Functional nutrition is a rapidly growing field that practices a unique kind of nutrition.  We look at each individual and their unique needs to come up with plans that work for them.

But you may be wondering what’s so special about them?  What makes them unique from a typical nutritionist or your next door neighbor who reads a lot of cookbooks?

It’s hard to choose when there are so many reasons it’s a good idea to see a functional nutritionist, but these are 3 of my favorites!

Custom Nutrition

A functional nutritionist looks deeper than a specific diet plan or fad diet concept.  They aren’t interested in your just losing weight (although they are highly trained in helping with that!) or jumping on any diet bandwagon.  

Functional nutritionists are interested in the root causes of your particular disorders, diseases, and dysfunction.  They are interested in your particular food sensitivities and biological needs.  

A good functional nutritionist creates custom diet plans for your specific circumstances.  These diet plans are carefully formulated based on the latest scientific research and recognize the unique healing properties of different foods and supplements for unique conditions.

Functional nutritionists are on the cutting edge of nutrition and medicine.  They are well-informed and should have ample education to be able to identify dietary and supplemental strategies to improve your health.  

Functional Testing/ Blood Work

Unlike some other kinds of nutritionists, functional nutritionists are trained to read blood work and qualified to provide you with cutting edge testing to identify potential issues.

Some nutritionists, like myself, are even capable of ordering blood work for you.  We are able to run stool, saliva, and blood tests that can identify issues with cortisol, neurotransmitters, food sensitivities, parasites, gut imbalances, blood sugar and cholesterol issues, food sensitivities, and micronutrient deficiencies.

Instead of guessing at what potential problems or deficiencies you may be experiencing and throwing supplements or pills at you, a functional nutritionist uses this testing and their education to recommend supplements that will truly help and not harm you.  

Confusion

The final (and my favorite) reason to see a functional nutritionist is to cut through the diet confusion.

Functional nutritionists are not only trained in biochemistry, but are well-informed on the current diet trends and can help advise you on ways to stay healthy if you do plan to try any of them.

Diets like veganism, vegetarianism, paleo, and keto, when not done correctly, can cause nutrient deficiencies.  Fortunately, functional nutritionists know how to avoid this, and can help you come up with a plan that will work for you.

Functional nutritionists know that each person is unique.  Although there are some unifying principles in nutrition, the approach to each person should be individualized.  

In my opinion, everyone should see a nutritionist at least once.  This way they can come home with a plan that they can follow long term which will meet all their needs and give them something to base their daily diet around.

The bottom line is there is just too much conflicting information out there.  If you’ve ever scanned the most popular health documentaries, you’ll know what I mean.

Everyone has an agenda.  Often, it’s to sell you a certain product.  Sometimes it’s to sell you on an idea or cause.  But rarely is it to truly help your health.  Be wary of “magic” pills or supplements.  The body is an intricate system and issues must be addressed from many different areas with lots of hard work and motivation.  There is no easy way out.

Functional nutritionists know this.  Their goal is to improve your health, help you feel better, and ultimately not see you anymore.  They want you to move forward and not be dependent on their help because you have done the hard work!

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These nutritionists aren’t always easy to find, but they are worth the search.

As a functional nutritionist, I work with clients with many health issues like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, PCOS, autoimmune, and gastrointestinal disorders.  My goal is to see them healthy and happy!

If you’d like to make an appointment with a functional nutritionist, contact me here.