzerland meal. True healing is going to come when you take bio-individuality into account and you find what works for you, because it might be different than what works for the person next to you.
Q: Any upcoming projects?
We have so many amazing opportunities that we’re working on this year! While I can’t give any details, be ready to continue learning more about your health and what you can do to be the healthiest version of yourself.
Connect with Dr. Will Cole further by checking out the links below.
https://www.instagram.com/drwillcole/
https://www.facebook.com/doctorwillcole/
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