.png)
Every system and cell in your body is in constant communication. The core of Personalized Nutrition is 'no one-size fits all' because there are so many individual differences that happen in response to nutritional intake depending on health status. In functional nutrition, we see symptoms differently. We recognize that every symptom has a story to tell. For example, mid afternoon slumps might be sending the message that blood sugars are not balanced well. Frequent headaches can be a signal of inadequate hydration or mineral needs. Functional nutrition uses this information from the body to help address the underlying deeper root cause rather than a quick fix or one-size fits all.
Key Messages from Different Body Systems
There are a wide range of symptoms that can be related to systems in the body. Here a few common examples of systems and the clues they provide.
Digestive System
The digestive system's symptoms are foundational in functional nutrition. Symptoms here can reveal deeper insights into gut health. Here are a few messages and what they may mean from the digestive system:
Bloating & Gas: common indicators of gut dysbiosis (bacteria imbalance) or food sensitivities. Human cells do not make gas; it's the gut bugs that do. This may be a clue to include probiotic & prebiotic rich foods to help balance gut flora
Acid Reflux or Heart Burn: can indicate issues with stomach acid production or poor digestion. It is not always a matter of too much acid; sometimes it can be not enough acid. Taking the baking soda test can reveal more information to improve acid regulation.
Frequent Loose Stools: can be a sign of leaky gut especially when combined with symptoms of brain fog and skin rashes: leaky gut, leaky brain, leaky skin. Incorporating gut-healing nutrients and working with a practitioner trained in gut healing can 'heal and seal' leaky gut.
Hormonal System
Hormones are a part of the body's communication system. We have 300 hormones that work as messengers in the body involved in a highly complex orchestration often described as a symphony. Some common ways this system may communicate imbalance include:
Cravings & Abdominal Weight Gain: this is often a sign of insulin resistance or elevated cortisol, stress hormone. Reducing refined carbohydrates and addressing meal pattern can help restore metabolic hormone balance.
Low Energy Levels: may signal an imbalance in thyroid hormones, which play a critical role in metabolism and energy production. It can also signal cortisol or stress hormone imbalance. Including adaptogens like Ashwagandha, boosting minerals and including optimizing protein intake can help.
Sleep Disruption or Insomnia: provides a signal of melatonin-cortisol imbalance. These hormones are the masters of your circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Addressing your exposure light in your environment or 'light nutrition' is key to help rebalance these hormones.
Skin Issues
Our skin is the most expressive organ that we can see and provides a lot of information of information about what is happening internally. Skin issues can provide insight into vitamin & mineral status, gut health, detoxification and even yeast or fungal overgrowth. Symptoms as clues may include:
Dry Flaky Skin: aside from poor hydration, may also indicate deficiency in essential fatty acids, poor vitamin absorption or poor thyroid function. Addressing thyroid function and boosting omega 3 fatty acids can help.
Eczema or Skin Rashes: often connected to immune reactions and can be a signal of leaky gut, food sensitivities or intolerances. Incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle is emphasized.
Acne or Breakouts: in Traditional Chinese Medicine facial acne has specific orientation to body systems such that acne on upper forehead links to heart, lower forehead links to digestion, cheeks link to lungs, nose to pancreas and chin signifies hormonal imbalance. Foods high in antioxidants can be incorporated to help support healthy skin.
Common Case Example
Here is a case example of pre-diabetes that I commonly see in my private practice. A middle aged individual presents with symptoms of frequent afternoon fatigue, constant sugar cravings and recent weight gain, especially around the mid-section, even though they lead an active lifestyle, they cannot understand the recent increase in weight. Recent lab work reveals blood sugars have been elevated.
These classic symptoms of fatigue, sugar cravings and weight gain are often seen as early indicators of insulin resistance- a key factor in pre-diabetes. Instead of dismissing these as mid-life symptoms, we use them as a guide to address deeper root cause. Upon further assessment, the diet is noted to be low in protein and fiber and high in refined carbohydrates, all contributing to the blood sugar imbalance and cravings.
Simple changes are made to help balance blood sugar and support insulin sensitivity:
Balanced Meals: including quality protein, complex carbohydrates and plenty of plants for fiber
Optimize Protein: to help improve satiety and support a healthy metabolism
Address Meal Pattern: eliminate non-nutritious snacking that perpetuated the cycle of cravings
In a matter of one month, with a personalized nutrition plan and nutrition coaching, significant improvements are achieved. Energy levels begin to stabilize, no more sugar cravings as hormones begin to balance and weight begins to shift toward a healthier range. Follow up blood work shows normal sugar levels. Individuals feel empowered knowing they can prevent the progression towards pre-diabetes by listening to the body's signals and adopting simple, key changes to nutrition.
Conclusion
Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, sending early messages through symptoms . It is said in Functional Nutrition, that symptoms in the body systems can actually begin to show up six years before conditions appear. This means that by learning to recognize symptoms early and interpreting these as messages, we can proactively support our health rather than waiting for a diagnosis. Decoding these signs with the help of a trained professional can reveal the deeper meaning behind symptoms and address the root cause to correct imbalances in body systems. Learning to pay attention and listening to our bodies and addressing the root causes early, we open up a pathway to prevention and achieving optimal health.
Comentários