What Is Functional Nutrition?

If you’ve landed here, you’re probably tired of being told “your bloods are normal” when you know your body isn’t right. You have probably tried many different things and still have symptoms, or you just know something isn't right.

You also don't want to go down the mainstream medical pathway, or maybe you tried that for a while, but it just doesn't feel right.

So you are correct, functional nutrition isn't MEDICINE. And it's not medical advice, we don't prescribe anything or call you patients.

What is functional nutrition? We are nutritionists who write protocols that are made up of diet, lifestyle, emotions, and supplements. 

Functional nutritionists are not dieticians.

We don't look at the food pyarmid and make recommendations on that alone. We do have our own food pyramid made up of eating as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Lots of protein and good quality healthy fats. We will tell you to stay away from ultra-processed foods and also make sure you can read your food label, makeup label, and understand the ingredients.

More importantly, we don't count calories, and we do more than just look at diet. 

What is Functional Nutrition - It looks Beneath the Surface

Functional nutrition asks why.

Why are you tired?

Why are you bloated?

Why can’t you sleep?

Why are your hormones all over the place?

As a functional nutritionist, I look at your data, your blood work, your functional tests, and your symptoms.

I take a health history. I look at your diet, profession, family life, birth, emotional load, environment, and whether you have been exposed to mould or heavy metals.

Then there are the questions like, what about parasites? What is your sleep like?

I ask a lot of questions. 

Then I connect the dots to figure out what’s really going on.

Because here’s the truth:

• You don’t feel tired because you missed your usual coffee.

• You don’t feel anxious because you need another pill.

• You don’t feel bloated because you ate bread.

• You don't have sore joints because you're getting old.

• You don't forget things and have constant brain fog because of baby brain.

• And you don't have stubborn weight just because of your diet

There’s always a reason. 

So, in a nutshell...what is functional nutrition? It's about finding that reason and then giving your body the support it needs to heal.

What to understand more of what functional nutritionists deem as the foundations of healing? Head to NTA (Nutritional Therapy Association) to read about their six key foundations to health.

It’s Personal, Not One-Size-Fits-All

I don’t believe in cookie-cutter protocols.

What works for your sister, your best friend, or that influencer on Instagram may not work for you.

Why? Because your body and life are different. No one person has the same exact protocol or needs.

This is key when trying to understand what is functional nutrition (and if you want to work with me).

And if you decide to work with a functional nutritionist like me, you will find everything is tailored to your needs. Yes, there are systems and frameworks I use that I have created from a decade's worth of clients (because we all want fast results, right?), but you are unique.

You'll find that...

• I test, I don’t guess.

• I give you the exact nutrients your body needs and make sure you can absorb them. 

• I support your drainage and detox pathways so your body can actually heal.

The Goal? Optimal and symptom-free health, Not Just “Normal”

The medical system is designed to find disease. If you don’t tick the disease box, you’re told you’re “fine.” But fine doesn't stop symptoms

I’m not here for FINE! And neither are you.

I’m here to get your energy back, to help you get pregnant, to have you sleeping so deeply again, to bouncing out of bed, and to FINALLY be fitting into those skinny jeans again.

I'm here for you and ALL your goals.

Why It Matters

When you support your body at the root cause, the ripple effects are huge.

You feel better, your family notices the difference, and you finally get to show up fully in your life.

That’s the power of functional nutrition.

So, don't feel you need to keep 'putting up' with your current existence.

What I want you take away from this post, is learning what is functional nutrition, so you can feel more empowered, AND know that you have options.

The amount times I have heard 'So, I'm not crazy?' 'Finally, someone who listens!' 'I knew there was something not right!' from clients is heartbreaking, but reality. However, it does not need to be your normal.

And I'm no stranger to health woes. If it weren't for my own personal journey, I would not be here serving you. You can learn more about my health story here.

Take action TODAY!

It's easy to read this and then think, cool I know what is functional nutrition, and then do nothing to improve your current state.

Nervous? Unsure? I get it. That's why I created Shelley Says So, a toe dip into functional nutrition and what it's like to work with me, while getting daily health hacks that can quantum leap your health.

Still have questions or want to know more? Please reach out to me and my team here. We're here to help and guide you along your journey right from the beginning.