Functional nutrition is a branch of nutrition that focuses on optimizing function. We look to find where function has been compromised and then we restore the balance by strategically manipulating the environment internally and externally to achieve optimal health and longevity. The goal of functional nutrition is to identify and address the root cause of chronic symptoms or illnesses. This is why we test. We can see how your environment is affecting your biochemistry and your overall health. We develop a strategy, then optimize the areas that are dysfunctional so that your body can function in an optimal state. If uncorrected the biochemical dysfunction can turn into a disease state. This is why we look at Diet, lifestyle, stress, supplementation, and exercise. We try to optimize in all areas.
How does functional medicine work?
Functional medicine is an individualized approach to health and wellness. Rather than managing symptoms of a disease, functional medicine practitioners focus on getting to the root cause or causes of chronic symptoms.
To do this, we start with a confidential health history questionnaire and recommended testing. This information is then used to develop a personalized plan that addresses the unique needs of each individual.
What tests does a practitioner usually order in a Functional Medicine evaluation?
The specific tests ordered in a functional medicine evaluation will vary depending on the individual’s health history and symptoms. However, some common tests include:
- Blood tests assess overall health and well-being. It is comprehensive and gives us a set of benchmarks so that we can track overall progress and health trends over time.
- Stool tests to assess GI function and overall gut health.
- Food sensitivity tests to assess for food sensitivities or intolerances.
- Genetic Testing
What are some common recommendations used in Functional Medicine?
Common Recommendations used in functional medicine include dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle changes. We use lab testing and specialty testing to evaluate health and well-being. Test don’t guess is the motto we use!
For example, a genetic test can give you individualized actionable strategies. Using your genetic blueprint helps us take a lot of the guesswork out. We can focus on certain areas of health. Someone with an autoimmune disease may be advised to follow an autoimmune Paleo diet, as this has been shown to help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Someone with a digestive disorder may be recommended to do a GI test or take probiotics or take certain enzymes to improve digestion. We look at brain health and gut health together. Someone with a hormone imbalance may be advised to take supplements to support hormone health.
What are the benefits of Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine has many potential benefits. It enhances health and wellness. The precision coaching will help you dial in on what you should be eating for your genetic blueprint. We create an ideal intervention and protocol and monitor outcomes. Continuous feedback and monitoring are what separates us from traditional medicine.
In addition, because functional medicine is an individualized approach, it can provide clients with much-needed support and guidance in making lifestyle changes that can improve their overall health. They will have new results, new experiences, and new outcomes that will inspire a new reality.
What are some benefits that can be seen with functional nutrition?
Functional nutrition can help with common chronic illnesses:
- Autoimmunity improves
- Impaired
- digestion resolved
- Thyroid conditions resolved
- Chronic fatigue turns into energy
- Brain Fog lifted
- Improved energy
Autoimmunity is a specialty area with functional nutrition practitioners. We look at the autoimmune process and identify the various mechanisms that drive this process. Autoimmunity occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This can lead to inflammation and a variety of symptoms, depending on the specific disease. What defines this disease is what tissue, organ, or body system the immune system is attacking.
GI dysfunction is another area that can cause chronic symptoms. This is the foundation of health. There can be a cascade of events that can happen in the body when the gut is dysfunctional. This is one of the first places that we test and optimize. Digestive disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating, brain fog.
Thyroid conditions are also often resolved with functional nutrition. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair loss, and mood swings. By optimizing the gut we can often optimize the Thyroid.
Is functional medicine just for people with chronic illnesses?
No! Functional nutrition can also help people who are looking to optimize their health and prevent chronic illness. This is why we test. We identify areas that are out of range and show you how to optimize in those areas so that you don’t trend toward dysfunction or modern-day diseases. By addressing the underlying causes of dysfunction or disease, functional nutrition can help promote overall health and wellness but more importantly, longevity!
Struggling to Lose Weight?
If you are struggling to lose weight, then functional nutrition may be able to help you reach your goals. Many people find it difficult to lose weight because they are chronically stressed, their diet is not suiting them, or downright awful. They have digestive complaints and hormonal imbalances. By working with a functional nutritionist we can restore the balance. We test and develop a plan that specifically targets your unique needs and the benefit of balancing diet, lifestyle, stress, and hormones is weight loss!
Functional nutrition is not a fad diet. We teach you how to make lifestyle changes that have lasting results. It is a science-based approach to wellness that has been proven to be effective. The consequence of improving and balancing your biochemistry, lifestyle, sleep, stress, diet, and hormones, is having excellent health so that you can live the life you want. If you are ready to make a change, then functional nutrition may be the answer you have been looking for.
If you suffer from a chronic illness, such as an autoimmune disease, digestive disorder, food sensitivities, brain fog, or thyroid condition, functional nutrition may be able to help. Functional nutritionists use a variety of interventions to help identify the underlying causes of chronic illnesses and improve symptoms. If you think you could benefit from working with a functional nutrition practitioner, book a call today, and let’s work together on your journey to wellness.
Can you get insurance to cover treatment received through Functional Medicine?
Insurance is not accepted.
There are options available. I offer multiple packages and service options, so be sure to ask about this when you book a call.
What do I need to do before I book a call?
I will have you fill out a confidential health history questionnaire. I recommend that you have a general idea of what you would like to discuss during our call. This helps me to prepare for the call and ensure that we are able to accomplish what you need in the time we have together.
That being said, you do not need to have everything figured out before we talk. I am here to help guide you on your journey to wellness, so feel free to ask any questions you may have.
If you are ready to take the first step toward improved health, book a call today! I look forward to speaking with you soon.