what's functional and what's not, part 1
Posted by Andrea Nakayama
‘Functional’ has become a buzzword in the health industry lately.
And for good reason. Practicing Functionally can help you in several ways…
- Identify the root causes of your clients issues, and bring them resolution (so they feel better, and your business grows.)
- Know a system that works all of the time instead of using formulas that work some of the time, or chasing research and superfoods that go in and out of style constantly.
- Relax into knowing that you really do know enough to help the population you want to help, no matter who they are, and no matter what your scope of practice is.
But just like an “All Natural” label can be found on products with MSG, GMOs, hormones, pesticides, and more, the term ‘functional’ is being thrown around and put on products, services, and trainings that really aren’t functional.
So, how are you, a hardworking practitioner who’s dedicated to learning the most useful tools to help your clients, supposed to separate the wheat from the chaff?
What’s Functional and What’s NOT
There are 3 tenets of a Functional practice, and unless the programs you’re taking, processes you’re using, and people you’re following are using these 3 tenets, they aren’t functional.
Functional Tenet #1: Root Cause Resolution
Practicing Functionally means that we’re not chasing symptoms.
Instead we’re using tools to get to the heart of what’s really going on, so we can bring resolution to the cause of someone’s symptoms, not just squelch the symptoms alone. (The latter “solution” doesn’t last very long.)
Let’s take two women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, (often both!), abdominal cramps or pains, bloating and intestinal gas.
What’s NOT Functional…
Treating the symptoms of IBS alone, such as using enzymes or chamomile to relieve abdominal pain.
Temporary relief? Maybe.
Root cause resolution? Nope.
What IS Functional…
Paying heed to the context of the IBS—the history and environment in which the illness arose for each woman, the diet and lifestyle factors that cause the symptoms to flare, and the interventions that truly enable internal healing to occur.
Once you know the context, you can confidently move in the direction of root cause resolution instead of just chasing symptoms.
The tool you need to determine (and to make your practice Functional!) is called the Functional Nutrition Matrix. It’s THE tool that will make your practice Functional, and Functional Nutrition Lab is the ONLY place to learn it.
Check it out:
I developed the Functional Nutrition Matrix, along with several other tools and systems, to help practitioners like you have the success in practice that I’ve had.
The world needs people who are willing to go beyond the quick-fix, beyond dietary protocol, to truly practice Functionally.
Are you ready to get to the root cause and make your practice Functional?
Join me and the thousands of practitioners who are changing the way we do healthcare. Your first step is easy:
Schedule a free session with an Advisor to see whether our Functional Nutrition immersion program is right for you.
It’s not Functional Nutrition unless you’re using the Functional Nutrition Matrix.
It’s not #FunctionalNutrition unless you’re using the Functional Nutrition Matrix.CLICK TO TWEET
And be sure to check out:
Functional Tenet #2: Systems & Tools
Functional Tenet #3: The Therapeutic Partnership
Remember, if the programs you’re taking, processes you’re using, and people you’re following are not using these 3 tenets, they aren’t Functional.
We can change that.
EXPERIENCE A FREE TRAINING SERIES WITH ANDREA NAKAYAMA TO HELP YOU
Begin practicing functionally today!
MORE TO EXPLORE
You Might Also Like
The Functional Nutrition Guide to Fats and Oils
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to fats and oils! This guide aims to provide you with valuable insights into the different types of fats and oils available, their sources, and how to make informed decisions about incorporating them into your diet. Fats and oils are more than just macronutrients; they are essential for overall health […]
Read MoreProtein: The Functional Nutrition Benefits of Nature’s Building Blocks
Protein: A fundamental element in Functional Nutrition As a key part of the Functional Nutrition Alliance’s Fat, Fiber, Protein principle for health and healing, protein deserves our attention and investigation. Protein is one of the essential macronutrients required by the human body to function properly. It’s composed of smaller units called amino acids, which are […]
Read MoreFiber: The Health & Healing Benefits of Complex Carbohydrates
Fiber fundamentals in Functional Nutrition Let’s talk about fiber! While fiber is not a macronutrient like Fat or Protein (the other two components of our core Fat/Fiber/Protein principle for health and healing), it is critical for full body systems health and balance. In fact, it’s a key factor supporting our Non-Negotiable Trifecta of Sleep, Poop, […]
Read MoreFunctional Nutrition for Sleep Support: Sleep Tight Bedtime Milk with Chamomile, Catnip and Passionflower
Scientifically known as Passiflora incarnata, passionflower has been a trusted herbal ally for centuries throughout the world. Our founder, Andrea Nakayama, knows it as the flower growing up on the side of her home like a weed. Little did she know that the flower would later become a topic of discussion in Full Body Systems, […]
Read More