What is Functional Nutrition?
Nessa Nutrition is based on the model created by Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM).
It is based on an individualized and patient-centered approach focusing on the person instead of the symptom. For instance, two people can have constant headaches for completely different reasons.
Thus, the process involves working side by side with each patient to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness. It requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors, which ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes. There are no generic meal plans or handouts, because each individual person is different and the plan is created accordingly.
While functional nutrition honors the powerful nature of wholesome food, it also respects that there is more to health than what you eat. Exercise, sleep, stress and daily habits, as well as emotions, do play an important role in your overall health.
As a functional nutritional therapist, I will embrace your uniqueness and use it to tailor your individualized nutrition recommendations respecting where you are in life and taking into account your own pace.
How does it work?
No matter where you are in your path to a healthier and more fulfilling life, nutrition is an invaluable tool to be used alongside lifestyle factors, including stress management and exercise. Given that biochemistry varies greatly from one person to the next, a thorough investigation is done based on patient medical history, body functions, symptoms, and frequent communication for better understanding of each individual’s need. Additionally, several tools can be applied to analyse your genetic predisposition, your metabolic health and your absorption of nutrients. We can use personalized lab testing, functional food as medicine, and lifestyle interventions to further your healing process. We work closely with you to find a nutrition plan that is realistic for your lifestyle, while also reducing unwanted symptoms and restoring balance in the body.
The journey to your objectives brings many lessons and shines a light on what else you get out of trying to reach your goals. The path is where you learn. Where you grow. In some ways, achieving goals is just a by-product of your journey. Yes, you lose weight, but you also walk away with new healthy habits, not to mention the gratifying knowledge that you have what it takes.