●        Foundational medicine strengthens the biological, emotional, and environmental foundations on which all healing depends, and works alongside treatments, scientific modalities and prescribed medication

●        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:

1. Dr Nozer Sheriar – Obstetrics & Gynaecology; high-risk obstetrics and hysteroscopic surgery; awarded FRCOG Honoris Causa by the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists

2. Dr Sudhir Kumar – Neurology; consultant neurologist associated with Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad

3. (Hony.) Brig. Dr Anil Kohli – Oral Health (Endodontics & Dental Surgery); Padma Shri (1992), Padma Bhushan (2005)

4. Dr Sonali Kohli – Dermatology; Senior Consultant (MBBS, MD, MSc Facial Aesthetics)

5. Dr Natwar Sharma – Paediatrics & Paediatric Critical Care; National Gold Medal in Paediatrics (2006)

6. Dr Garvit Chitkara – Oncology (Breast Oncology), a leading breast cancer specialist in India

7. Dr Anil K. D’Cruz – Head & Neck Oncology; Surgical Oncologist and served as President (2020–2022) of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)

8. Dr Ganesh Nagarajan – GI & HPB Onco Surgery; Vice Chairman, Hepatobiliary Pancreatic & Gastrointestinal Onco Surgery

9. 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.