FAQs

What are Functional Foods to Support the Digestive System and Microbiome?

We have an incredible ecosystem of microorganisms living within us, and our knowledge of the symbiotic relationship we have with these microorganisms is constantly evolving. They produce many metabolites, including vitamins, that contribute to optimal function. Supporting the digestive system is one of the best ways to optimize long term health and increase healthspan. We use food to design a gut healthy life, including prebiotic foods and probiotic or fermented foods.

What is Targeted Supplementation?

While food is the foundation of the approach, we may use several targeted supplements, which are scientifically backed with clinical evidence, to achieve your goals. I strongly believe in not overwhelming clients with over-supplementation, and work with each client individually to create a supplement plan that both addresses their needs and also works with their lifestyle. Importantly, we track the efficacy of these interventions closely.

What are Lifestyle Modifications?

While nutrition is the core of my clinical approach, I often recommend several lifestyle modifications, unique to the individual client and her or his goals. These often include recommendations for:

  • Aligning circadian rhythm to improve sleep

  • Increasing daily movement or exercise

  • Reducing negative sources of stress

  • Optimizing mindset

What is an Elimination Diet?

The ultimate goal is to find the most nutrient dense (more vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients per calorie), whole food diet that does not cause inflammation.

Foods that we generally consider to be “healthy,” can sometimes increase inflammation in those with a genetic predisposition and compromised gastrointestinal health. Many plants contain “anti-nutrients” that protect them from predators, and these compounds can stimulate the immune system.

As a result, some individuals need to use an elimination diet initially, while they work on restoring gastrointestinal function. An elimination diet helps identify which foods are triggering inflammation, digestive issues (e.g., excessive bloating or gas), fluid retention, and weight gain. Eating tons of plant fiber if your digestive system is inflamed, may actually increase inflammation. You need to heal the inflammation first, and then begin to reintroduce more fiber rich, plant foods. Restoring gastrointestinal function, you can then benefit from the nutrients in these foods over time.

The elimination diet allows you to continue to eat a wide variety of plant foods, good sources of protein, and healthy fats, while eliminating those foods, which commonly cause inflammation. I always tailor this approach, as each individual is unique. After the 3 week elimination period, I teach you how to reintroduce foods into your diet, and how to prepare foods to decrease the anti-nutrient content.

What is Evidenced Based Nutrition+?

My approach is “evidenced based,” which means I look at:

1) The latest scientific research;

2) Use my clinical education and experience; and

3) Take into account your unique values and preferences in formulating the nutrition plan.

In addition to these traditional tenants of evidenced based medicine, I also:

4) Use a functional nutrition approach (root cause); and

5) Provide client education and empowerment.

My goal is to provide you with the knowledge and the tools for long term optimal health and wellness.

What are Autoimmune & Chronic Inflammatory Conditions?

Inflammation is the key driving factor in many disease processes, and can accelerate the aging process, commonly described as “inflammaging.” While inflammation is the normal response of the immune system to outside “insults,” including pathogens (bacteria & viruses) and injury, chronic, low-grade inflammation is detrimental to long-term health. The body needs to be able to turn on the inflammatory response when you need it, and then turn it off when you don’t need it. Autoimmune conditions involve a dysregulation of the immune response, and the creation of antibodies against the body itself. Examples include:

  • Endocrinological: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves Disease, Type 1 Diabetes

  • Gastrointestinal: Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, Colitis

  • Rheumatic: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus

  • Neurological: Multiple Sclerosis.