FAQs

The Root Cause Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that produces documentaries and in-depth educational interviews with leading functional medicine clinicians. Our films follow patients and practitioners as they look for the underlying causes of chronic illness and find new paths to health.

We believe everyone deserves a clinician who asks why. Treatment of chronic illness is shifting from managing symptoms to finding root causes. We tell the stories of that shift because nothing connects and inspires like a real journey of transformation.

Anyone living with a chronic condition, their families and caregivers, and practitioners who want to be inspired about root-cause care.

Yes. Our films and interviews are free to watch on our website and our YouTube channel.

Roland Peralta, co-founder of Nutrafol, founded the Root Cause Project. After years of living with rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid cancer, and hair loss, he used a functional medicine approach and reached drug-free remission from rheumatoid arthritis. He started the Root Cause Project to help others find better answers too.

Mark J. Tager, MD, is our Executive Director and Writer/Producer. Roland Peralta is our Founder, and award-winning filmmaker Brian Lilla directs our films.

No. We are a nonprofit media organization. We don't provide medical care, diagnoses, or referrals.

Production funds come from donations, founder support, and grants.

No. The films, interviews, and other content presented by The Root Cause Project are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice and are not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or beginning, changing, or discontinuing any treatment.

Email us at contact@therootcauseproject.org.

Functional medicine is an approach to health that asks why an illness is happening, not just what to call it. Practitioners look at how genetics, environment, diet, stress, sleep, and lifestyle interact, then build a plan for the whole person. The aim is to address the root cause rather than only manage symptoms.

Conventional medicine is typically organized around diagnosing a disease and treating its symptoms, often with medication or surgery. Integrative medicine combines conventional care with evidence-based complementary approaches such as nutrition, mind-body practices, and acupuncture. Functional medicine focuses on finding and treating the underlying drivers of disease. The approaches often overlap, and many practitioners use all three.

No. Functional medicine usually works alongside conventional care. Always talk to your doctor before you change or stop any treatment.

It is most often used for chronic, complex conditions. Our films and interviews cover conditions such as autoimmune disease, chronic pain, cognition, cancer, gut (GI) conditions, liver disease, metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis, mold-related illness, vagus nerve health, thyroid health, and hair loss.

Patients seeking a functional or integrative medicine practitioner are encouraged to visit the practitioner directories at IFM.org (Institute for Functional Medicine), A4M.com (American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine), or AIHM.org (Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine). The Root Cause Project does not endorse, certify, or warrant the qualifications, services, or outcomes of individual practitioners. Patients are encouraged to verify credentials and select a practitioner who meets their individual healthcare needs.

Healing Journeys is our documentary film series. Each film follows real patients and their practitioners as they uncover what's driving a chronic condition and find a path to healing. Current titles include Mold: The Hidden Epidemic and Hacking the Vagus Nerve, with upcoming titles on metabolism and hair regeneration.

It covers the Healing Journeys films, podcast interviews, and short educational videos, with more coming.

We release about four new titles each year.

Yes. You're welcome to share our films from our YouTube channel. For group or public screenings, please contact us at contact@therootcauseproject.org.

Yes. Every film puts real patient experiences at the center of the story.

We are always interested in compelling patient stories that highlight the impact of functional and integrative medicine. If you have experienced a meaningful health transformation, we encourage you to ask your treating practitioner to contact us directly at contact@therootcauseproject.org. We welcome the opportunity to learn about your journey from the practitioner who guided your care and explore its potential for a future Root Cause Project film.

Physicians and researchers from across functional, integrative, lifestyle, and conventional medicine, including specialists in neurology, dermatology, endocrinology, pain medicine, and mold-related illness.

Experts featured in our films are selected based on their knowledge, clinical experience in treating the conditions being explored, and ability to communicate complex medical concepts clearly and effectively on camera. Our goal is to feature credible, experienced practitioners who can provide valuable insights and help audiences better understand the underlying causes of health conditions and potential approaches to treatment.

No. Experts featured in Root Cause Project films are not paid for their participation. They are selected based on their knowledge, clinical experience, and ability to communicate effectively on camera.

The Root Cause Project does not schedule appointments or provide practitioner referrals. If you are interested in consulting with a featured expert, we encourage you to visit their professional or practice website for information about their services and appointment availability.

We welcome conversations with practitioners and subject matter experts who share our commitment to exploring the root causes of health conditions. If you have specialized expertise, innovative approaches, or compelling patient success stories, we'd be interested in hearing from you. Please contact us at contact@therootcauseproject.org to discuss potential opportunities for collaboration or participation in future films.

Yes. The Root Cause Foundation (EIN 92-3617604) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Your receipt will come from The Root Cause Foundation, the legal name of the nonprofit behind The Root Cause Project.

Your gift funds Healing Journeys, our documentary film series, and our educational interviews, and helps these stories reach the people who need them most.

Yes. Donations are processed by Stripe, a secure payment platform. We never see or store your full card details.

Yes. The Root Cause Project welcomes discussions with organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring films, collaborating on content, or exploring strategic partnerships. Opportunities are considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure alignment with our mission and editorial values. To start a conversation, please contact us at contact@therootcauseproject.org.