Category: Nutrition

Functional nutrition is all about considering the wellness of the whole body. But you can’t accomplish that if you keep making functional nutrition mistakes. People make more nutrition mistakes than they realize.

This can prevent them from being as healthy as they could be. But what are these mistakes, and how can you avoid them? Keep reading and learn more about how functional nutrition works below.

Not Eating from Different Food Groups

Functional nutrition aims to treat a person’s symptoms by figuring out the role that the whole body plays. Suppose you’ve been feeling under the weather for a few days. A functional nutrition specialist will figure out what is causing those symptoms.

The specialist can then recommend a specific diet that can minimize those symptoms or make them disappear. Starting a diet is a great way to jumpstart your body and give it all the nutrition it needs. But many people start diets incorrectly.

They may follow the latest diet fads instead of what is right for them. Some people might try eliminating all dairy products, carbs, or sugars from their diet. But cutting out all of a particular food group is often not a good idea. This is because the body requires a well-rounded diet to stay healthy. 

Depriving your body of important nutrients is not what you need to stay healthy. 

Suppose you try to follow the keto diet and cut out all carbs from your diet.

The Details

The keto diet might help you lose weight, but it will not be suitable for your overall health, especially in the long term. This is because carbs are the body’s primary source of energy. You might feel fatigued and unwell after following this diet for some time.

This is also true for cutting out all sugar or all salt. Your body also needs these substances to survive and thrive. Without them, you may do more harm than good to your body.

You may feel slower and more fatigued, and you may feel weaker too. It is best to follow the diet that your functional nutrition specialist recommends. Most specialists will suggest that you follow a well-rounded diet of fresh food.

Avoiding junk food is a big factor. Many people eat more junk food than they realize. This can lead to all sorts of problems.

Prioritizing a diet of whole foods will be much more beneficial for your health.

Not Eating Enough Antioxidant-Rich Food

You might be wondering why junk food is so bad for your health. Junk food options are not sources of protein. They instead consist of empty calories.

You may eat them because you are hungry, but you will still be hungry after eating them. This is because they mainly consist of salt and sugar rather than real nutrition.

They are also filled with harmful chemicals that can pollute your body. This is in contrast to healthy whole foods, which are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for neutralizing free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable atoms that form in the body as a result of stress and other factors. Junk food may contribute to the number of free radicals in the body. This is because the harmful chemicals in junk food can damage the body on a cellular level.

Free radicals have been linked to accelerated aging, the development of cancer, and inflammation. Antioxidants are the opposite. They soothe inflammation and reduce stress.

They do this by limiting the number of free radicals in the damage. They also reduce the damage that free radicals do.

What You Need to Know

Antioxidants are found in a variety of fresh foods.

Vegetables and fruits are some of the most antioxidant-rich foods you can find. Other healthy foods include fish, beans, avocados, and more. Prioritizing these foods over junk food will change your body’s health.

You may find that you don’t feel as sluggish and heavy once you start eating healthier. You may also find that you don’t feel as bloated or fatigued. This is because antioxidant-rich foods are great for your digestive system and the rest of your body.

You may digest food more efficiently and without as many problems when changing your diet.

Not Heeding the Advice of Your Specialist

Functional nutrition specialists work hard to give you the best nutritional recommendations. Functional nutrition bloodwork is often necessary, as it shows what kind of vitamins and minerals you will benefit most from.

Your specialist can analyze your bloodwork results and see what foods will best optimize your health. But you won’t get very far if you don’t listen to your specialist. Some people go through the trouble of going to a nutritional specialist and still choose not to change their eating habits.

This will not allow you to gain the benefits of functional nutrition. It is best to grasp what your specialist says so you can benefit from their advice. Suppose your specialist says that you should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Then you go home and eat a bag of potato chips. This is not going to help your health. Taking the advice of your specialist seriously will create a noticeable change in your health.

But what if you don’t like the food that the specialist recommended? You can always find ways to incorporate healthy food into your diet. Try making a smoothie or baking something with healthy ingredients.

You can do this slowly or make a significant change at once. There are few rules to following a healthy diet as long as you choose the right foods. Antioxidant-rich foods should revamp your body’s health in no time.

The Most Common Functional Nutrition Mistakes

Many people make functional nutrition mistakes without realizing it. The best way to avoid these mistakes is to listen to your functional nutrition specialist. The specialist can tell you what kind of nutrition you need based on your bloodwork.

Following this recommended diet will help you give your body all the vitamins and minerals it needs. To learn more, check out the functional nutrition services we have.

 

Around 45% of the American population suffers from at least one chronic condition, showing just how common sickness is in our modern-day lives. As chronic illnesses are starting to affect so many people in their day-to-day lives, functional nutrition in Denver, CO, is one resource trying to help with this.

Chronic conditions have become more widespread, with more people having health concerns despite the fact that we are now so well educated on our health. Keep reading to discover how functional nutrition could help your health concerns.

1. Functional Nutrition Is Never the Same

The main point about functional nutrition is that it is different for everyone. This is not a one size fits all kind of nutritional program. Everyone with functional nutrition options will have a different path because your nutrition will specifically cater to your needs. Denver nutritionists will work with you to create a nutritional plan, charting a course of action that is only suitable for your lifestyle, health, and goals.

So this isn’t going to be like any other kind of diet that you may have tried, as it will benefit not only how you look and feel. It creates a more realistic nutritional plan that you can follow successfully—allowing you to take charge of your health through your diet and lifestyle.

2. Functional Nutrition Benefits Many Different People

If you are wondering what functional nutrition is, you probably want to know if it is right for you. Unlike a diet, functional nutrition is a plan used for each individual.

The good thing about this kind of nutrition is that it doesn’t follow the rules of a diet. It is created per person depending on their health needs and concerns.

Functional nutrition in Denver, CO, is based on a case-by-case system. It is unlike a typical diet that is only created to fix one or two issues—making it a good option for people looking to resolve those problems. It can be tweaked to fit any person and their health concerns for them to see the benefits. 

If you suffer from migraines and insomnia, your nutrition program will be made to help those issues. If you want to lose weight and have more energy, that will be the focus of your plan.

Functional nutrition changes per person, making it ideal for just about anyone, as it allows you to tackle multiple concerns through mindful nutrition.

3. Real Food Matters

One of the most vital aspects of functional nutrition is that it is centered around real food. Denver healthcare strongly focuses on eating whole foods rather than processed foods.

Real foods heal and provide what your body needs to operate as best as it can. In contrast, processed foods provide very little nutritional quality and can actually harm your body.

Whole food is a vital part of helping your body to recover and heal, especially if you have health issues centered around food and gut health.

The building blocks of a healthy life have to start with the kinds of foods you are eating because this is what supplies your body with fuel, which could make or break your health.

Though functional nutrition is not a diet per se, it focuses on healthy foods, as many health concerns could be linked to poor nutrition and processed foods.

4. Functional Nutrition Isn’t as Limiting

Unlike traditional diets, functional nutrition isn’t going to be as limiting. It focuses on more than how much or how little you will be eating. Many standard healthy diets center around calories and the food pyramid, while functional nutrition takes more into consideration, depending on the person.

It can help you to lose weight, but that often isn’t the main priority. It will also feel more relaxed, as the goal is not necessarily to eat less or cut calories.

Because of this, functional nutrition won’t make you feel as restricted in your diet. There will be limitations, but these will often be explained by Denver nutritionists.

The main focus will be on fueling your body with good food that will benefit your health—helping your body to heal itself so that you can feel better in the long term.

4. Functional Nutrition Is Gut Focused

Functional nutrition is often going to be highly gut-focused for each patient. This is because gut health is so vital in maintaining your overall health. Your gut health directly impacts your immune system, and the immune system directly relates to chronic conditions you may struggle with.

Each person will go through an assessment to see where their gut health is at so that your nutritional plan can be created around that important aspect. Because of this, most people will have a program focused on gut health, helping them to eat foods that are good for their gut and avoid foods that aren’t ideal. This is also where whole foods come in, as they are very important for good gut health.

Benefits of Functional Nutrition in Denver, CO

Functional nutrition in Denver, CO, is something everyone should consider, as it is for everyone, especially those looking to improve their health.

Unlike other diets, this is something that anyone could benefit from, especially if you have any health concerns or want to feel better in your body.

Are you interested in having a functional nutrition plan for your health? Contact us today at Dody Chiropractic Center for Wholeness for more information.

Studies show that 95% of diets will fail in the long run. This is because diets are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, you should find ways to improve your health on a personal level. 

One way you can do this is by learning more about functional nutrition. This approach allows you to look at your health holistically and use food as medicine. 

Do you want to learn more about living a healthier life with functional nutrition in Littleton, CO? Keep reading this guide to learn more about the top benefits of functional nutrition and to get started with a functional nutrition plan.  

Prevents Nutrient Deficiencies

One of the most significant benefits of practicing functional nutrition is that it can help you avoid nutrient deficiencies. In the United States, 31% of the population is at risk of having at least one vitamin deficiency or anemia. 

Because functional foods contain many essential nutrients, you can use functional nutrition to prevent nutrient deficiencies and ensure that your body gets the nutrients it needs to work properly. 

While you can find foods high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, you can also find fortified foods to add to your diet. Things like iron-fortified flour can help you prevent iron deficiencies and can help you avoid unnecessary health conditions. 

You Can Find Them in Many Sources 

Next, there are many sources of functional foods, which makes it easy to improve your diet. While some diets are very restrictive or specialized, you can follow a functional nutrition plan simply by making healthier choices. 

First, you can use conventional functional foods. These can include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and more! If these are difficult to access, you can use modified functional foods to improve your diet. This includes fortified grains, fortified juices, and even fortified dairy products. 

Many foods fit into a balanced diet. Because there are so many sources of functional foods, you can improve your diet, no matter your food preferences. 

Prevents and Protects Against Diseases. 

When you start prioritizing functional nutrition, it can also help you prevent and protect against disease. This is because functional foods include nutrients that are necessary to help your cells develop properly. For example, many functional foods are high in antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can cause cell damage and chronic health conditions. 

Learning how to fuel your body with functional nutrition in Denver, CO, can help prevent diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

Promotes Proper Development

Because functional nutrition keeps your body fueled adequately and prevents nutrient deficiencies, it also promotes proper development. This is especially important for young children and infants. 

If they don’t receive the proper nutrients from their food, it may lead to development issues, defects, and more. 

For example, a calcium deficiency can lead to lower bone density, bone loss, and even an increased risk of bone fractures. 

Offers a Scientific Approach

Many diets do not provide long-term benefits and are simply fads that will be replaced by other diets in the future. However, functional nutrition offers a scientific approach to improving your health. 

Your individual health plan starts with nutrition blood work. This allows your doctor to look at the imbalances in your body.

Once you know where your markers are, you can create a nutrition plan that will improve your specific imbalances rather than following a fad diet. 

It treats the Entire Body

While functional nutrition allows you to improve your diet, it also allows you to treat your entire body with more than just food. 

To truly improve your health, you may need to make many lifestyle changes. For example, your sleeping habits and even your stress levels can significantly impact your health. 

Getting help with functional nutrition in Littleton can help you identify other factors that affect your health. This way, you can treat your body holistically. 

Provides Individual Solutions

Another great benefit of functional nutrition is that it provides an individual solution. Everyone experiences different health problems, and these health problems have many different causes. 

What works for one person may not work for you, so you need a personalized plan to improve your health. Functional nutrition is based on blood work. Because of this, you will know exactly what your body needs and how you can enhance your individual health. 

Identifies Root Causes

Finally, functional nutrition can help you identify the root causes of all of your health problems. Rather than treating and masking the symptoms you are experiencing; functional medicine allows you to identify the root cause of your symptoms. 

This makes it easier to treat and prevent illness in a holistic way. It takes the guesswork out of treatment and allows you to recover more quickly. 

During your appointment with your doctor, they will try to identify why you developed symptoms rather than simply writing you a prescription. For example, you may have gotten sick due to poor nutrition or lack of sleep. 

Not only can this help you treat your existing health issues, but it can also help you prevent future health problems from developing. 

Need Help With Functional Nutrition in Littleton, CO? 

Functional nutrition provides many health benefits. Not only does it help you fuel your body, but it allows you to take a holistic approach to improve your health. Learning more about the benefits of Littleton functional nutrition can help you find the right plan for your needs. 

Do you need help with functional nutrition in Littleton, CO? Dody Chiropractic Center for Wholeness can help with functional nutrition, gentle chiropractic care, and neurofeedback training. 

Contact us for a free consultation on your functional nutrition coaching and to get help reaching your health goals. 

 

Did you know that ninety-two percent of the United States has a vitamin deficiency of some sort? Many people with vitamin deficiencies don’t even realize it – you could easily be one of them.

Even if your diet is full of nutritious foods, you may be missing out on certain essential micro-nutrients. Do you want to see what your nutritional deficiencies are?

If the answer to this is yes, you should consider having nutrition blood work done. If you’ve never heard of it, then don’t worry. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about blood work for nutrition and your next steps.

What Is Nutrition Blood Work?

Ideally, you can get all of your necessary nutrients from food. However, that can be harder to do than you would think. Some foods have more nutrients than others, and some have very little nutritional value.

Having blood work for nutritional deficiencies can help you find the gaps in your nutrition. The testing is quick and easy, often only takes about twenty minutes from start to finish. Then all you need to do is wait for your results.

Nutritional blood work provides a comprehensive look at your metabolic functions – specifically in your organ systems. It examines a variety of chemicals in the body to see how your nutrition levels are affecting your overall health.

Finally, it tests for various nutrients, chemicals, and minerals to assess if you have the proper levels. 

Knowing where you are nutritionally deficient is vital to your health. If you have a Vitamin C deficiency, that can make your immune functions break down. Likewise, Vitamin D is essential to teeth and bone health.

Many people don’t recognize the symptoms of nutritional deficiency. Having your blood work done can ensure you aren’t deficient, and if you are, it can indicate how best to get you back to health. 

Why Is Blood Work for Nutrition Important?

As stated before, many people don’t recognize the symptoms of nutritional deficiency. Even if you eat what you think is a nutritionally balanced diet, you may be missing things.

Whether you have a chronic illness, food allergies, or are looking for a better picture of how your diet affects your body, blood work for nutritional deficiencies is the answer.

Once you find out where your nutrition levels are, you can adjust your diet accordingly. The most minor changes in your diet can significantly benefit your mental and physical health.

Often, you don’t even need to change your diet a lot. You might just need more milk, citrus, or lean meat. Knowing how to change your diet will improve your quality of life by a great deal.

One of the biggest signs of nutritional deficiency is fatigue. Adjusting your diet will give you more energy back so you can do all the things you love.

If you don’t get blood work done so you can fix your diet, you’ll notice worse health problems. These can vary from depression to catching colds easier, and even to more breakable bones.

Understanding Blood Work for Nutritional Deficiencies 

There are hundreds of different types of nutritional blood tests you can get that can be used to diagnose nutritional deficiencies or conditions. Some of the most common tests are for vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and iron. These come in vitamin panel testing, mineral panel testing, and anemia testing.

You don’t need to worry about making sense of the blood work after it’s done. Your doctor will explain the results, what you’re doing well, and what you need to change.

What to Do After Your Blood Work Results

Once you’ve gotten your blood work results, you should probably talk to a doctor. They can tell you exactly how to change your diet. Some doctors can even help you develop a meal plan to fit this new diet.

Other doctors may recommend the use of functional nutrition. Functional nutrition is a holistic way of checking your body’s needs. Instead of looking at the symptoms of a health problem, functional nutrition attempts to correct the root cause.

There are many benefits of functional nutrition, all of which you can find out by scheduling an appointment. Functional nutrition, like non-holistic approaches, looks at your blood work to determine what you need.

The best thing about functional nutrition is that it prevents you from lacking key vitamins and minerals. This keeps you happy, healthy, and full of energy. It also makes your body stronger than it was before.

Another benefit of functional nutrition is that it can protect your body from certain diseases. Your immune system is directly tied to the kinds of food you eat. Introducing more Vitamin C to your diet can make cold and flu season easier for you.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Now that you know the importance of having nutrition blood work done, you’re ready to get your blood work done. Once you’re done with that, you should consider making an appointment to discuss functional nutrition with us.

There are many benefits to improving your functional nutrition. Doing so will improve your overall health. 

If you’re ready to get started on your journey toward better nutrition, you can schedule an appointment with us for a free consultation. Whether you come to us to improve your functional health or for one of our other services, you won’t regret it!

 

Did you know that the best foods for functional nutrition are minimally processed and contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients? To prevent yourself from being misled about what it takes to have a healthy diet, it is essential to understand helpful tips and tricks for starting a functional medicine diet.

Unfortunately, it is common for media sources to promote ineffective fad diets by using buzzwords that have recently emerged in the health food industry. Should you do a paleo, keto, vegan, or carnivore diet? Do you need to intermittent fast? When should I start changing what I eat?

We’ve written a guide to make things easier for you. Keep reading if you want to find out more.

What Is Functional Nutrition?

If you’ve heard people say the phrase, “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” then you’ll have a basic understanding of what functional nutrition is all about.

This phrase was coined by the famous physician Hippocrates many thousands of years ago. It summarizes what functional nutrition is all about.

Food is an essential component of health. Therefore, if you don’t eat well, you will put yourself at risk of developing many mental and physical problems.

On the other hand, you will become healthier if you start eating a more balanced diet.

Understand the Best Days to Start a Diet

There are several things that you’ll need to know to figure out when is the best time to start a healthy diet.

You might have a gut feeling that it is the right time to start a functional medicine diet. People often have wake-up calls that tell them it is time to embrace healthy eating.

This wake-up call could come after you visit a doctor who warns you that you’ll need to start taking medication if you don’t do something to start lowering your cholesterol.

Many people also start focusing on their best nutrition after having a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend or family member. 

It is a good idea to set a clear goal if you feel that it is time to start a functional medicine diet. 

Here are some of the best days for beginning a new diet:

After Your Birthday

People often refer to this as the “fresh start effect.” This is because people are more likely to take action to achieve their important goals after landmark occasions.

It is a good idea to start your functional nutrition diet on your birthday or right afterward. This decision will make you less likely to meditate on your past mistakes.

You will also be more likely to take a big-picture perspective on your life on your birthday.

The Start of the Week

The first day of the week is also a great day for new beginnings. You can take advantage of this by choosing to make the commitment to make lifestyle changes on a Monday.

Another reason it is wise to start dieting is a Monday is because people tend to indulge themselves by eating unhealthy foods on the weekend. It is easy to press the “reset” button on Mondays.

Any Day in the Fall

Once the holidays approach, people are more tempted to eat sugary foods that are not usually healthy. Most people need to spend several months losing weight that they’ve put on during this time of the year. You won’t have to worry about eating unhealthy foods during the holiday season if you make a resolution in October to start making the best possible nutrition choices.

After You Make an Important Life Change

It is a great time to focus on functional nutrition if you’re about to start a new routine. This might require you to make small changes to accomplish your most important dietary goals.

This could involve starting every morning by eating a healthy breakfast. You can also reduce the amount of sugar and creamer you add to your morning coffee.

Tips for Following a Functional Medicine Diet

There is no single meal or diet plan that will encompass a functional nutrition eating style. Don’t just follow the fad diets. It will involve committing yourself to consuming many different kinds of foods that are not processed. Find out what your body needs. 

Here are some of the most important principles to focus on:

Look For Quality Nutrients

There are many different kinds of foods that you can buy at the supermarket that are highly processed. Even though these foods can be tasty, you should avoid eating them.

Instead, focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods that are not processed.

Help Your Body Detoxify

Toxins can cause disease. You can eliminate toxins from your body by consuming whole foods. For example, colorful produce, like red cabbage and rainbow carrots, are loaded with antioxidants.

Antioxidants help the body to detoxify. You can also get rid of toxins by eating a fiber-rich diet. And don’t forget to consume plenty of probiotics such as yogurt, kombucha, and kimchi.

Focusing on detoxifying your body will make it easier for you to overcome mental illnesses such as depression.

Use Supplements If You Need Them

If you want to fill in a nutrient gap in your diet, you should start using supplements. It would be best if you visited a healthcare professional to find out what types of supplements will be most helpful for you.

A qualified health professional will do the blood tests needed to determine precisely what you are missing in your diet. Knowing what is going on in your body via testing will fill in the gaps from what you may not be getting in your healthy whole-food diet.

Start a Functional Medicine Diet Today

If you’ve been wondering when is the best day to start a functional medicine diet, remember that every day is the right day to start eating healthy foods.

Are you looking for support to improve your diet? If so, our team of experts is here to help you. Don’t hesitate to find out more about the functional nutrition services that we offer.

 

Believe it or not, your body’s default state is normally in constant regeneration mode. However, in times of illness, your body may lose its natural state of health. When the body is not in a natural state of health causes degeneration or the breakdown of cells. The potential to get your body back on track lies in healthy nutrition, herbs, fasting, and other healing modalities. Did you know that humans have the ability to regenerate their tissues if they have the right tools? Functional nutrition can help you heal your body. Continue reading for some valuable tips toward a healthier life.

What Is Functional Nutrition?

If you haven’t been gaining the benefits of functional nutrition, then your body is missing out. There are so many ways to help your cells and organs rejuvenate and regenerate through nutritious foods and fasting.

Functional nutrition takes into account your body’s specific needs. Rather than following a generic diet, functional nutrition focuses on your personal genetics, lab values, and lifestyle.

A healthy, nutritious diet and fasting can slow down the aging process and renew your health. Regular exercise and caloric restriction can increase the bone marrow’s stem cell content and reduce stress and inflammation in your body.

How Can Fasting Help?

Fasting causes your body to turn on sirtuins. These genes can actually help to repair DNA and keep other genes that cause aging silent. Studies with mice have shown that fasting causes cells to break down fatty acids instead of glucose. This caused stem cells to become more regenerative.

The results also showed regenerative effects in the intestines, making it possible to treat infections or cancers that affect this area. They even found that stem cells in mice that had fasted for 24 hours had doubled their regenerative capacity!

This study goes to show that the value of nutrition for tissue regeneration not only includes what you eat but when you eat as well.

What Can Tissues Functional Nutrition Help?

1. Nerve Regeneration

Did you know that functional nutrition can help you to regenerate your nerves? Studies have shown that blueberry, green tea, and carnosine are able to aid in stem-cell regeneration in animals with neurodegenerative diseases. Some examples are Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and motor neuron disease.

In addition, herbs such as ashwagandha, red sage, ginseng, coffee, theanine, lion’s mane mushroom, and curcumin were all found to have neurogenic effects.

2. Liver Regeneration

Your liver can also regenerate using a compound known as glycyrrhizin, found in licorice. Other substances include oregano, curcumin, Korean ginseng, Vitamin E, and rooibos. 

Eating healthy foods such as broccoli promotes liver function and reduces your blood’s inflammation. Mushrooms are another great detoxifier for your liver cells.

Moringa extract is another one to try if your liver needs protection from drugs and chemicals. 

3. Skin Tissue

The largest organ of the body is the skin, and it is one tissue that easily regenerates. Normal skin healing happens every two weeks unless the tissue is damaged; then, it happens more quickly. We also see skin restored when we get a cut or scrape, and the body heals itself sometimes with scar tissue leftover.

The skin responds well to vitamins E, A, B, K, D, selenium, and zinc. It also responds well to foods that contain healthy fats. Foods that contain healthy fats include avocados, fish, coconut oil, nuts, and seed. These can help your skin stay firm, supple, and moisturized.

Another supplement that has been show to create healthier skin is collagen. It increases skins elasticity and hydration by enhancing the natural production of collagen proteins and amino acids.

4. Cardiac Cell Regeneration

New research is finally showing that the body can regenerate cardiac cells. Heart-tissue regenerating compounds are known as neocardiogenic substances. Some of these can regrow heart cells, which then restore healthy heart tissue. 

Resveratrol, Siberian ginseng, red wine extract, Geum Japonicum, and N-acetyl-cysteine are just a few of these regenerative heart substances. 

Other new studies show that stem cells can regenerate heart cells through the placenta.

You can also try moringa extra to prevent heart damage and also increase stem cell production.

5. Insulin-Producing Beta Cells

Although not often used in the medical community, research has shown that some natural compounds can regenerate insulin-producing beta cells. Healthy beta cells are essential in reversing diabetes. 

Beta cells get destroyed in insulin-dependent diabetes. In theory, restoring the beta cells can improve a diabetic’s health to the point where they no longer need insulin. Vitamin D, turmeric, avocado, chard, stevia, goldenseal, bitter melon, and arginine are some substances that can help regenerate beta cells.

6. Hormone Regeneration

Hormones are a vital part of our body’s daily function. It is possible to regenerate hormones by increasing the endocrine glands’ ability to secrete more hormones. Vitamin C, as a supplement, as well as foods rich in vitamin C, has been shown to help in place of hormone replacement therapy.

Vitamin C is a potent electron donator. What this means is that it can give electrons to restore function in hormones such as testosterone, estradiol, estrogen, and progesterone. This vitamin can also support the liver and ovaries, both of which help produce active hormones in the body.

7. Cartilage Regeneration

For those suffering from osteoarthritis, there is hope. Herbs and supplements such as Boswellia, fish oil, nettle, glucosamine, chondroitin, and vitamin E, are just a few that can improve joint tissue and regeneration.

Supplements like collagen hydrolysate keep joints moving more comfortably. Collagen is the connective fiber matrix that is the basis for your ligaments, cartilage and bones.

8. Spine Regeneration

Similar to cartilage and joint regeneration, many supplements show promise in helping with the recovery of a spinal cord injury. They include vitamins C and E, cannabis extracts, and curcumin. 

9. Neural Stem Cell Regeneration

Spirulina is a cyanobacterium that is full of nutrients. It can help with stem cell creation and prolong healthy brain function. The coffeeberry fruit extract is another supplement that can help improve brain activity. It can even slow down the aging process that causes stress.

Like regeneration in other areas of your body, curcumin present in turmeric can help your body make new brain cells. It is also well known for reducing inflammation in your body. 

Ready For Your Functional Nutrition Plan?

If you enjoyed learning about how you can restore your body to its natural health but aren’t sure where to start, then we can help. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to your health and maintaining a proper diet.

Luckily our team of professionals can help you find the best nutritional plan for you. There’s never a better time to put your health first. Get started on your functional nutritional plan today. Click here to learn more.

 

No matter where we’re at in life, we deserve to look and feel our best. Investing in our health habits can ensure we’re able to make the most of our overall quality of life. That’s why you should consider implementing functional nutrition in your health routine.

Functional nutrition is a holistic, comprehensive way of evaluating your body’s needs. Instead of looking at various symptoms of any health-related issues, this kind of treatment targets the root causes. 

There are many potential associated benefits of functional nutrition. Fortunately, we’ve outlined five of the most essential ones below. Keep reading to learn how functional nutrition might be just what you need. 

1. Protect Your Body from Potential Diseases

Your diet directly affects your immune system. With functional nutrition guided by a well-trained specialist, you can promote your immunity in a variety of ways. 

For instance, consuming more citrus foods could be an excellent place to start. Your nutrition specialist, though, will have even more advice as to how to use the foods you eat to keep you safe from potential diseases. 

2. Prevent the Lack of Key Vitamins and Minerals

There are so many ways that the most common modern dietary habits lack what we need to support our body’s overall health. Essential vitamins and minerals are not a part of most processed foods or meals at local restaurants. 

The consequences can be severe when we lack those critical molecules in our bodily systems. Functional nutrition helps to ensure that outcome. Natural, organic, and nutritionally packed foods do a much better job of keeping us happy, healthy, and high-energy. 

3. Support Your Mental Health, Too

Probiotics can play a large part in easing both depression and anxiety. Your mental health will benefit when you learn to consume the most functional foods to boost nutrition. In particular, a more nutritious diet will likely include more probiotics. 

The microbes in your gut have a direct connection to your body’s central nervous system. In other words, your tummy is always in close contact with your brain. When you invest in the health and vitality of the gut, the improvement of the brain’s function and positivity will follow.

4. Stay Focused and Energized Throughout Your Day

A lot of processed foods aggravate our system and gut biome. This discomfort can lead to lower energy levels and a lack of motivation. For instance, we might be more inclined to sit on the couch and binge-watch movies. 

Instead, a more intentional and nutritious diet can refocus our attention on the things that matter most to us. Fruits, nuts, and soybeans, in particular, are known to aid in energy levels. Your functional nutrition specialist can help you decide which foods might be ideal for helping you avoid sluggish or low-energy tendencies. 

5. Meet Your Body’s Unique, Specific Needs

Healthy eating should look different for everyone. That’s because specific bodily needs are different for everyone. 

A comprehensive health consciousness, with the aid of a nutrition specialist, will improve your entire quality of life. Your functional nutritionist will specifically work with you on how your eating habits have affected your health in the past and how they can improve your health throughout the future. 

Invest in Reputable Functional Nutrition Today

If you’re ready to optimize your healthy living habits, functional nutrition is the key for you.

That’s why our team of experts specializes in this form of highly trained guidance and treatment. We hope you take the time to learn more about our functional nutrition services available today.  

Did you know certain foods can actually improve your mood? Functional nutrition shows that what people eat affects their thoughts and feelings. If you’re ready to understand functional nutrition therapy and how it can help depression, keep reading.

You are what you eat. Getting the proper nutrients is critical for your overall health. You could get sick or deal with mental health issues if you aren’t getting the proper nutrients.

Research shows that what you eat has a direct relationship with depression. In this guide, you’ll learn about the importance of functional nutrition therapy and how it can help depression. 

Check out our tips below for more information.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

The gut-brain axis mediates a relationship between mental health and nutrition. There’s communication between your CNS and your gut microbes.

We see this same connection with other systems in the body. These interactions also occur with branches of the immune and endocrine systems.

Gut microbes and intestine cells create signaling molecules. These molecules message your brain and influence your emotional and mental functioning.

Signals travel in the other direction. Your emotional and mental state can affect how well your future functions. The foods you consume regularly will impact your mental health.

If a healthy gut biome helps, our standard American diet hurts the environment for those beneficial bacteria. Begin eliminating some of the processed foods and junk food from your diet.

What Kind of Gut Molecules Affect Your Mental Health?

The gut microbes will create different compounds affecting brain function and chemistry. These natural brain chemicals include neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). All of these substances help healthy brain processes.

Gut microbes produce bile acids, lactate, and vitamins. These metabolites will get created by gut microbes. There are three pathways where they interact and modulate emotional behavior.

Mental Health, Depression and Probiotics

Probiotics can improve your cognitive functions and mood.

Some people even report lowered anxiety and stress levels. Since the microorganisms live in your gut like probiotics, try and maintain gut health.

Probiotics will produce and express different neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters affect sleep, mood, and appetite.

Sometimes, probiotics can even lower inflammation in your body. Learn more about how to reduce the inflammation in your body.

Eat gut-healthy foods like probiotic yogurt and fermented vegetables. Some fermented foods are sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, and pickles.

Consume Whole Foods

Transitioning from processed or packaged foods to whole foods will benefit your health.

Eating whole foods that you buy from a farmer often has higher levels of nutrients and minerals. Most packaged foods have preservatives and are high in sodium.

Increase your nutrient consumption by consuming berries, dark green vegetables, and whole grains. Improve your gut health and overall energy levels.

Notice how you feel after eating your meals. People often report feeling sluggish after eating certain foods. Start using a food diary and track what you eat. 

Understanding the Importance of Functional Nutrition

Did you find this guide helpful on functional nutrition? Certain foods can help reduce inflammation levels in your body and improve your mood. 

Look at consuming whole foods and buying from local farmers. The closer the food is to the farm, the better it is for you.

You might also want to work with a nutritional counselor to understand nutrition better. A professional can help you customize your diet and supplement needs.

Would you like to improve your health? Contact us today for a free consultation. We would love to work with you.

Did you know around two billion people don’t get enough vitamins and minerals in their diet? 

When life gets busy, it can be easy to neglect your health. Between family life, work, and everything else in between, you might forget to fuel your body properly.

If you haven’t been feeling yourself lately or if you’ve been more tired than usual or feeling weak, it may be time to get a nutrition blood test. If you’re wondering if this test is right for you, then keep reading. We are going to go over everything you need to know. 

Why Is Blood Testing Important?

Your body needs a combination of macro and micronutrients. Your macros are going to consist of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Your micros are going to be minerals and vitamins. Each one of these is vital. You may not feel the best if you lack any macro or micronutrients.

A doctor will perform a nutrition blood test and compare your results to a reference range. They will look at your hormone levels, gut health, how your organs are functioning, and much more. Once you have your results, you’ll be able to see any vitamin deficiencies. 

Causes 

There are a number of different reasons why you may have low vitamin and mineral levels. You may not be consuming enough fruits and vegetables. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, be sure you’re eating a balanced diet. 

If you’re consuming a variety of whole foods and your nutrition panel still shows deficiencies, your body may be having trouble absorbing what it needs. This lack of nutrients may be a more significant issue you should discuss with your doctor. 

Evaluate how much alcohol you’re consuming, as that can hinder the body from obtaining what it needs. Pregnancy and menopause can also cause changes in the body, and you may need a vitamin supplement. 

Effects

You’ll feel different effects depending on which vitamin you’re deficient in. For example, you may feel weak, tired, and dizzy if you lack iron. Iron deficiency commonly affects pregnant and menstruating women due to blood loss.

As a busy parent with children that bring home the occasional virus, you need to be sure you have enough vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps strengthen your bones and combat muscle soreness. As we have found out through research, a lack of Vitamin D can lead to more illnesses. 

The Test

Having testing performed can be overwhelming and stressful. However, a nutrition blood test is simple, so don’t let it stress you too much. Professionals at the lab draw the blood we need for analysis. 

After getting your blood drawn, our clinic will create a personalized report. Then, the doctor will be able to explain the panel and give you peace of mind. They will also be able to advise you on your diet and how medications are affecting you. 

Nutrition Blood Test

You want to be the best version of yourself for your family. Don’t waste time and get your nutrition blood test done right away.

Find out if you’re lacking in vitamins and minerals today so you can start fueling your body and feeling your best. If you have any questions or if you’re ready to schedule your test, click here. 

Did you know that chronic inflammatory diseases are the biggest cause of death in the world? It includes diseases like stroke, cancer, heart diseases, obesity, and diabetes. They are expected to rise more and more over the next thirty years. What we eat can have a massive impact on inflammation in our bodies. Functional nutrition near me can help you reduce inflammation. It could also reduce your risk of developing certain diseases.

Let’s delve into what functional nutrition is and find out how it can help reduce inflammation.

Inflammation Guide – What Causes Inflammation?

We’ve all had a bump at one time or another that has caused localized inflammation. The redness, swelling, and bruising we associate with inflammation are part of the body’s immune response and help us heal. But this can also go on inside and affect systems we cannot see.

Chronic inflammation happens when there is no longer a threat, but your body continues to send out inflammatory cells. This can cause joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, and rashes.

It’s associated with many serious conditions. Autoimmune conditions can cause chronic inflammation, as can lifestyle factors.

What Is Functional Nutrition?

Functional nutrition is an aspect of functional medicine.

Functional medicine treats you as a whole person rather than treating a single symptom or set of symptoms. It looks at every aspect of your life, including stress, nutrition, and sleep. The goal of functional nutrition is to solve current problems and help to prevent future problems from developing.

Reducing chronic inflammation can help many people to see significant improvements in their overall health.

Functional Nutrition Guide

Functional nutrition begins with a consultation with a functional medicine doctor.

They will discuss the symptoms you are experiencing and any medical conditions diagnosed in your medical history. They’ll talk to you about your personal health goals. Specifically where you are now and where you want your health to be in the future.

They will order functional nutrition bloodwork. Having lab work will allow the doctor to get a picture of your current state of health and establish a baseline to compare future results to.

Once they have the bloodwork report, the doctor will schedule a consultation to discuss the results. They’ll provide practical nutrition tips in the form of a healthy eating plan. They may also recommend certain supplements to help you achieve optimal levels of nutrition.

You can reduce inflammation levels by identifying the foods that are triggering inflammation in the body. This can help to improve your symptoms and give you a better quality of life.

The Benefits of Functional Nutrition

Functional medicine recognizes that we’re all individuals – even if we’re experiencing the same symptoms!

That’s why it’s so important to treat each person individually. A tailored healthy eating plan may help you reduce the symptoms you are currently experiencing. It can also set you up for better health in the long run. 

Functional nutrition can benefit people suffering from inflammatory conditions. These conditions include arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Find Functional Nutrition Near Me

Functional medicine treats you as an individual. Functional nutrition is a big part of that. By adjusting your diet, you may be able to experience reduced inflammation and see a significant improvement in your quality of life!

There’s no need to start Googling ‘functional nutrition near me’. You’re already in the right place. At Dody Chiropractic Center for Wholeness, we take care of the whole person.

Why not schedule a free consultation with us today?