Inside My Functional Nutrition Approach: Q&A
Many people reach out, wondering if functional nutrition can help when they’ve tried everything and still don’t feel like themselves. They’re looking for clarity, direction, and answers that go deeper than symptom management.
In this blog, I answer my most frequently asked questions and walk you through the testing I use, my whole-body approach to health, and how I create personalized, symptom-specific protocols.
1.) What is a functional nutritionist? What’s the difference between a functional nutritionist and a nutritionist?
A functional nutritionist focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of symptoms rather than just treating the symptoms themselves. They use a whole-body, systems-based approach—looking at digestion, hormones, detoxification, stress, sleep, and nutrient status—to create personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans. The goal is to support true healing of the body by restoring balance.
A general nutritionist has a broad, often unregulated title that may or may not include formal training, depending on the state. A functional nutritionist uses a root-cause, whole-body approach to identify underlying imbalances and create personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans. When choosing a nutrition professional, always ask about their education and certifications to ensure they’re qualified to help you—I am a functional nutritionist with a Master's degree in nutrition and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).
2.) How do I know if I should work with a functional nutritionist?
You may benefit from working with a functional nutritionist if you feel like something is off, but you haven’t gotten clear answers yet. A functional nutritionist takes the time to truly listen, dig deeper, and connect the dots—looking closely at your labs, considering more in-depth testing when appropriate, and understanding how your routine, nutrition, lifestyle, and stress are impacting your body. The goal is to create a personalized plan that supports healing by addressing root causes, not just managing symptoms.
3.) If I’m dealing with gut issues, what do you look for in my labs that could explain my symptoms?
There is a specific test I recommend for clients with digestive issues - the GI MAP test. This is an at-home stool test that examines your gut microbiome. It reveals imbalances in “good” and “bad” gut bacteria, digestive enzyme output, yeast and parasites, inflammation, gluten sensitivity, and more.
4a.) If I have irregular, heavy, or painful periods or deal with hormonal imbalance symptoms, what would you look for in my lab results?
First, I would examine your gut health - likely this person is having trouble detoxing hormones, likely estrogen, and may experience constipation or have underlying gut imbalances that are inflaming their gut and putting stress on their detox organs (liver). That would need to be addressed first. I would also look at nutrient deficiencies - magnesium, omega-3, B vitamins, plant antioxidants - all important for balanced hormones and detoxification. Lastly, I would look at your hormones in your luteal phase- estrogen (and its metabolites), progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol to identify if this is an estrogen-dominant picture or a low progesterone picture, etc.
4b.) What kind of lifestyle changes would I need to make given my results? Are supplements necessary?
It’s important to balance blood sugar through nutrition, optimize fiber intake, optimize sleep, implement tools to regulate the nervous system, and address nutrient deficiencies through food and potential supplementation. Depending on hormone test results, I may recommend certain herbs.
5.) Do you favor a particular diet for certain conditions?
I don’t favor one specific diet for any condition. My approach is centered on teaching clients how to eat mostly whole, nutrient-dense foods and focusing on what we can add in to make the diet more supportive, rather than leading with restriction. What that looks like varies greatly from person to person based on factors like activity level, age, health concerns, lab work, schedule, family dynamics, and personal preferences—because sustainable nutrition has to fit real life.
6.) Do you personalize my treatment plan?
Absolutely. I take an individualized approach to nutrition and treatment plans because no two people are the same. Your health history, labs, symptoms, lifestyle, schedule, preferences, and goals all inform a plan that’s realistic, sustainable, and designed to support long-term healing.
My passions for the link between diet and well-being is what led me to specialize in human nutrition and functional medicine. I’m driven by the desire to help my clients seek optimal wellness and know what it’s like to feel healthy.
Learn more about me and my approach to whole-body health by clicking here.
Have other questions or interested in learning more?
Tap below to schedule a discovery call with me, and let’s dive in together!