I approach each new client like a really great book, waiting to be opened.
Here are some of my favorite stories so far:
Blood sugar stabilization and bone regrowth, without medication.
58-year-old Cindy was thrilled that her youngest daughter would soon be off to college. She’d always tried to eat well, exercise regularly, and take a multivitamin and extra calcium. So, when a routine physical revealed pre-diabetes and severe osteoporosis, Cindy was disappointed and confused! Dreading the thought of medications, she decided to investigate through a health focused genetic test.
Through health focused genetic testing and a detailed health questionnaire, Cindy learned she was predisposed to osteoporosis and diabetes, and that integrative and functional nutrition solutions would help address both. She discovered the multivitamin she was taking in good faith to “cover her bases” was completely inadequate and even making things worse. Together, we outlined a plan to ensure Cindy’s nutritional needs were met.
6 months after enlisting my help, Cindy’s blood sugar was back within normal range. And within 2 years, DEXA (bone) scan results revealed that she was no longer losing bone. Best of all? She has been able to stay off medications.
Greater independence and improved quality of life.
At 85 years old, Margaret’s life was good. She lived in her own home, drove her own car, enjoyed her own hobbies, and maintained her own yard. Still, Margaret struggled with peripheral neuropathy and COPD, and feared that if these conditions continued to worsen, she’d lose her independence and burden her family. Always interested in science, and eager to delay disease, she sought genomic testing.
Margaret learned she has multiple gene variants (SNPs) in her vitamin B metabolism. Combined with a history of PPI (proton pump inhibitor) use, this resulted in vitamin B inadequacies that could be contributing significantly to her peripheral neuropathy. Further nutrition testing revealed inadequacies in several other nutrients, all of which are implicated in peripheral neuropathy.
With functional nutrition intervention, Margaret successfully optimized her nutritional status and lifestyle. Since beginning our work together, she’s enjoyed significant improvement in peripheral neuropathy and COPD. She’s even stopped using her inhaler!
Mid-life reset to better than before.
49-year-old Tom wanted a mid-life reset. Thanks to a vigilant diet and regular exercise, his cholesterol and blood sugar levels were not worrisome. But, with heart attacks and cardiovascular disease common in his family, Tom knew he could no longer rely on youth to protect him. Driven by a desire to proactively answer the question, “What else can I be doing to stay healthy?,” Tom sought genomic testing.
He discovered that his inflammatory genes were running on high and the genes that turn down the heat were asleep. Several high lab markers also revealed chronic inflammation at work behind the scenes, quietly increasing his risk for cardiovascular disease.
Through our work together, Tom implemented customized strategies to support his optimal health. Equipped with his own genetic information, he possesses the motivation and skills to prepare anti-inflammatory foods, correct nutrient imbalances, and implement key lifestyle changes to help him thrive throughout his next stage of life.
Freedom from embarrassing gut issues
58 year old Andie was frustrated with ongoing digestive issues. Her constant need to be near a bathroom was adversely affecting her ability to travel and enjoy her family and new grandchild. She suspected that diet or lifestyle was the issue but did not know where to begin to sort it out. Since she had a clean bill of health from a gastroenterologist to rule out serious disease, we implemented a diet to determine what foods could be contributing to her gut issues. We took an anti-inflammatory approach with foods and supplements. Andie is thrilled with greatly improved symptoms and feels confident traveling and hanging out with her family.
Elevated liver enzymes back to normal
48 year old Mark never expected to be told his liver enzymes were high indicating that he had moderate liver damage. After all, he only drank alcohol occasionally and socially.
An ultrasound revealed that he had a fatty liver. He was surprised to find that a significant and growing number of people have Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and as scary as it sounds, it can be reversed with the right diet and lifestyle interventions. A thorough diet history revealed that Mark was on a diet that was contributing to his NAFLD. Through our work together Mark made the changes in his diet necessary to heal his liver.
Mark’s liver enzymes are now back in the normal range.