Functional NutritionCoaching

Integrative and functional nutrition is an approach to nutrition and health that combines the principles of integrative medicine with the science of nutrition. It  takes a holistic approach to food consumption and health by taking into account other factors that can affect your well-being and physical performance.

Functional nutrition is rooted in the individual’s immediate environment, eating habits, frequency of exercise, genetic predisposition for chronic diseases, and an assortment of physiological and psychological factors.

Thus, functional nutrition is not a quick fix or a fad diet. It takes individual habits and conditions into account, which form the basis of a customized solution.

The difference between standard and functional nutrition

Standard or traditional nutrition applies to broad populations. Ingesting x amount of nutrients on a daily basis will produce generally accepted results over a period of time.

Functional nutrition, on the other hand, involves thoroughly assessing the individual, examining  their entire physiological makeup in relation to how they go about their life (what they eat first thing in the morning to exercise and stress levels throughout the week).

Aside from properly advising you, the individual, on what to eat and avoid, a functional nutrition specialist will carefully monitor your progress and recommend additional interventions, which may not be exclusively food-related.

Key areas that ensure the success of functional nutrition

For functional nutrition to achieve intended outcomes, it’s crucial to build a strong foundation, which entails:

• Mindful eating.While it’s difficult to totally eliminate processed foods, make it a priority to regularly consume whole foods such as quality protein, healthy fat, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Creating the conditions for a healthy gut. Your gut microbiome aids in digestion, absorbing nutrients, regulating fat storage, adjusting glucose tolerance, and even the production of key hormones like serotonin. Proper hydration, good dieting, exercise, and sufficient rest all promote a healthy gut.

• Taking care of other aspects of your life.Food isn’t the only thing that can affect your overall health. Rest, relationships, physical activity, and stress can affect your health positively or negatively. These factors should all work in conjunction with healthy food choices.

Benefits of functional nutrition

• Functional nutrition allows a specialist to create a highly personalized strategy to achieve your dieting and health goals.

• Changes are fairly easy to adopt because the specialist knows about your lifestyle and health history.

• Functional nutrition will help you identify the kinds of food that is causing you more harm than good.

• A specialist can help identify the underlying health conditions of your symptoms.
• A specialist can help athletes and other top-performing individuals sustain energy levels for longer periods of time.

ITI will help you get started on integrative and functional nutrition

The Integrative Training Institute (ITI) provides guidance and practical advice when it comes to functional nutrition. Founded by James Balazs, a certified functional nutrition practitioner and  neuromuscular therapy expert, ITI helps clients translate healthy food choices into meaningful outcomes that improve quality of life.

As an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP), James has assisted an array of clientele in achieving their personal health goals.

Here’s what people are saying about working with James.

It’s your turn to find out what James Balazs and the Integrative Training Institute (ITI can do for you. Call 310.570.6352 or send a message here. Book a private consultation today.