WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION?

Functional Nutrition is a pillar and close ally of functional medicine.  This science-informed discipline focuses on digestion, highlighting its central role in vitality while emphasizing the dynamic interconnectedness of each organ in the body. It recognizes nutrient-dense food as medicine, that a properly prepared diet and pro-active lifestyle work symbiotically, that certain complementary modalities offer invaluable support, and that shortages in any of these key areas can disrupt one’s overall constitution bringing about imbalances, making one vulnerable to seasonal illnesses, and potentiating chronic conditions and dis-ease.

Practitioners in the field of Functional Nutrition assess the whole person which is why it is often referred to as “holistic”.  They seek to identify the root cause of concerns then strive to restore balance by providing a highly individualized plan that promotes optimal digestion, replenishes the system on a cellular level, eliminates deficiencies, and looks at creating habits that have a positive, bidirectional impact on one’s overall well-being.  This unique, nuanced, multi-disciplinary approach empowers individuals while educating them in achievable methods, fostering sustainable transformations, and promoting enduring vibrancy.

WHAT IS A FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONAL THERAPY PRACTITIONER?

A Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) is someone who has earned a certificate in Functional Nutrition. They are trained to help a client balance their body through a properly prepared, nutrient dense, whole-food diet and through positive lifestyle adjustments. FNTPs utilize a variety of health assessment tools including a comprehensive Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (NAQ), Functional Evaluations, Lingual Neural Testing, and detailed inquiries to thoroughly assess a client, determine their unique nutritional requirements and the best course of action for each individual person. 
 

WHAT IS A FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION or FUNCTIONAL CLINICAL ASSESSMENT?

A Functional Evaluation (FE), also known as a Functional Clinical Assessment (FCA), is a hands-on evaluation that includes palpations of neuro-lymphatic reflexes. Congestion within an organ system will result in tenderness ratings. This is a powerful method to determine nutritional deficiencies and organ stress. For detailed information on what to expect during a Functional Evaluation, please talk with your practitioner. 
 

WHAT IS LINGUAL NEURAL TESTING?

Lingual Neural Testing (LNT), sometimes referred to as Lingual Neuro Testing, is a valuable biofeedback tool, also considered a scientific method, that utilizes the connection between the brain and specific organ points in the body by way of the central nervous system. The testing process obtains objective information from the body about the areas it needs the most supporten an enables Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioners to determine whether or not a specific nutrient (food or supplement) will be most beneficial to the client. This is not to be confused with Kinesiology or “muscle testing”. For detailed information on what to expect during Lingual Neural Testing, please talk with your practitioner. 

With the body's feedback from both the Functional Evaluation and the Lingual Neural Testing process, the FNTP is able to provide a bio-individualized protocol for the client that has demonstrated effectiveness.

DO YOU ACCEPT HEALTH INSURANCE?

I do not work with health insurance. To my knowledge, FNTPs are currently not covered under any plans, though this may vary by state. Some HCRA/HSA/FSA will allow reimbursement for preventative and supplemental health measures (e.g.: gym memberships, massage therapy, supplements, nutrition, etc.). If you suspect your health insurance or spending account will reimburse you for my services, confirm the details with the provider and let me know what documentation you need. While it is the client’s sole responsibility to submit and manage all claims, I will offer as much support as I can to facilitate optimal coverage. Regardless of your benefits, payment is due in full at the time services are rendered. 

WILL YOU COOK FOR ME?

There are variations to this question. For instance, “are you a personal chef?”, “will you make meals for me/my family/an event?”, “do you know how to cook? (essentially asking will you cook for me)”, “are you a personal (grocery) shopper”? You get the idea.

I am not a personal chef. I do not make meals for clients/events. I am not a caterer. Yes, I do know how to cook. No, I am not a personal shopper. If you need help in the kitchen, we can talk about what a session would look like. However, if you are looking for someone to create meal plans or shop and/or cook for you, that is not what being an FNTP is all about. Please poke around my site to find more information on my services or contact me for further details. 

WAIT, I THOUGHT YOU WERE “JUST” AN NTP…WHERE’D THE “F’ COME FROM?

The Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) updated their curriculum (October 2019) and made some improvements to their programs. As a result, the NTP designation I previously held has taken on a new connotation. The NTP program used to be a combination course of study (rigorous, I might add) that gave not only instruction online but also in-person/classroom, due to the inclusion of the Functional Evaluation (FE) and Lingual Neural Testing (LNT) portions. The NTP course no longer includes the FE and LNT as a part of the NTP framework. It is strictly an online course now. The FE and LNT is, instead, offered separately and in addition to the NTP certificate. Since I, and others like me, had already completed the training, our designation has been upgraded to include “F” - Functional - in our title and reflecting our higher skill level. I am now an FNTP - Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. And yes, I’ve had to change all my business cards, stationary and website content to reflect this…lol.