about Functional Nutrition

Heal your gut, reduce inflammation and balance hormones

At Apto Physical Therapy we believe body function and health are dependent upon appropriate nutrition. Your physical therapist will take a functional approach to improving your health by considering how food is affecting the physiology of your body systems.

Functional nutrition is an approach to nutrition that focuses on the relationship between diet and overall health, with an emphasis on addressing the underlying causes of imbalances or health issues. It recognizes that each person is unique, and nutrition plays a pivotal role in optimizing their well-being.

Unlike conventional nutrition, which often focuses on individual nutrients or macronutrients, functional nutrition takes a more comprehensive and holistic view. It considers factors such as genetics, lifestyle, environment, and personal health history to develop personalized nutrition plans.

Your provider will aim to identify and address imbalances within the body that may contribute to health problems. They view the body as an interconnected system, with various organs and systems influencing each other's function. For example, they may consider the impact of gut health on immune function, hormonal balance, and inflammation.

The process of functional nutrition involves a thorough assessment of an individual's health history, current symptoms, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors. This information is used to identify potential root causes of health issues, rather than merely treating symptoms. Functional nutrition practitioners often use tools like detailed questionnaires, laboratory tests, and specialized assessments to gain deeper insights into an individual's unique biochemistry and physiology.

Based on the assessment findings, a personalized nutrition plan is developed. This plan may include specific dietary recommendations, such as emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods and minimizing processed foods, while considering individual dietary preferences and restrictions. It may also involve targeted nutrient supplementation, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and other interventions tailored to the individual's needs.

The goal of functional nutrition is to optimize the body's natural healing mechanisms, support proper nutrient absorption and utilization, and restore balance within the body. By addressing underlying imbalances and deficiencies, functional nutrition aims to promote overall health, prevent chronic diseases, and improve specific health conditions.

It's worth noting that functional nutrition is a complementary approach that can work alongside conventional medical treatments. It does not replace medical interventions but rather seeks to enhance overall health and well-being through a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and its impact on the body's functioning.