In this episode of Humanity at Work, host Christina Disler is joined by Dr. Amal Ismail, a Functional Medicine Practitioner who she describes as the best of the best. Raised in Jordan and now based in London, Amal holds a Master’s in Pharmacy and a Master’s in Biotech from Cambridge. She spent over a decade in pharma and biotech before recognising that the reductionist model of traditional medicine wasn’t leading to true healing. This realisation led her to pivot into functional medicine, where she now helps people uncover and transform the root causes of illness rather than just managing symptoms.
Christina shares that Amal has had the most profound impact on her own health, helping her unravel years of unexplained symptoms and hormonal imbalances. In this conversation, they explore:
How unprocessed emotions become physical symptoms —and why so many people feel stuck in cycles of stress, fatigue, and chronic illness.
Why conventional medicine often treats symptoms instead of addressing the root cause, and how this approach leaves many people feeling disempowered.
The hidden risks of hormonal birth control—what we aren’t told about its long-term effects, including its impact on mood, metabolism, and the gut.
The underestimated role of caffeine in stress and hormonal imbalances, and why some people tolerate it well while others don’t.
How early childhood experiences—and even time in the womb—shape lifelong health patterns, and why our nervous system is wired for survival first, health second.
Modern lifestyle disrupts our body’s natural rhythms, from sleep and nutrition to movement and light exposure.
The science of fertility, pregnancy, and why so many women are struggling to conceive, including the connection between stress, birth control, and metabolic health.
The deeper impact of generational and collective trauma—and how our biology carries stories that shape our emotions, behaviours, and even physical health.If you’ve ever felt frustrated with the medical system, questioned why your symptoms aren’t improving, or sensed that your body holds deeper wisdom than you’ve been taught to believe—this episode is for you.
Dr. Amal Ismail
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