Functional nutrition is designed to take a personalized approach to health and well-being, addressing the root causes of imbalances rather than just managing symptoms. With the growth of functional medicine, it has turned into a copycat of conventional medicine, with the replacement of labs and prescriptions for functional tests and supplement protocols.
The type of functional medicine nutrition that I practice is rooted in whole person health, taking into account body, mind, and soul when addressing symptoms and finding root cause healing.
Functional nutrition testing is a key tool in uncovering unique insights about your body’s needs. Below are some of the most common questions people ask when considering functional nutrition and testing.
About Functional Nutrition
What is functional nutrition, and how is it different from traditional nutrition?
Functional nutrition focuses on personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations to address the underlying causes of health concerns. Unlike traditional nutrition, which may focus on general dietary guidelines, functional nutrition considers your unique biology, environment, and lifestyle.
Why functional nutrition?
Functional nutrition provides a holistic, tailored approach to health that empowers individuals to address the root causes of their symptoms. It’s not about quick fixes but about creating sustainable health improvements that enhance overall well-being. My personal goal is to help women find the actual, true root cause of their symptoms and nutrient imbalances so that changes can be made with far reaching outcomes that last.
Who can benefit from functional nutrition?
Anyone looking to improve their health, manage chronic conditions, or optimize wellness can benefit. It’s especially helpful for those dealing with digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, metabolic dysfunction, or autoimmune conditions.
How does functional nutrition address the root cause of health issues?
Through a comprehensive assessment, functional nutrition practitioners evaluate your diet, lifestyle, genetics, and lab test results to create a personalized plan that targets the root causes of symptoms. Data alone cannot determine your root cause. It can help tailor questions to get to the root, but a comprehensive assessment and conversation is required to fully understand YOU, your life, and your root causes. There are no 10 min appointments here. Root cause solutions require listening and attentiveness.
Is functional nutrition only for people with chronic conditions, or can it help with general wellness?
While it’s highly effective for managing chronic conditions, functional nutrition also supports general wellness, helping you feel your best and prevent future health concerns. Many clients do annual functional lab testing, just as they would annual bloodwork with their conventional provider in order to stay on top of trends in nutrient, hormone, and metabolic data.
What types of conditions or symptoms can functional nutrition address?
Functional nutrition can help with a wide range of issues, including digestive disorders (IBS, IBD, SIBO, constipation, bloating, food intolerances), hormonal imbalances (PMS, PMDD, endometriosis, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, cortisol dysregulation, insulin resistance), fatigue, iron deficiency, iron overload, metabolic disorders, histamine issues, immune imbalances, autoimmunity, high cholesterol, migraines, inflammation, acne, skin rashes, and even mental health concerns like anxiety or brain fog.
What is the difference between functional nutrition and functional medicine?
While both approaches emphasize addressing root causes and personalized care, functional medicine is broader and often involves medical diagnostics and treatments such as medications or procedures. Functional nutrition focuses specifically on diet, lifestyle, and natural interventions to optimize health. As a Registered Dietitian and Functional Nutrition Provider, I cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medication but I can run both functional labs and bloodwork and help you get answers alongside your primary provider. Whether diagnosed or not, conditions that affect the body and the mind have a nutrition component because nutrients are needed to run every single system in our body and cannot be treated or healed without nutrition interventions as part of the root cause solution.
About Functional Nutrition Testing
What is functional nutrition testing, and how does it work?
Functional nutrition testing uses advanced lab methods to assess biomarkers related to digestion, hormones, metabolism, micronutrient levels, and more. It provides deeper insights than standard blood work and can look at trends in the body at a cellular level over many months versus the one day of a lab draw.
What types of tests are typically included in functional nutrition testing?
Common tests include stool analysis, hormone panels, food sensitivity testing, SIBO breath tests, organic acids panels, mineral testing and micronutrient evaluations. These are tailored to your specific concerns and needs.
How are these tests different from standard medical tests?
Functional nutrition tests often look for subtler imbalances and patterns, rather than diagnosing a disease. They’re designed to optimize health, not just identify critical issues. Trained providers can notice trends and help pinpoint patterns to make assessments in the grey space between healthy and a full on diagnosis.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to get functional nutrition testing?
No, many functional nutrition practitioners can order these tests directly for you. Working with me does not require any prior authorization or referrals.
How accurate and reliable are the tests?
While no test is perfect, functional nutrition tests are highly accurate when administered by reputable labs and interpreted by trained professionals. Make sure you order these tests from a trained and credentialed provider and not direct from a testing company. There are different varieties of test types that use different science to analyze samples and different providers will have different labs they prefer to work with based on their training and reliability.
Who can order/interpret these tests?
A licensed and credentialed functional nutrition or functional medicine provider can run these tests for you. Tests vary by provider and their credentials, licensing, and training. Most conventional medicine providers are not trained in these tests, as they don’t fit the conventional healthcare model of diagnosing disease and curing illness and injury.
Can I get any of this from my PCP?
If your PCP is a trained and licensed functional medicine provider, probably! Conventional medicine providers are not trained in these tests as part of their education, though some may have pursued additional training to learn more and become credentialed.
Since functional nutrition testing involves a deep understanding of nutrition that many general providers are not trained in, it’s best to find a licensed nutrition provider for these services, including Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Functional Nutrition Practitioners (FNPs). We have been trained for years specifically on nutrition and the role of nutrients in all processes and systems in the body. This is our dedicated role in the healthcare system.
Preparing for Functional Nutrition Testing
Do I need to do anything special to prepare for the tests?
Preparation depends on the test. Some may require fasting, avoiding specific foods, or collecting samples on specific days or at specific times. When you order a test from me, you get both a digital copy of instructions to review while you wait to receive your test and a paper copy of instructions with your lab kit. All tests can be completed at home.
Are these tests invasive or uncomfortable?
Most functional nutrition tests are non-invasive, involving simple blood, urine, saliva, stool, breath, or hair samples.
How much does functional nutrition testing cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Costs vary widely depending on the tests. The tests I commonly order run between $60-$500 for the test kit and lab analysis. Some may be covered using HSA or FSA funds, but many are considered out-of-pocket expenses. Check with your provider. While I do not take insurance, I am always happy to provide super bills at the completion of services to submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement of care.
After Testing
How long does it take to get the results back?
Results typically take 1-3 weeks, depending on the test. Once I get results back from the lab, I do my best to review and write up my interpretations and protocols within a week.
What happens after I receive my test results?
Your practitioner will review the results with you, explaining what they mean and how they relate to your symptoms or goals. The interpretations you get from me are very thorough and detailed because I am a firm believer in helping you to understand your data, your body, and your health. You don’t just get a list of supplements and foods to eat. You get a comprehensive assessment with an explanation behind each recommendation given.
How does functional nutrition use test results to create a personalized plan?
Test results are the starting point to guide dietary, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your unique needs. I prefer to use as few supplements as possible and utilize food and lifestyle recommendations first, depending on the client and their needs and preferences. No test or supplement plan can cure you. True, root cause healing will also take lifelong nutrition and lifestyle shifts.
Will I need to make drastic changes to my diet or lifestyle based on the results?
Not necessarily. Changes are often incremental and designed to be sustainable. The goal is to work with your body, not against it. I like to tell clients that we work together to make a plan that fits into your life. But also, the life that got you to this point isn’t the one that you can heal in. There will over time be small shifts made that will add up to where one day you’ll look back and realize your life may be completely different than it was before. Because you’ll have the root cause healing you were chasing.
How often should functional nutrition testing be done?
Frequency depends on your health goals and progress. Some people retest every 6-12 months, while others may only test as needed. Many clients use testing like their annual bloodwork, getting a full panel of labs to assess health status each year.
General Concerns
Is functional nutrition evidence-based?
Yes, functional nutrition relies on the latest scientific research and testing methods. Practitioners use evidence-based strategies to create personalized plans. I utilize a combination of evidence-based practices and strategies in my practice along with recommendations based on years of experience working with hundreds of clients. Root cause healing should take into account the science but also the lived experience of the individual.
Are there any risks or downsides to functional nutrition testing?
The main downside is cost, as testing can be expensive and not always covered by insurance. However, the insights gained often outweigh the expense. For women who have been struggling for years but told it’s either all in their head or that their labs are normal, functional nutrition testing is often the place where they finally get answers, are heard, and begin to feel better.
Can functional nutrition work alongside traditional medical treatments?
Absolutely. Functional nutrition complements traditional medicine, offering additional tools to support overall health. The best outcome is working with a functional nutrition dietitian as part of your team of health care providers to get a comprehensive, full picture and well rounded care.
How do I find a qualified functional nutrition practitioner?
Look for professionals with credentials like Registered Dietitian (RD), Functional Medicine Practitioner, or certifications from reputable organizations like the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
Where can I get this in my area?
Functional nutrition (and functional medicine) is a growing area of healthcare, though many areas do not have many providers physically near them. If a provider is not local to you, you also have the option to work with a number of providers across the country who offer telehealth services. Who you can work with will depend on their licensing and training and state regulations. I am credentialed to offer functional nutrition services to anyone living in the United States via my fully telehealth practice. You can also search online for other local or telehealth providers.
What tests do you run?
I currently offer Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), GI MAP stool testing, DUTCH hormone and adrenal panels, micronutrient bloodwork panels, and traditional blood labs via Rupa Health.
If you’re curious about how functional nutrition and testing could support your health, reach out to learn more or complete a free assessment to determine which testing options might be best to help you reach your health and fitness goals.
