Ask The Expert

What is Functional Nutrition?

Functional nutrition is an evidence-based holistic approach to improve the way the body functions. For your body to function well, you need the right nutrients to run your biochemistry. Nutrition is more than just counting calories or macronutrients. Functional nutrition is rooted in the holistic philosophy that health is the result of the interaction of physical, chemical, mental, emotional, environmental, and spiritual factors. Health goes beyond what you put in your mouth. Functional nutrition is a powerful tool for improving your health.

How can functional nutrition help me?

Functional nutrition works by addressing the nutritional root causes of dysfunction in the body. This type of healthcare can help you whether you are dealing with digestive problems, poor metabolism, blood sugar issues, hormonal imbalances, allergies, eczema, ADHD, anxiety, or an autoimmune disorder. My goal is to guide you to restore and maintain health with a personalized wellness plan based on your unique needs. This can include dietary, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations along with exercise, sleep, and stress management strategies.

What type of results can I expect working with you?

Here are to most common results I see in my practice:

• Less gas and bloating
• Less stomach pain
• Regular bowel movements
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved cholesterol numbers
• Better blood sugar handling
• Less pain and inflammation
• Reduced allergies
• More energy
• Less brain fog
• Better focus
• Less anxiety

Do I need to take supplements?

There are times when someone needs more of a certain nutrient than what they can realistically get in their diet. Supplements can be used as an adjunctive therapy to address underlying nutritional imbalances. They can also be used to support organ function like taking digestive enzymes to support digestion or probiotics to support gut health. The chemical structure, dose, and quality of the supplement make a significant difference in its effectiveness. Most over-the-counter supplements are poor quality and in a form the body can't use very well. However, pharmaceutical-grade supplements recommended by a qualified practitioner can be beneficial with low overall risk.

What types of lab testing do you offer?

I can use functional lab testing to identify what's getting in the way of your body's natural healing process. This type of testing can provide objective information on how to best support optimal health.

Here are the most common labs I run:

• Food Sensitivity Testing
• Gut Microbiome Testing
• Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis
• DUTCH Complete Hormone Testing
• Female Hormone Cycle Map
• Organic Acids Testing
• Mycotoxin Testing
• 3×4 Genetic Blueprint

I’ve tried (keto/paleo/vegetarian/etc.) but it only worked for a little while. How can I maintain my progress long-term?

Getting started on a new dietary program can be easy but making it a lifestyle change takes practice. The key is to have a plan that is tailored to your specific goals and preferences and not the latest fad diet. Breaking down your plan into small simple steps can help you build the skills and confidence you need to be successful. An accountability buddy can provide support and encouragement on your journey. If you stop making progress a functional nutritionist can identify what's getting in the way of you reaching your goals and help you get back on track. Maintaining healthy habits is a lifelong journey. Ultimately the reward of feeling better will motivate you to keep going.