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Functional Nutrition

Functional Nutrition

A Dietitian’s Approach to Functional Medicine

Functional nutrition is rooted in the principles of functional medicine—an approach to care that seeks to identify and address the root causes driving symptoms and chronic conditions.

This approach views the body as an interconnected whole. Your digestive, immune, endocrine, nervous and other systems don’t operate in isolation—when one is out of balance, it can affect the others.

As a registered dietitian trained in this systems-based model, I use food and lifestyle as foundational tools to address underlying imbalances to support lasting wellness and longevity. This means understanding how your nutrition, environment, sleep, stress, movement, and gut health all interact to influence your symptoms and long-term health.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all plans, I take a personalized approach that prioritizes nutrient-dense foods, targeted strategies, and sustainable habits—designed specifically for your body, health history, and goals.

A Complement to Conventional Medicine

Conventional medicine plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating disease—especially when it comes to acute care, screenings, and managing serious conditions. It often answers the what—what diagnosis you have, and what medication or intervention is needed.

Functional medicine, and by extension functional nutrition, asks why.
Why are these symptoms showing up now?
Why is the body out of balance?
What underlying factors could be contributing?

Together, these two models work best when used in tandem. Conventional medicine helps identify and treat, while functional nutrition supports the body’s healing by exploring root causes—like nutrient imbalances, gut health, stress, sleep quality, and lifestyle patterns that may be driving your symptoms.

My approach doesn’t replace your existing care—it complements it. We work alongside what you’re already doing, filling in the gaps to build a strong foundation for long-term wellness.

Looking Deeper: Functional Lab Testing

Sometimes symptoms persist even when standard labs appear “normal.” That’s where functional lab testing can help. These tests allow us to look a layer deeper—whether it's identifying nutrient deficiencies, uncovering hormonal imbalances, detecting gut dysfunction, or even zooming in at the cellular level to assess mitochondrial health and function. Lab testing is recommended on a case-by-case basis and is optional.

Common labs I use include the NutrEval® micronutrient panel, DUTCH Complete™ hormone panel, comprehensive stool testing, Organic Acids Testing, and more—each selected based on your unique needs, symptoms, and health goals.

These insights allow us to create a personalized, targeted plan based on real data—not guesswork.

Is Functional Nutrition Right For You?

Functional nutrition is ideal for those seeking answers beyond symptom management—especially if you’ve felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or stuck. It’s a supportive, science-based approach designed to help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface and make progress that lasts.

You may benefit from a functional nutrition approach if you’re navigating:

Metabolic & Chronic Conditions

Diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol

Digestive Disorders

Chronic constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, bloating, IBS, SIBO

Hormonal Imbalances

Post-menopausal support, estrogen dominance, pre-conception nutrition guidance

Long-COVID & Dysautonomia

Fatigue, dizziness, autonomic instability, post-viral symptoms

Energy, Mood & Cognitive Health

Chronic stress, low energy, poor sleep, brain fog, migraines, anxiety

Whether you're navigating chronic symptoms, looking for answers after being dismissed or misunderstood, or simply want to feel better in your body, functional nutrition offers a path forward—grounded in science, guided by your lived experience, and centered on whole-body healing.

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Is personalized nutrition the missing piece in your health and wellness journey?

Let’s work together to create a plan that helps you achieve your health goals today—and promotes longevity tomorrow!