Photo by Christian Erfurt

Originally Posted On: https://dodychiro.com/how-functional-nutrition-therapy-can-reduce-your-fatigue/

It’s true what they say about nutrition– you are what you eat. And for those reeling from the effects of quarantine and the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus on health has never been higher. Nutrition is one way to help improve our health and wellness.

We all know that eating a donut affects our body differently than eating a carrot. According to the International Food Information Council, 20% of Americans are eating healthier than they were pre-pandemic. Half of the respondents even admitted to becoming more mindful about processed foods.

If you are struggling to get back into the swing of things post-pandemic, your diet should be the first thing you look at to help. To understand how functional nutrition therapy may improve your energy and overall quality of life, keep reading.

FINDING THE ROOT CAUSE OF FATIGUE

Highly processed foods with minimal nutritional value have been directly linked to inflammation and symptoms like joint pain and low energy. Adults who eat a nourishing diet dramatically increase their life expectancy. This increase in lifespan is possible by managing inflammation and lowering their risk for cancer, obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Fatigue is often a symptom of imbalances and nutritional deficiencies in the body. Accompanying symptoms of these deficiencies may present as:

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Chronic sore throat
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Depression

If you have been living with these symptoms without relief, it’s time to consider a tailored approach to your treatment. A health provider will conduct appropriate lab work and develop a diet and treatment plan to fill in the gaps. This treatment plan may include a personalized meal plan, gut support, and supplements to address the cause of your symptoms.

THE PILLARS OF FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION THERAPY

Functional nutrition therapy is a holistic approach to a patient’s overall health. A functional nutrition expert can recommend a nutrition plan by considering an individual’s genetics, personal lab results, and lifestyle. The five areas of focus in a functional nutrition plan are:

1. Receiving all essential macro and micronutrients
2. Food quality and avoiding processed foods
3. Avoiding toxic food and growing conditions
4. Prioritizing gut health
5. Tending to the microbiome

To improve fatigue, you must first look at how your body is using its fuel. This unique fuel usage is known as bio-individuality and is determined by:

• A comprehensive evaluation of your medical history
• A thorough review of how your organs are functioning
• An assessment of diet, lifestyle, medication, and supplement usage
• Nutrient test to discover potential deficiencies.

Those who take the extra step to eat for their bio-individuality will do even more for their body than just following the latest trends. Functional nutrition is all about considering your phase of life, your personal macro and micro-nutrient deficiencies, and the type of activities you are asking your body to perform while determining how to nourish yourself.

FIND A PARTNER IN WELLNESS

If you have been struggling with fatigue and illness, eating a balanced, nourishing approach to your diet may transform your quality of life. If you are suffering from low energy or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, we’re here to tell you that it is possible to get your life back. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of nutritional guidance out there, don’t worry– that’s what we’re here for, to help you out. We want to make sure you are in the right place to get the care you need. Begin your 15-minute professional nutrition evaluation today at no charge. Start by scheduling that evaluation online at your convenience or give our clinic a call- 303-794-1737.