What is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP)?

A Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) uses an evidence-based, foundational, and holistic approach to address health concerns and issues. As an FNTP, I utilize various background and assessment information to address health deficiencies. I then support those health weaknesses with client-specific plans consisting of nutrient dense whole foods, nutritional supplementation, and lifestyle changes, all of which will assist in getting your body back into balance. Additionally, as a Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP), I have been trained to recommend and evaluate specific tests that will help you reach your ultimate health goals.

A key area of difference is that I focus on the concept of bio-individuality of each person. Many nutritional programs fail because they take a “one-size fits all” approach which ignores this concept.

Addressing the root cause to evaluate and investigate where function within the body has been compromised is essential to well-being. Everyone’s body has the ability to heal from the inside out and create homeostasis. My job is to remove any triggers and blocking factors to help you thrive.

What is an RWP (Restorative Wellness Practitioner)?

Being a Restorative Wellness Practitioner means that I have taken additional rigorous courses in interpreting specific tests related to overall health. These tests cover the gut microbiome, SIBO, candida, food sensitivities, adrenals, hormones, and functional blood chemistry panels. The tests, along with your specific needs, can help direct us toward addressing root cause and ensuring your body is brought back into balance.

What does it mean to be Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®?

Becoming Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN) demonstrates that I have achieved the highest level of professional recognition and validation of my knowledge and experience in the holistic nutrition industry. Certification requires having completed a qualified nutrition training program, passing a detailed proctored exam, and completing over 500 hours of direct and indirect client work.

What does Functional Nutritional Therapy not encompass?

FNTPs are not licensed and are not medical doctors, we do not diagnose or treat injuries or disease. Unlike some traditional medical practitioners, FNTPs also do not just chase symptoms or manage disease. Instead, FNTPs look for the root cause of imbalance and help to bring clients back into balance from the inside out.

What can Functional Nutritional Therapy help you with?

Honestly, everyone looking to improve their health and live life to the fullest can benefit from Functional Nutritional Therapy.

Many of the clients that actively seek Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioners are those who have been to their primary care doctor multiple times to address symptoms without resolution, people looking for a more holistic approach to their health concerns, or people that have a chronic condition they wish to manage or work to reverse.

What can I expect if we work together?

We will start with a complementary health evaluation where I’ll listen to you and your health concerns, answer any questions that you may have about nutritional therapy and my programs, and determine if Functional Nutritional Therapy is the appropriate path to help you heal. If you choose to move forward with a 1:1 program, then you can expect to receive personalized protocols and support that is tailored to your bio-individual needs.

It’s important that you understand that health is not linear. Monitoring your health and keeping track of any changes will help to make the most or our time together and to make the most of your outcome. The goal is to get you feeling your best and to learn what it takes to get there.

If my parents and/or grandparents have or had a disease or health condition, does this mean that I’m going to get it also?

No. There can be a hereditary element related to many health conditions but there are numerous other contributing factors that can lead to a health condition. Epigenetics, the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work, is an emerging area of science that addresses how genes can be “turned on” or “turned off” by environmental factors, including nutrition and lifestyle. This means that what you eat and how you live your life can have a large impact on any potential health conditions.

I am currently seeing a Primary Care Doctor, Chiropractor, Naturopath, or Acupuncturist—can we still work together?

Yes. In fact, the work we do together through Functional Nutritional Therapy can greatly enhance the work you are doing with your other practitioners.

I live in another area of the country—can we still work together?

Yes. We can work together remotely through Zoom calls and testing kits can be mailed to you. Many of my clients are not local and working remotely can allow you to make changes and improvements to your health from the comfort of your own home.

Why the name Alatian?

Everyone has a “why”. Why do you want to overcome your health issues and live your best life? Mine is family. When my husband and I were brainstorming names for a business, I told him that I wanted something for our three children, and he came up with the name Alatian. Click here to see what it stands for.

Why is a Dragonfly your logo?

I’ve always been drawn to Dragonflies. I don’t really know why, but when I thought about my own health journey and what type of logo I wanted for Alatian Health and Wellness, I was immediately drawn to a Dragonfly. When looking online I read that in almost every part of the world the Dragonfly symbolizes change. This is what I have needed for myself and this is what I want for you, a change in health and wellness.