●
Foundational medicine strengthens the
biological, emotional, and environmental foundations on which all healing
depends, and works alongside treatments, scientific modalities and prescribed
medication
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This novel approach has been devised by
Coutinho and Team Luke, supported by a multidisciplinary Board of Advisors
Mumbai,
17th February 2026 : Luke Coutinho, Foundational Medicine and
Lifestyle Expert and Wellness Champion for the Hon. Prime Minister’s Fit India
Movement, along with Team Luke, announced the launch of Foundational Medicine,
a structured, science-backed approach that supports the body’s baseline so
medical care and recovery can work more effectively.
Even
at a time when modern healthcare has more information or advanced interventions
than ever before, chronic disease continues to rise. Disordered sleep, chronic
stress, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalance, and poor recovery
have become increasingly common. Instead of a symptomatic approach,
Foundational Medicine brings the focus back to one practical and increasingly
vital question: Is the body steady enough to respond well to treatment?
Accordingly,
Foundational Medicine supports healing by strengthening the body’s biology and
emotional well-being, while creating a conducive internal and external
environment. Coutinho’s approach was shaped over 14 years of working closely
with thousands of individuals across ages and stages, from prevention to
chronic illness to end-of-life care. He discovered a simple and effective truth
– no healing modality works optimally when the body’s foundations are weak. In
outcomes observed for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases,
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and metabolic disorders, Team Luke found that while
treatment treats disease, foundations determine recovery.
Foundational
Medicine works upstream. Instead of only asking, “What disease does this
person have?” it also asks, “Which rhythms are broken?” Sleep, stress load, gut
balance, nutrient status, circadian alignment, inflammation, and recovery often
shape how well someone responds to treatment. Stressing the importance of
paying heed to physician-approved treatment, medication and guidance,
Foundational Medicine also considers medication load and interactions, side
effects (including inflammation, nutrient depletion, gut health, immunity and
cellular function), how treatment can unintentionally strain other systems. It
examines which systems to strengthen so that recovery is steadier and treatment
is more effective.
Foundational
Medicine builds protective and restorative foundations so treatment can do its
job with minimal collateral damage, while the body is supported to respond with
greater stability and resilience. While deeply respecting bio-individuality, it
offers a framework built on the six non-negotiable pillars of food science and
nutrient synergy, adequate holistic movement, deep sleep, emotional wellness
and mental health, nature: internal and external environment, as well as spirit
and breathwork.
When
these pillars are supported, immunity stabilises, inflammation reduces, side
effects become easier to manage, recovery improves, and the body regains its
natural intelligence to heal. The team emphasises that Foundational Medicine is
not about choosing lifestyle over medicine, but about recognising that medicine
works best when lifestyle fundamentals are honoured. Thus, Foundational
Medicine is designed to work alongside every medical system.
Elaborating
on the concept, Luke Coutinho, Foundational Medicine and Lifestyle Expert,
Wellness Champion for the Hon. Prime Minister’s Fit India Movement, said:
“Contemporary understanding of healthcare is fragmented. Whether someone is on
medication, chemo or radiation, or exploring Ayurveda, homoeopathy or natural
therapies, it must be scientific and built on strong foundations. In addition
to treatment and medications, we encourage people to consider whether they have
built their foundations. Foundations can weaken or even collapse over time or,
in some instances, have never been built properly. Foundational Medicine is
about rebuilding and strengthening those basics, from nutrition and lifestyle
to understanding, communication and compassion.”
Anchoring
this approach is a Board of Advisors comprising senior experts from across
healthcare disciplines, working closely with Luke Coutinho and his team. It
includes:
- Dr Nozer Sheriar
– Obstetrics & Gynaecology; high-risk obstetrics and hysteroscopic
surgery; awarded FRCOG Honoris Causa by the Royal College of Obstetricians
& Gynaecologists - Dr Sudhir Kumar
– Neurology; consultant neurologist associated with Apollo Hospitals,
Hyderabad - (Hony.) Brig. Dr Anil Kohli – Oral Health (Endodontics & Dental Surgery); Padma Shri
(1992), Padma Bhushan (2005) - Dr Sonali Kohli
– Dermatology; Senior Consultant (MBBS, MD, MSc Facial Aesthetics) - Dr Natwar Sharma
– Paediatrics & Paediatric Critical Care; National Gold Medal in
Paediatrics (2006) - Dr Garvit Chitkara – Oncology (Breast Oncology), a leading breast cancer specialist
in India - Dr Anil K. D’Cruz – Head & Neck Oncology; Surgical Oncologist and served as
President (2020–2022) of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) - Dr Ganesh Nagarajan – GI & HPB Onco Surgery; Vice Chairman, Hepatobiliary
Pancreatic & Gastrointestinal Onco Surgery - Dr Nimish Shah –
Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine; a leading expert in respiratory health and
sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnoea and non-invasive
ventilation support.
Foundational
Medicine, launched in 2026, is the next chapter of Team Luke’s integrative and
lifestyle medicine journey. Every expert on Team Luke has been certified in
this approach by Coutinho himself.
About Luke
Coutinho
Luke
Coutinho is a Foundational Medicine and Lifestyle Expert, and Fit India
Movement Wellness Champion, with 14 years of experience supporting
individuals across prevention, chronic illness, and complex care through
integrative and lifestyle-based approaches.
He
has been chosen by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spearhead national
missions on obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle education initiatives.
Through
initiatives such as Bharat Lifestyle & Tips, free school menu programmes,
cancer support initiatives, best-selling books, and global outreach, Luke’s
mission remains clear: to address root causes of illness and make wellness
accessible, practical, and sustainable for all.
About Team
Luke and Luke Coutinho Holistic Health Systems (LCHHS)
Team
Luke is a multidisciplinary team trained under Luke Coutinho in the
Foundational Medicine approach at Luke Coutinho Holistic Health Systems
(LCHHS). These Foundational Medicine Experts undergo regular certifications,
closely overseen by Luke, ensuring every expert works with the same standards,
clinical maturity, and depth of understanding.
The
team includes leading experts across medical doctors, clinical nutritionists,
registered dietitians, emotional counsellors, lifestyle experts, yoga
therapists, fertility experts, elite trainers, and homoeopathy, supporting
individuals and families across prevention, chronic illness, recovery, and
long-term well-being, alongside appropriate medical care.
