I’m a functional nutritionist.
AKA holistic health nerd and a major foodie.
I feel so lucky to be able to help clients get healthier and feel better through this important work.
But, what even is functional nutrition??
And how does it help people?
Let me break it down for you.
1. Functional nutrition focuses on improving cellular health with nourishing food
Your cells are the basic building blocks of your body. They make up your tissues, organs, and bones.
If your body’s cells are well-nourished, then you are setting your health up for success.
2. Functional nutrition addresses the whole person
There are some health practitioners in the world that focus on just one body system at a time.
The cardiac system, the digestive system, the reproductive system, and so on…
I believe that health is most powerfully achieved when the entire body is supported.
Functional providers know that every system within the body are all connected. They all work together.
By working to support the whole body on a foundational level, we can better ensure holistic wellness.
3. A bio-individual approach
Functional nutritionists know that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to nutrition.
We all have different nutrition needs due to varying factors.
There is no one diet that works for every person on Earth.
So, don’t hire a nutritionist who tells you otherwise!
4. Whole foods + nutrient density
No, not Whole Foods the grocery store, though I do love to shop there.
Whole foods are foods that are eaten in their whole form (meaning close to how they’re found in nature).
For example, pasture-raised meats, eggs, full-fat dairy, fruits, veggies, nuts, and minimally processed fats.
A functional nutritionist will encourage these types of foods and discourage processed, low-nutrient foods.
5. Functional nutrition helps reduce uncomfortable symptoms, but in a foundational way
Functional nutritionists want to help their clients achieve their health goals.
However, they aren’t symptom chasers or symptom managers.
By supporting the foundations of health, clients can experience increased wellbeing and reduced symptoms.
That’s because nutrient-dense, whole foods are supportive to your body’s healing processes.
Functional nutrition is a root-cause approach, not a symptom band-aid.
If you want to know which of your body systems is thriving and which need support, take my free nutritional assessment questionnaire.
You’ll get your result immediately and have newfound knowledge on that amazing body of yours!
Take care, friend.
P.S. I see clients 1:1 to help them ditch digestive discomfort and balance the body to feel lighter for good. Interested in working together? Apply here and then let’s chat about your specific needs.
Corie McInnis
Corie is a functional nutritionist in Asheville, N.C. She specializes in helping her 1:1 clients with digestive discomfort, fertility struggles, skin inflammation, mood imbalances and more. She believes that a nourishing diet can support the body's innate ability to heal. She's a big fan of grass-fed butter and will not shut up about the gut microbiome.