Nutrition Services
Functional Nutrition Consultations
As a Functional Medicine practitioner, Dr. Beth offers in-person and remote nutrition consultations.
Functional nutrition is part of the holistic approach that functional medicine takes to identify and treat the root cause of chronic disease, illness, and pain. Nutrition uses food as a natural medicine to help restore balance to the body.
Functional Nutrition: Clinical Solutions for Addressing the Underlying Causes of Disease
You’ve probably heard the term, food is medicine. It is true; consuming a nutrient-dense diet is the foundation for health and wellness. In order to obtain optimal health, you must start with nutrition.
Food is a source of energy; the primary reason for eating is to obtain nutrients to fuel, build and repair our bodies. What we eat will literally build us up or tear us down. Food is a source of information; it tells our bodies how to perform and function in any and all situations. Food is connection; when we gather around the table, a sense of love, family and lasting memories are shared.
In recent years, the change in our food supply has greatly contributed to creating inflammation in our bodies, resulting in chronic disease. Processed foods containing chemicals, additives and preservatives have become commonplace in many households. Food has the capability to heal and harm.
Plant and animal foods contain elements that influence our DNA; namely, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are compounds found in plant foods. Typically, the more vibrant the color, the more powerful the antioxidant. Antioxidants boost immunity, reduce inflammation and repair tissues and can slow or reverse the aging process.
How Do We Change Our Relationship With Food?
- Choose fresh foods; foods from nature are best – colorful vegetables, nuts, seeds and fruits
- Make better choices over time
- Be more mindful – pay attention to how you feel before, during and after meals. For example, if you have an energy slump every day around 3-4pm, try evaluating what you had for lunch. Did you minimize the amount of sugar and processed carbohydrates you consumed?
- Avoid artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and chemicals and any other item on the ingredient list you have trouble pronouncing
- Choose foods with 5 or less ingredients on the label
- Work with Dr. Beth! She will help design a plan, keeping in mind your unique bio-individuality, and equip you with recipes, cooking ideas, useful kitchen gadgets/tools and food storage recommendations.