Welcome to the
Functional Nutrition Blog
Where we share in-depth, science-based nutritional know-how that you can apply right now
Eating for Immunity: How to Support Your Immune Health
Picture this: it’s the middle of flu season. Your coworker is sneezing nonstop, your family is fighting off colds, and the person behind you in the grocery line sounds like they’ve swallowed a foghorn. Yet, somehow, a handful of people seem completely unfazed—healthy, energetic, and breezing through flu season while others catch every bug going around. What’s their secret?
Your Guide to Guilt-Free, Gut-Friendly Holiday Eating
The holidays are a time to celebrate with good food, great company, and traditions that make you feel connected. They’re meant to be fully enjoyed, and we should do just that. However, with all the delicious options on the table, it’s easy to overindulge and feel a bit sluggish or bloated. But here’s the best part: you don’t have to skip your favorites to feel your best. By practicing a few mindful, digestion-friendly habits, you can enjoy every bite, stay comfortable, and support your gut health—all while soaking up the holiday joy.
Fueling ADHD Focus: The Science-Backed Way to Boost Dopamine and Protect Your Brain
When it comes to ADHD, boosting dopamine is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s not just about getting more dopamine into your system—it’s about making sure your brain has what it needs to produce it naturally, keep levels steady, and make sure it’s sticking around long enough to keep you focused and feeling good.
Cell Health: Why It’s at the Root of Everything
When we think about health, it’s easy to focus on how we feel each day—our energy, mood, or digestion—but the real key lies much deeper.
It all starts with our cells.
Gut-Brain Axis: The Secret to Mental Clarity
Ever had that gut feeling? Turns out, it’s more than just intuition—it’s your gut-brain axis at work. This powerful connection between your digestive system and brain is key to your overall well-being, especially when it comes to mental clarity and focus.
The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health and Simple Practices to Help You Restore Balance
Life can be an emotional rollercoaster—whether it's the stress of managing family responsibilities or the overwhelm of juggling commitments–you name it—it can feel like a lot. ut here's the thing: our mental health is directly connected to our physical health. Keeping track of how we feel and having a plan to cope and restore can make a huge difference in our overall wellness. Here’s why and what you can do about it.
Real Detox Explained: Understanding Your Body's Natural Processes
As summer approaches, we all yearn for that fresh, energized feeling that comes with the season, and we want to feel fantastic in our skin. Meanwhile, the buzz about detox is inescapable—from your local juice bar to your Instagram feed, it seems everyone has a method or product that promises to cleanse your system and enhance your well-being. But before you dive into any detox regimen, it's crucial to understand what detoxification really involves and how to approach it wisely. It’s not just about recovering from a weekend of indulgence; it's about supporting your body's natural processes every single day.
Resistant Starch: The Secret Ingredient for a Healthy Gut
As huge gut health proponents over here, we’re constantly looking for ways to support our digestive system. So, I wanted to share a favorite topic that doesn't get enough airtime but is seriously amazing for your gut: resistant starch. This hidden gem can truly transform your gut health and support many other systems in your body. And the best part? It's super easy to weave into your daily meals, so it can be a powerful addition to anyone’s diet.
Blood Sugar Balance: Why It Matters More Than You Think
You might have heard about the importance of balancing your blood sugar, but do you really know what that means? To understand this, let’s start with the definition of blood sugar.
Leptin and Your Gut: Navigating Your Way Through Cravings and Weight Management
Ever feel like you're always hungry, even if you've just eaten? Or maybe you find yourself grazing all day (or perhaps those irresistible cravings for something sweet seem to come out of nowhere)? A lot of people do! But hear me out: it’s really not your fault.
5 Tiny Habits To Improve Your Gut Health in the New Year
As we welcome the New Year, jumping into big, sweeping changes is tempting. But let's remember: true, lasting transformation happens in small, sustainable steps, not overnight overhauls. Sometimes, we aim really high–it’s in our nature. However, not only can that add to an already-looming sense of overwhelm, but when we aim high and miss, we end up feeling like we've failed…and that's the last thing we need.
How to Stick to a Supplement Routine
Supplements play an integral role in the holistic journey we undertake with our clients. These little powerhouses aid in bridging nutritional gaps, combatting gut pathogens, expediting recovery, and more.
Let’s explore some of our favorite strategies for keeping up with what we consider to be a very important health habit. With a little bit of organization, we can get you on your way to a successful path to healing, recovery and optimal wellness.
The Sweet Trap: How Sugar Impacts Kids' Development
Sugar – it's a word that brings joy to many, especially kiddos. Sugary delights are pervasive in the Western Diet, from birthday parties to everyday treats. While indulging in sweet treats occasionally is okay, excessive sugar consumption can have a SIGNIFICANT impact on a child's development. Our kids are given sugar all day - at school, sports, and outings. As a mom, that can feel very defeating.
However, after reading below, I hope you will feel reenergized for the work ahead and not stop trying to minimize the amount of sugar our kids are exposed to. This blog post will explore how sugar affects various aspects of kids' development, from physical health to cognitive and behavioral changes.
Ready to Move on from Constipation?
Constipation is a challenging gastrointestinal issue that many of my clients struggle with, causing both physical discomfort and major frustration. To compound the issue, there's often a lack of understanding and support. It's crucial to recognize that constipation is a problem and should be treated with more than simple fixes like Miralax and prune juice.
While there's absolutely no shame in using medication to manage health issues, it's worth exploring natural approaches that can often resolve the issue instead of simply manage it. Constipation is common, but not normal.
Does a gluten-free diet help improve symptoms of ADHD?
In my practice, I often recommend a gluten-free diet for individuals with ADHD. ADHD is a disorder of increased inflammation, and one contributing factor becoming more apparent in research is Leaky Gut. What contributes to Leaky Gut?….GLUTEN.
Probiotics and Blood Sugar Management
It is estimated that an astonishing one out of every three adults has pre-diabetes or diabetes. Recognizing the worldwide impact of type 2 diabetes (T2D), it becomes crucial to identify the underlying causes and practical strategies for preventing and addressing this issue. A number of studies have indicated that probiotics could be advantageous for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Here are several potential pathways through which probiotics might influence T2D:
Protein And Why It Matters For Your Gut
Protein is having a moment. And it should, given the vast array of functions it plays in the body. When we think of protein, we consider building muscle and optimizing metabolism. However, protein is also vital for overall gut health. Protein metabolites not only feed our gut bacteria, but they also play pivotal roles in supporting immunity and strengthening our defenses.
Alcohol’s Gut Influence
When it comes to our overall health and well-being, we often overlook the intricate relationship between what we consume and the state of our gut. The gut is not only responsible for digestion but also plays a crucial role in our immune system, mental health, nutrient absorption, and many other things. Here we explore the effects of alcohol consumption on gut health, focusing on conditions such as leaky gut, gut inflammation, and impaired nutrient absorption.
6 Simple and Delicious Ways to Boost Fiber
A healthy diet is essential for overall well-being, and one key component to prioritize is fiber intake. Fiber plays a vital role in gut health, weight management, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. However, incorporating enough fiber into your daily diet can be challenging. Here we discuss six simple strategies to increase fiber in your diet.
Exploring Berberine: A Natural Option for Blood Sugar Management and Gut Health
There has been a growing interest in natural compounds and their potential health benefits in recent years. Berberine, a bioactive plant compound derived from various herbs, has gained significant attention for its remarkable effects on blood sugar regulation and gut health. This blog post delves into the fascinating properties of berberine and its impact on managing blood sugar levels while promoting a healthy gut microbiome.