Introducing the NAUTIE HORMONES Model: A Functional Framework for Becoming Able-Bodied and Resilient
- Dr Michael Elliott MSc, D.C., CFMP.
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
When it comes to optimizing your health through Lifestyle and Functional Medicine, understanding the full picture of what influences wellbeing is essential. That’s why we’re introducing a simple yet powerful mnemonic-based framework: “NAUTIE HORMONES.” This model helps patients and practitioners alike assess and address the full spectrum of Determinants of Health—those often-overlooked contributors that shape our vitality, resilience, and function.
The goal? To become truly Able Bodied—physically, emotionally, and mentally robust.
Let’s break it down:
NAUTIE – the foundations of daily health:
N – Nutrition: The quality, timing, and variety of what you eat.
A – Activity Patterns: Movement, exercise, and sedentarism.
U – Unfortunate Circumstances: Traumas, accidents, or adverse events.
T – Technology Influences: Excessive screen time, EMFs, and device dependence.
I – Inadequate Sleep: Both in quantity and quality.
E – Environmental Influences: Pollution, mold, water quality, and toxins.
HORMONES – the deeper drivers of functional and biochemical health:
H – Hormonal Influences: Endocrine disruptors and imbalances.
O – Occupational Stressors: Workload, shift patterns, ergonomic strain.
R – Relationship Dynamics: Social connections or toxic interactions.
M – Meaninglessness: Lack of purpose or spiritual fulfillment.
O – Over-/Under-Exposure: Light, sound, temperature, sensory input.
N – Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals: Medications or substances impacting function.
E – Elixirs and Supplements: Helpful or harmful depending on context.
S – Social Inequities and Cultural Displacement: Influences often under-addressed in mainstream care.
This mnemonic provides a comprehensive lens for evaluating health concerns—not just through symptoms, but through root causes and lifestyle context.
What’s Next?
In the coming weeks, we’ll publish a series of blog posts, each dedicated to exploring one of these 14 Determinants of Health in detail—offering practical tools, evidence-based insights, and personalized strategies for reclaiming your health.
By integrating these factors into your health plan, you’ll be better equipped to become Able-Bodied—resilient, adaptive, and functionally strong.
Stay tuned!
