Ever wondered why following the “perfect” diet or tracking every number on your wearable still leaves you feeling stuck with chronic health issues? Turns out, there’s a surprising reason why so many health-conscious people are chasing protocols but not seeing real results, and it’s not what you’d expect.
In this episode, Andrea Nakayama, a leader in functional nutrition, shares how digging deep into the root causes of health challenges and moving beyond the one-size-fits-all approach so common in mainstream nutrition can help you on your health journey. She explains why you need to look at your whole story, your habits, symptoms, lifestyle, and not just the numbers or trendy diets.
Listen now to start seeing your nutrition through a functional lens!
Combining fat, fiber, and protein in every meal does matter, but looking at the whole picture can be the key to making lasting changes possible, especially if you’ve struggled with chronic health issues or felt overlooked by traditional healthcare. Even the simple task of building a therapeutic partnership in healthcare can empower you to take control of your well-being like never before.
Functional nutrition focuses on personalized dietary strategies that support the body’s unique needs, whereas functional medicine applies a broader systems-based approach to diagnose and treat root causes of illness. Both emphasize understanding the body as an interconnected system, but differ in their uses and applications.
Emerging research reveals that diet and lifestyle adjustments can significantly influence the progression and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Functional nutrition adopts a proactive, systems-based approach to brain health by addressing chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and nutrient deficiencies. It recognizes the multifactorial factors leading to cognitive decline and promotes interventions targeting the body’s entire physiological landscape.
Health data tracking has become increasingly popular, with devices like continuous glucose monitors and fitness trackers offering real-time insights into physiological functions. These quantitative tools provide valuable information that can empower you to make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and overall health management. However, relying exclusively on data without considering subjective factors risks oversimplification and missing the nuanced, qualitative aspects critical to a holistic health assessment.
Listen now to start seeing your nutrition through a functional lens!
As the host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast and the founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea is leading thousands of students and practitioners around the globe in a revolution to offer better solutions to the growing chronic illness epidemic. By highlighting the importance of systems biology, root cause methodology, and therapeutic partnerships, she helps historically underserved individuals reclaim ownership of their health.
https://www.instagram.com/andreanakayama/
https://www.andreanakayama.com/
http://fxnutrition.com/
Eat Healthy and Eco-Friendly Foods, with Stacie De Lucia
Phytonutrients: the Key to Your Health, with Dr. Deanna Minich
Stay Healthy when Eating Out, with Nicolette Richer
Cook Once, with Cassy Joy Garcia
Food Freedom and Life Boundaries, with Melissa Urban
Beyond Diets: How Your Genes Reveal the Ideal Eating Plan for You, with Dr. Sam Shay
From Toxic Diet Culture to Food Peace, with Dr. Will Cole
Repair Your Gut Microbiome with Food, with Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum
Identifying Food Intolerances Using The New Whole30, with Melissa Urban
At home.
Blood and Urine
$179 – $439
Depending on insurance coverage.
This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.
At home.
Stool
$399
Depending on insurance coverage.
At home.
Urine
$129
Depending on insurance coverage.
At home.
Swab
$299
Depending on insurance coverage.
At home or in lab.
Blood
$999
Depending on insurance coverage.
At home.
Blood, Urine, or Ticks
may have a $200 copay
Covered by most insurance.
At home.
Urine
$300
Depending on insurance coverage.
At home.
Urine
$199
Depending on insurance coverage.
This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.
At home
Blood Spot
At Home
Urine
$699
Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249
$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage.
This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.
Blood
around $1600 (depends on panel selected)
This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.
Blood
$129-238
No insurance coverage
Blood
This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.
$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.
This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.
At home.
Urine
$150 – $329
Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.
At any Quest Diagnostics Location
Blood
You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.
$310
