Unlock the Power of Functional Nutrition: Healthy Changes That Stick
Taking steps towards better health isn't always easy, but functional nutrition can make a lasting difference. Functional nutrition is an evidence-based approach that looks at the whole person, not just symptoms. By understanding how different factors like environment, genetics, and lifestyle affect your health, we can create personalized plans that work for you. This method focuses on using food and nutrients to address the root causes of health issues.
The Evidence-Based Approach of Functional Nutrition
Functional nutrition takes a detailed look at how food affects your body and overall health. This approach uses scientific evidence to guide dietary choices and lifestyle changes. By focusing on the root causes of health issues, we can create personalized plans that address your unique needs. Functional nutrition doesn't just treat symptoms but looks at the whole person, including their environment, lifestyle, and genetic makeup.
Lab tests play a crucial role in functional nutrition. These tests can reveal nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, bacterial overgrowths (SIBO, H. Pylori, candida, etc.) and other factors that affect your health. This detailed information helps us develop tailored plans that include specific foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes. For example, if a test shows low vitamin D levels, we would recommend foods rich in vitamin D and supplements to address the deficiency. This targeted approach ensures that every recommendation is backed by scientific evidence and tailored to your unique needs.
Common Myths vs. Facts About Nutrition
There are many myths about nutrition that can make it hard to know what's true. Here are some common myths and the facts to set the record straight:
1. Myth: All Fats Are Bad
- Fact: Not all fats are created equal. Healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, meat , eggs and olive oil are essential for brain health and other bodily functions. It’s the trans fats and seed oils like sunflower oil, soy oil, canola oil and grape-seed oil you want to avoid.
2. Myth: Carbs Make You Fat
- Fact: Carbohydrates in the form of whole grains can an essential part of a balanced diet for lean individuals. Almost everyone can eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables which will provide enough energy your body needs. While carbs from whole foods don’t usually make people fat, a high intake of grains still can cause blood sugar swings and cravings in addition to it being easy to overeat them which can contribute to weight gain.
3. Myth: More Protein Means More Muscle
- Fact: While protein is important for muscle repair, consuming excessive amounts won’t necessarily build more muscle. Balance is key; your body needs a variety of nutrients to function properly. While the common belief is that 1 gram per pound of weight is needed, science shows a tapering effect of increased consumption. That is why we recommend .8 grams per pound of ideal body weight.
4. Myth: Supplements Can Replace Food
- Fact: Supplements should complement your diet, not replace real food. Whole foods provide a complex mix of nutrients that work together in ways supplements can't replicate.
By busting these common myths, we help you make smarter, research-based choices about your nutrition. Understanding what's true and what's not is the first step towards making healthy changes that stick.
Tailored Nutrition Plans for Specific Health Conditions
Using personalized nutrition plans can make a big difference when dealing with specific health conditions. We focus on creating plans that fit each person's unique needs. For example, if you have diabetes, your plan will include foods that help control blood sugar levels and keep insulin low. Animal-based proteins, non-starchy vegetables, berries and nuts and seeds are some of the options we might suggest.
For those with digestive issues, we look at foods that are easy to digest and help reduce symptoms. A Paleo diet can be very beneficial because it eliminates hard to digest foods as well as the foods that are common food sensitivities (gluten and dairy).
If you have heart disease, we focus on reducing inflammation and blood sugar control. People with diabetes are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people without diabetes. Even prediabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, and can even lead to unrecognized heart attacks. For instance, One study found that prediabetes was associated with a 25% increased risk of heart attack. We are also very interested in the levels of your LDL subclasses which can be assess by a lipoprotein particle size test. Higher concentrations of small dense LDL particles are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Thankfully, subclass sizes can be modulated with diet and blood sugar control.
Condition-specific plans aren't just about food choices. We also recommend lifestyle changes that support your overall health. Simple things like getting regular exercise and managing stress can make a big difference. By creating a plan tailored to your needs, we help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
Understanding how to use insurance for nutrition visits can make getting help easier and more affordable. Many insurance plans cover visits to nutritionists and dietitians, meaning nutrition counseling is free! It's important to check with your provider to see what's included. Ask if you need a referral from your primary care doctor or if you can make an appointment directly. We have created checklists for our clients to verify their benefits.
HSA and FSA accounts can also cover lab tests that give us a clear picture of your health. These tests can check for nutrient deficiencies, hormone levels, and other important markers. With this information, we can create a nutrition plan that fits you perfectly.
Membership models offer additional benefits. These memberships often cover more frequent visits and tests, giving you ongoing support. They can help you stay on track with your health goals and make it easier to access the care you need.
Knowing how to use your insurance benefits can take away some of the stress and help you focus on your wellness journey.
Conclusion
Functional nutrition is a powerful tool for improving health and making changes that last. By taking an evidence-based approach, we address the root causes of health issues, rather than just treating the symptoms. This method uses lab tests and detailed assessments to create personalized nutrition plans tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're managing a specific health condition or looking to refine your healthy lifestyle, the personalized approach can significantly benefit you.
Using your insurance benefits can make nutrition visits and lab tests more accessible and affordable. Understanding what's covered and leveraging membership benefits can provide ongoing support and help you achieve your health goals.
Explore the benefits of functional nutrition and make healthy changes that stick. At Thrive Nutrition, we are committed to guiding you through every step of your wellness journey. Contact our licensed nutritionist in MN today to learn more about how our virtual functional nutrition approach can transform your health for the better.