Functional Nutrition

Functional nutrition uses a healthy, balanced diet and nutritional education to improve your health from the inside out. At The Family Wellness Center in Plainview, New York, experienced chiropractor Michael Berlin, DC, and the team use functional nutrition to relieve inflammation, boost energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Call The Family Wellness Center today to schedule a functional nutrition appointment, or book your visit online.

What is functional nutrition?

Functional nutrition is an internal medicine subspecialty focused on food and nutrition. It uses food as medicine to prevent, reverse, or treat various illnesses and medical conditions. 

Your diet can have a positive or negative effect on everything from mood and energy levels to metabolism and sleep. By enrolling in functional nutrition, you can access the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to thrive and reduce your risk of potentially serious health problems.

What types of health problems can benefit from functional nutrition?

The Family Wellness Center team uses functional nutrition to treat various health problems, including:

• Chronic inflammation
• Diabetes 
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Digestive issues
• Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies
• Side effects of cancer treatment
• Food sensitivities
• Weight concerns

Sometimes, the team uses functional nutrition to address mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

What does functional nutrition involve?

The Family Wellness Center team tailors functional nutrition treatment to each person’s unique needs. 

Before developing a personalized treatment plan, your provider reviews your medical records, asks about your lifestyle and symptoms, and completes a physical exam. 

They also order lab testing, including bloodwork and urinalysis to check for hormone imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.

After gathering a complete picture of your general health, the team might suggest:

Eating a specific diet

The foods you eat impact all aspects of your general well-being. Although there’s no way to prevent health problems entirely, consuming a nutritious, balanced diet helps your body function optimally and reduces your risk of disease. 

For instance, if you have diabetes, a plant-based diet, like the Mediterranean diet, can prevent your blood sugar from spiking.

Taking vitamins or medical-grade nutritional supplements

Most vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can be obtained through a healthy diet. But if you have a nutritional deficiency, the team might recommend taking vitamins or a medical-grade nutritional supplement. 

Supplements come in various forms, including pills, tablets, powders, and liquids. They help you achieve optimal nutritional balance.

Specialist referrals

The Family Wellness Center team treats most acute and chronic health problems, but certain conditions, like heart disease and cancer, require the insight of an entire care team. The team can coordinate care between various specialists and adjust your dietary plan as needed.

Call The Family Wellness Center today to schedule a functional nutrition consultation, or book your appointment online.