about
Functional
nutrition
What does this mean?
How does it work?
"This is the way of the future"
INFORMATION ABOUT
FUnctional nutrition
what IS FUNCTIONAL Nutrition?
Functional Nutrition is an approach that considers the client as a whole. Instead of just treating a symptom, our Team will look "upstream" and ask, "Why is this happening? What's the root cause? Can we make a change at the source of the problem?"
Image credit: IFM
As you can see in the example above, one condition (ex. Depression) can have many causes. And one cause (ex. Inflammation) can contribute to many conditions. This is a great visual example of why each client must be cared for as an individual, and Functional Nutrition is the best mechanism for that!
The Functional Nutrition approach will use holistic and natural methods whenever possible, knowing that "prevention" is the key to avoiding the many chronic diseases currently plaguing our society. It is normal to use tools such as nutrition, meal plans, supplementation, lifestyle changes (sleep, stress, movement), holistic therapies and whatever means necessary to restore health.
Image credit: IFM
In the example above you can see how the signs and symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance can originate from a variety of causes.
1. Supporting Wellness
Food, Sleep, Movement, Mindfulness
Supporting Wellness is where the client commits to creating change and develops a partnership with their Functional Nutrition provider. Key Lifestyle changes such as addressing food, sleep, movement and mindfulness will support the client throughout their healing journey and develop skills that will last a lifetime.
2. Finding Relief
Digestion, Inflammation, Stress, Nutrition
Finding Relief addresses the initial barriers to health and wellness. Poor digestion, inflammation, ongoing stress and essential nutrition needs will be identified with recommendations for lifestyle changes and supplementation remedies.
3. Root Cause
Gut Infections, Leaky Gut, Liver Congestion, Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Root Cause is where the Functional Nutrition provider digs deeper to uncover issues contributing to the client’s symptoms. There are 4 key root cause issues that may be addressed together or one at a time, but rarely is significant change made until the following issues are resolved: Gut Infections (ex. Candida, SIBO, LIBO/dysbiosis, slow motility), Leaky Gut (ex. intestinal barrier issues, allergies, acne, autoimmunity), Liver Congestion (ex. detoxification issues, fatty liver), or Mitochondrial Dysfunction (ex. M.I.S.S.E.D. clients, chronic fatigue, pain). Typically a 3-6 month process depending on number of issues.
5. Maintaining Health
Minimal Intervention, Life Armor, Holistic Health
Maintaining Health is the ultimate goal on the way to wellness and joy and typically takes 6-12 months to reach, depending on starting issues, compliance and number of setbacks. In the Maintaining Health pillar, few interventions are needed, because the client has learned to incorporate good self-care into their life. A key component in this pillar is educating the client on being connected to their body; knowing how to identify and respond quickly to any issue that comes up before it becomes a bigger problem. At this stage we encourage clients to expand this new found sense of health beyond themselves and share the gift of healthy living with family, work or their community. Experience for life!
can i still see my doctors at kaiser/john muir or the local hospital?
Yes, and we encourage you to keep an amicable and open relationship with your Primary Care Physician.
Our office has respect for all forms of healthcare and all clients. We listen to our clients and typically are able to validate their symptoms with concrete lab findings.
In our office, we often co-manage with allopathic physicians that will refer clients to Body Love Cafe. We work with all types of health issues but are particularly known for our expertise in Gut Health, Children's Health, Skin Conditions, Immune issues and Heart Health.
Likewise, if we have a client in need of medication management we will refer to one of our medical colleagues. Sometimes the labs we order might reveal a finding that requires additional medical investigation and we will make the referrals as needed. Our team has uncovered many "health surprises" along the way and our office has "saved a life" more than a few times. Knowledge is power and many of the tests we utilize are the most modern that science has to offer.
How does it work?
We blend a wide array of techniques when working with our clients. We utilize the best of Western and Eastern expertise and complementary modalities.
Our Functional Nutrition Team will recommend if any Advanced Functional Labs are needed and order them, folding that new piece of information into the history, intake, nutritional status, symptoms, current lab findings- all in order to make a thorough assessment that looks at the person as a whole. Our Consultants are excellent at reviewing lab work and explaining it in a way that is easy to understand.
Jump down to "The Process" section to learn more about what to expect as a new client. We've also posted an excellent video from when Dr. Zachary was interviewed that goes into more detail about how Functional Nutrition works and the differences between conventional medicine, integrative medicine, naturopathy, and other alternative health medicine.
Body Love Cafe wellness Pillars
We apply the ideology of Functional Nutrition to a process that is unique to our practice.
4. fine tuning
Hormone Balancing, Focused Nutrition, Immune Health
Fine Tuning is a dividing point on the way to wellness. Those that are doing much better may just need minor adjustments in the following categories or those that are still challenged may need additional testing to uncover issues. This includes hormonal balancing (ex. thyroid health, sex hormones), focused nutrition (ex. micronutrient testing for vitamin/mineral/amino acid deficiency or antigenic testing for food sensitivities) and immune health (ex. ongoing infections, autoimmunity). Typically a 1-3 month process depending on issues.
"this is a different type of health care"
what to expect as a
new client
where do we begin?
Each client begins their relationship with us through a Free Consult. Most Functional Nutrition clients following their consult will begin with an Intake with one of our Health Coaches and then continue on to a visit with one of our Functional Nutrition Consultants.
step-by-step details
Here is an outline of each step in the process, but keep in mind each person is unique. At Body Love Cafe the client is the "boss" and we make modifications when possible to honor the likes and dislikes of each individual. Our main objective is a life of greater healing and joy for our clients.
1
The
Consult
When New Clients first call the office with questions, we offer them a free 15-minute phone consult with one of our health coaches. This is an opportunity for the new client to find out more about Functional Nutrition, Body Love Cafe, and what to expect when they become a client. This is a great opportunity to plan out your journey with Body Love Cafe and learn more about the next phase of your health!
2
The intake
Before the intake, our New Clients complete a very detailed history and intake form ONLINE. This is the only time so much "paperwork" will be asked of you, but it is very important that our team learns as much as they can about your history and what brought you to your current state of health.
The actual Functional Nutrition Intake is 60-minutes long with one of our health coaches. During the intake, the health coach will discuss your symptoms and concerns with you and go over your health history. They will have specific questions based on what issues you are experiencing and they will also ask detailed digestive questions.
If there is anything "obvious" to start you with right away, we will let you know and may make supplement, nutrient or herbal recommendations as well as recommend some lifestyle modifications.
Expect an After Visit email from our team sent to you and available in your Body Love Cafe health portal. Our Client Advocate will make sure you have any nutrient schedules and lab requisites if needed. If labs or nutrients are needed that is an additional fee that is set by the outside vendors or lab companies.
3
order
labs
If one of our Functional Nutrition team members has recommended advanced lab testing they will advise you and discuss how to have it ordered elsewhere (if that is an option) or how to order it through Rupa Health. While most Functional Nutrition offices double or triple the cost of labs, our office passes on significant savings that we receive to our clients.
If blood labs are required (ex. a comprehensive Thyroid Panel including 7-10 markers) we will typically order them through Boston Heart Labs or Lab Corp. If advanced Gut Health or Hormone Health testing is needed then you will be mailed a test kit to complete at home and mail directly to the lab (ex. stool, urine, breath, saliva or hair testing).
Depending on which test(s) are needed, results may take 1-3 weeks to return. For this reason, your Report of Findings visit is often scheduled 3-4 weeks after your intake so your Consultant may fold the lab results into your overall assessment. (Sometimes an extra week is needed if the lab is delayed due to high demand.)
During the weeks between your Intake and Report of Findings visits, the health coach will likely ask you to keep a food journal if diet is an issue, take any suggested supplementation if needed, and follow any lifestyle recommendations made at the intake visit.
If any issues arise between your appointments, please reach out to our office and let us know. Email and calls are typically returned Monday -Thursday between 10am-5pm so if you have not heard back, please reach out again.
4
report of findings
The Report of Findings (ROF) is often an exciting and very revealing visit. The ROF visit is 60-minutes in length, which is a rarity today to have that much time in a world where Consultant/Client interaction time is getting shorter. It is highly recommended you have your spouse/partner or a friend listen in as this is going to be a lot of information and it helps to have an extra person listening or taking notes for you. If you need a number of tests, you may want to consider a 90-minute ROF to make sure there is enough time to review the results and ask questions.
During the ROF visit, your Consultant will list the priority order of issues to address from a Functional Nutrition perspective. For example, if weight gain was an issue you presented during the intake and your Nutrition Consultant found out you had a strain of bacteria in your microbiome that increases caloric extraction from food and that you are Leptin-resistant, then she would share those findings and discuss nutritional and lifestyle methods to impact the weight gain at the root cause.
The Consultant will share all the positive findings from your intake and labs and outline how she combined all of the available information to create that priority order of issues list. She will then make a care plan with recommendations that may include supplementation (herbs, whole food nutrients, nutraceuticals, etc), diet (food, water, meal timing), lifestyle changes (sleep, stress, movement), mental/emotional recommendations (meditation, HRV, energy techniques, Eastern practices), bodywork if needed, referrals to outside providers or medical doctors if warranted. They may suggest you watch a free class or an educational video depending on the health issue you are dealing with (ex. our SIBO video for those suffering from bloating with a positive breath test).
At the end of the ROF, your Consultant will advise when to return. This may be within a week for some situations, otherwise, follow-up is typically 2 weeks later with the health coach and then 3 weeks after that with your Functional Nutrition Consultant to allow you time to implement the recommendations and track results.
5
herbs
nutrients
Did you know that most supplements and herbs in America are complete junk? It is sad, but true.
At Body Love Cafe we are very selective about the supplements we use, always searching for the best quality with results we can count on. Currently, we utilize around 700 different supplements from over 20 different manufacturers. We have access to hundreds of brands and don't carry any inventory so we are not tied to any specific product line. We are able to offer a discount for supplements to our current clients.
If we recommend supplements, we will email you the list of items and how to order through your Body Love Cafe portal. You will order directly with those companies but we will make sure you receive your savings. Sometimes we may have to order specialty items for you if needed.
Almost everything that the Functional Nutrition Team will recommend is designed to be for "short term" use and they expect this to change from visit-to-visit.
If you hate swallowing pills or you love liquid herbs or you love drinking shakes or you hate taking things more than 2x a day - please let us know. We only want to recommend things you will do and we will work to customize any supplementation to fit your lifestyle and your budget.
Although we have an incredible arsenal of highly potent herbs and effective nutrients, it is impossible to "swallow a magic pill" that restores your health while allowing you to keep eating Taco Bell daily. The best results come from clients that are willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes - and don't assume you know what that is, as they are different for each client. Some clients need to eat more bacon, some need to eat more quinoa, some need to do intermittent fasting, some need soft liquid foods. Our Functional Nutrition Team often advises their clients that the closer they are able to follow the lifestyle prescription, the less money they will need to spend on supplementation or labs!
Most supplements will need to be purchased through one of the vendors we recommend due to the fact that the vast majority of quality products are only made available through a qualified professional and are unable to be purchased directly by the consumer. In the rare situation that an item is available in a store or online and that is a better pricing option for the client, we will advise how to get said item.
We typically ask that our clients not use other products during the time that they are working with Body Love Cafe so we may closely monitor their supplement use and progress. However, if there is an item that you feel is of benefit to you, please let us know.
6
care
plan
Your Consultant will outline your care plan at your ROF visit and make modifications as needed during follow-up visits based on your progress. They are always very mindful and respectful of costs as most of Functional Nutrition is not covered by traditional medical insurance. There are some situations where we may be able to provide a receipt and have you submit it for possible reimbursement and many clients are able to use their HSA/FSA plans. Others keep receipts for tax purposes or utilize credit cards if needed. Functional Nutrition tends to have an upfront cost at the start of care but may result in incredible savings from the restoration of health, productivity, mental health improvement or prevention of chronic lifestyle illnesses - all based on the functional and nutritional perspective.
Frequent visits or accountability in the beginning is often needed. Because of this, we have created a process that includes visits with our Health Coaches. The visits with them give accountability and individual attention to diet/sleep/stress/movement which is essential. The Health Coaches are also able to review the client's visit notes, and consult with your care Team as needed.
Follow-up visits with your Consultant will be needed to change supplementation protocols, reorder and analyze labs or address any new health issues as they arise.
If a client has diagnosed medical conditions requiring medication, then co-management with the prescribing physician will occur. We may also refer you to another physician or counselor if additional services are warranted that are outside our scope of practice.
All clients are required to have a local Primary Care Physician.
7
utilize
services
We are very lucky at Body Love Cafe to have a team of amazing professionals employing a variety of techniques. During the ROF visit or at subsequent visits, your Consultant may refer you for bodywork, acupuncture, allergy care or emotional healing that can be provided in-house if we have the available Consultant, or advise if an outside practitioner is needed.
The Functional Nutrition approach recognizes that the client needs to be evaluated and cared for as a whole person, which often means using more than one healing modality.
The American public has often valued a "go-go-go" attitude and a "get it done" work ethic. While this can be great for workplace productivity, many people have sacrificed their health and well-being to meet these demands and may have spent decades popping pills for a "quick fix" to prop them up and keep them going.
Taking a pill to mask a symptom does not mean the issue is resolved, just as the absence of disease doesn't mean someone is actually healthy.
True health and joy come from a sound body and mind. This is more than just the elimination of symptoms or pain, it is the peace and organization that we see in a healthy and happy individual. This type of health transcends more than just the physical and improvements are often seen in the Client's family and work life, in their social activities, in their relationships, in their spiritual, emotional and financial life.
Understanding this may mean addressing your healing on multiple levels for a global transformation. It is a tall order, completely doable and really quite exciting.
At Body Love Cafe our ultimate goal is for the client's well-being and we will always make the best recommendations for healing whether that be for services in or outside of our office and holistic or allopathic measures. Whatever works for you and does no harm is the right course of action. We have no "ego" as to whether it is method A or B or C, we just want to support the success of our clients.
8
track
results
Tracking results is important to make sure improvement is occurring and to monitor progress. We typically do this with follow-up visits and reorder labs or perform a reevaluation-exam if needed.
You will automatically be sent a CSQ (Current System Questionnaire) with each visit to be filled out electronically - this helps to track progress and goes in your chart - it only takes a few minutes to complete!
It is human nature to quickly "forget" the symptoms that go away and focus on any new issues. It is helpful when facing a new complaint (such as a headache) to try to remember that the debilitating issue from the previous visit (for example, severe bloating & indigestion) is completely gone. This can be difficult to do on your own if you don't have a Consultant tracking your symptoms/progress and making recommendations based on your whole health.
Some clients are dealing with chronic illness and it can be challenging to notice an improvement when they are "in their illness" on a daily basis. It can be helpful to have a Consultant who can remind you that although you can't run a marathon yet, going for a 2-hour bike ride is a huge improvement over the sedentary lifestyle when you started and were unable to walk around the block. Sometimes you need someone to take the 5,000-foot view of your health goals and achievements.
Some clients feel better so quickly that they want to jump right back into their old lifestyle or take off running and need to be reminded that their body is still healing, to allow more time.
Sometimes clients get off track and a follow-up visit or a repeat lab or a detox protocol might be the motivation to get them back on the path to health before a complete derailment and having to "start over".
Healing is a unique proposition and rarely is it a linear event. Some Functional Nutrition offices charge a very high amount up front ($5,000-$8,000+) and run what we refer to as a "shock and awe" campaign. They run excessive testing, share a lot of information in the first visit and then that's it - client's might be initially impressed but then they are often tapped out financially and unable to return for follow-up care.
Although it is true that operating a Functional Nutrition practice is costly and time-consuming, we endeavor to make it as affordable for our clients as possible so they can continue ongoing care. This means we are going to be a part of their life when they have a setback, when family drama occurs, when work stress or a house move challenges them, when they get food poisoning from traveling abroad or are grieving the loss of an elderly parent.
This is what we call being in the trenches with our clients.
It is so much fun and gratifying to celebrate the successes with you, but the true test of character comes during the challenging times and the truth is that life is messy. There is no magic pill or procedure that will protect someone from every possible harm or heartache that might come their way, but we are dedicated to being a part of that healing process for our clients. We are a soft place to land and a safe harbor from life's storms - there's a reason we are called Body Love Cafe.
It is the kind of care we want for ourselves and the best kind of wholistic care we can offer you.
You deserve no less than the best.
"we are passionate about healing"
a revealing interview with dr. zachary
About Functional Nutrition, integrative care, naturopathy, conventional medicine & more...
The entire Body Love Cafe Team has studied and trained with Dr. Zachary. She is a fundamental influence to the Functional Nutrition world, having dealt with many complex cases, including her own!
During an "Ask the Doctor" live video segment with The Mamahood founder Heather Anderson , Dr. Zachary passionately shares about the healing potential of Functional Nutrition.
Many healing topics were covered including some of the benefits and differences between Conventional Medicine, Functional Nutrition, Naturopathy, Integrative Medicine, Chinese Medicine and holistic health therapies.
"client centered, whole body health"
"love your body. heal your mind. feed your soul."
