What is functional Nutrition?

Functional nutrition has its roots based in Functional Medicine. In America, the Institute for Functional Medicine states “functional medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual”. In Australia, Functional Medicine is more widely known as Integrative Medicine or Integrative GP.

Function Nutrition seeks to address the patient as a whole person not just the affected body parts or systems and considers how food, nutrient deficiencies, the environment, genetics and other lifestyle factors may be causing or contributing to the patient’s disease or overall health.  

Functional Nutritionists do not diagnose or treat diseases or health condition’s, but we can evaluate how nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues and other lifestyle factors may be contributing to a patients current health state and offer nutrition, supplement and lifestyle recommendations to support the bodies innate healing response.

We will also consider other contributing factors including

• Microbiome health

• Inflammation

• Gut/digestive function

• Sleep habits

• Bowel habits

• Stress

• Environmental exposure

• Mindset and motivation

• Exercise

The Functional Nutrition Process

Prior to our first session, you will complete a thorough intake form along with a (minimum) 1-week food, activity, mood and stool diary. The intake form includes

• Health and medical history

• Medications and supplements

• Diet, lifestyle, sleep and exercise habits

The first appointment (1 hour) is a fact-finding exercise. Cost of the session includes an additional half-hour spent researching and preparing your treatment plan.

• Review the intake form and discuss anything requiring further detail.

• Body systems review (how is everything working)

• Current symptoms and purpose for seeking help

• Review of any conventional lab test results or other testing

• Discussion regarding any further information that may be required or a referral back to your GP for any additional conventional testing

• Referral for functional testing (at your cost) if deemed helpful. You are in control, and it is always your choice to undertake any additional testing.

Second appointment

• Discussion regarding review of all information obtained in the fact-finding session

• Presentation of the initial treatment plan

Third appointment

• Review of any testing that may have been undertaken

• Review of treatment plan and discussion of changes that need to be made

What kind of recommendations are commonly made in a treatment plan?

• Changes to your eating habits such as an elimination diet (removing certain foods for a certain period of time to determine their impact), reducing processed foods and sugars, increasing water intake, the timing of meals.

• Supplements may be recommended to assist any suspected deficiencies, assist your digest processes or support biochemical pathways in the body.

• Recommendations regarding lifestyle changes and advice as well as resource recommendations on how to implement those changes. This may include recommendations on how to reduce your chemical exposure on a day to day basis or practical ways to manage stress.

• Suggestions on additional function testing that may provide further insights into your health, including microbiome testing, food sensitivities, MTHFR gene testing.

Why would someone consider seeing a Functional Nutritionist?

Some of the common reasons that someone may work with a Functional Nutritionist include:

• You have received a diagnosis from your Doctor but no plan of action for the diagnosis other than medication. You want help putting a plan into place to support the root cause of the problem rather than just taking medication for the rest of your life – caveat: some people may need to stay on medication long term regardless of nutritional interventions depending on the condition they have.

• You want someone to really listen. You want to be able to share your thoughts and concerns and have the space to ask questions.

• You’re confused about what to eat for your condition or to optimise your health.

• You’re looking to be supported through the whole wellness process.

Not all natural health practitioners are created equal. Look for someone who is accredited with a registered association and has a minimum Advanced diploma of Nutritional Medicine.  

Every session is a safe, judgement-free space. You can talk through your health concerns, ask any questions you may have and take part in deciding the best course of action to support you.

I understand that a one-size-fits-all approach does not actually fit all. That’s why we’ll focus on practical solutions tailored to your lifestyle and goals.