Functional Medicine FAQs
If you want to learn more about Functional Medicine health coaching and testing options, you have found the right place!
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine addresses the actual cause of your symptoms instead of suppressing them. It looks at why your body is having these symptoms (gut imbalances, vitamin/mineral imbalances, stress induced, depression/anxiety…the list is endless).
Take psoriasis, for example - conventional medicine may prescribe topical steroids or an immune-suppressing pharmaceutical to relieve your symptoms. As soon as you stop using the cream or taking the drug, your symptoms come back. A functional medicine approach would look at what is causing your immune system to react this way and correct any imbalances to help support your body back to a normal immune response. Gut health is strongly linked with skin issues, so correcting imbalances in the gut would be the starting point towards supporting your body in healing. You can read more about Functional Medicine on the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website.
What areas do you specialize in?
I have the most experience working with child-bearing age women, mothers, and their families. I have experience working with women who are struggling with chronic fatigue, infertility, gastrointestinal disorders (GERD, acid reflux, IBS, food sensitivities), and autoimmune disease.
I also enjoy working with mothers who have breastfed babies experiencing food sensitivities (this combines my love and experience in lactation with Functional Medicine)! Did you know that your own microbiome influences the microbiome of your children when breastfeeding? Many times if we help mom work on her gut health, then baby’s gut health also improves.
What kind of testing is available?
I currently offer GI MAP and MRT testing.
The GI MAP is a stool test that uses PCR to genetically map your gut microbiome including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and intestinal health markers. Using these test results means there is no guessing at what will work best and allows me to develop a customized plan to help address your specific gut and digestive imbalances. You can learn more about the GI MAP on the lab’s website.
Mediator Release Testing (MRT) is a blood test that looks at over 170 food and chemical sensitivities and quantifies which ones are major contributors to inflammation in your body. Having this test, along with the GI MAP, allows for a highly customized food plan to reduce inflammation, helping you feel better quicker and heal faster. The MRT is very unique since it quantifies all non-IgE hypersensitivity reactions, which is highly accurate for identifying food sensitivities. Food sensitivities can occur due to inflammation in the intestinal lining and “leaky gut.” If we eliminate these foods during the healing protocol period, we help further reduce inflammation to allow for quicker healing. It should be noted that this test cannot pick up true allergies to foods (Type I hypersensitivity reactions, like anaphylaxis), but most clients are already aware of those due to previous exposure and allergy testing.
What are your credentials?
I have a background in nursing and have worked in the maternal health/infant field since 2015. I am a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, and hold a BSN (nursing) and M.S. in Environmental Health. My certifications and education have provided me with the knowledge and experience to develop root cause healing protocols that work for your life. We all know that healing is not one-size-fits-all, so it is important that you have a part in determining what plan will work best for you and your family.
I am also a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), in case you are seeking help with food sensitivities related to your breastfed infant.
Can we work together remotely?
Absolutely! I can ship test kits straight to your door and help you find a place for blood draws, if needed. I have a HIPAA compliant Telehealth and messaging platform for all Telehealth coaching sessions.
Is Functional Medicine health coaching covered by
health insurance?
Unfortunately, most insurance companies will not cover Functional Medicine testing or coaching costs. I cannot bill to any insurance companies at this time. I do, however, accept health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for payment through Square.
For lactation consultations, I do work with The Lactation Network to get lactation visits covered through many insurance policies. If you are a breastfeeding mother who is having challenges with food sensitivities for your baby, you may be able to get your visits covered and only have to cover testing costs. Please reach out via our “Contact Us” section below if you have any questions!
