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The Role of Functional Medicine in Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Guide
If you've tried every diet and exercise plan under the sun and still can't seem to shed those extra pounds, functional medicine may be the answer. This approach to healthcare focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues, including weight gain. Learn how functional medicine can help you achieve your weight loss goals and get practical tips for success.
Understanding the Root Causes of Weight Gain
Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to weight loss by identifying and addressing the root causes of weight gain. These can include hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, chronic inflammation, and stress. By addressing these underlying issues, functional medicine practitioners can help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improve overall health. It's important to note that weight gain is not always simply a matter of eating too much or not exercising enough, and functional medicine recognizes this complexity.
The Importance of Gut Health in Weight Loss
Gut health plays a crucial role in weight loss, as the gut microbiome affects everything from digestion to metabolism. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, and other issues that contribute to weight gain. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend dietary changes, probiotics, and other interventions to improve gut health and support weight loss. Additionally, addressing gut health can have a positive impact on overall health and wellbeing.
Balancing Hormones for Optimal Weight Loss.
Hormones play a significant role in weight loss, and imbalances can make it difficult to shed pounds. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend testing hormone levels and addressing any imbalances through lifestyle changes, supplements, or other interventions. For example, reducing stress levels, getting enough sleep, and incorporating regular exercise can all help balance hormones and support weight loss. Additionally, certain supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D may also be beneficial for hormone balance and weight loss.
The Role of Nutrition in Functional Medicine Weight Loss
Nutrition is a key component of functional medicine weight loss. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend dietary changes based on an individual's unique needs and health goals. For example, they may recommend a diet that is high in healthy fats and protein, and low in carbohydrates to support weight loss and hormone balance. Additionally, they may recommend specific supplements or nutrients to support weight loss, such as fiber, probiotics, or chromium. Working with a functional medicine practitioner can help individuals develop a personalized nutrition plan that supports their weight loss goals and overall health.
Incorporating Exercise and Stress Management for Lasting Results
While nutrition is a key component of functional medicine weight loss, incorporating exercise and stress management techniques can also lead to lasting results. Exercise not only burns calories, but it also helps to build muscle and improve overall health. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend specific types of exercise based on an individual's health needs and goals. Additionally, stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help to reduce cortisol levels and support weight loss efforts. By incorporating a holistic approach to weight loss, individuals can achieve lasting results and improve their overall health and well-being.
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Hormones. The Hot Topic for Men + Women
Are you eating intentionally or just going through the motions? 🤔🚨 Mindless eating, emotional cravings, and nutrient-poor choices can leave you feeling sluggish, imbalanced, and disconnected from your body’s real needs.
If you’re experiencing low energy, constant cravings, bloating, or never feeling truly satisfied, it might be time to reassess your relationship with food. Intentional eating means fueling with purpose—listening to hunger cues, prioritizing quality, and eating in a way that supports your body, not just your appetite.
Ready to build a more mindful, nourishing approach to food? Hit follow for more insights! 🔥👇
#IntentionalEating #MindfulNutrition #ListenToYourBody #FoodAwareness #NourishToThrive #FunctionalWellness
🚨 Want access to a free webinar this month? Drop 'VIP' in the comments to join my insider list before the 20th to get sent the sign up! 🔥👇
What if we counted chemicals instead of calories? 🤯 The quality of your food matters more than the number on the label. Ultra-processed ingredients, inflammatory oils, and artificial additives do more harm to your body than a few extra calories from real, whole foods.
True health isn’t about eating less—it’s about eating better. Prioritize nutrient density, food quality, and how your body feels over numbers on a package. Your body deserves better fuel.
#QualityOverCalories #RealFoodFirst #FoodAsMedicine #NourishYourBody #DitchDietCulture #FunctionalWellness
Food freedom feels like peace—no more guilt, stress, or overthinking every bite. 🍽️✨ It’s trusting your body, honoring hunger, and enjoying food without restriction or obsession. It’s choosing nourishment because it makes you feel good, not because of rigid rules.
When you break free from diet culture and start listening to your body, everything changes—your energy, your mindset, your relationship with food. Ready to experience true food freedom? Follow for more insights! 🔥👇
#FoodFreedom #NourishWithoutGuilt #MindfulEating #ListenToYourBody #DitchDietCulture #FunctionalWellness
Your hunger isn’t random—it’s your body’s way of communicating its needs. 📊 But many of us eat out of habit, stress, or restriction, rather than tuning into real hunger and fullness cues.
A hunger scale helps you find balance—eating when you’re truly hungry (not starving) and stopping when satisfied (not stuffed). This supports better digestion, energy, and metabolic health. ⚖️
Learning to trust your hunger is key to long-term wellness. Want more tips on intuitive eating and balanced nutrition? Hit follow for more insights! 🔥👇
#HungerCues #MindfulEating #MetabolicHealth #FoodAwareness #NourishYourBody #FunctionalWellness
Simplify nutrition. 🥑✨ Your body knows what it needs—listen to it. Fuel with real food, honor hunger and fullness, and choose what truly makes you feel your best. Trust yourself. 💛
For more tips on intuitive, nourishing eating, hit follow and stay tuned! 🔥👇
#MindfulEating #NourishYourBody #TrustYourself #FoodFreedom #FunctionalWellness #ListenToYourBody
🚨 LAST CALL! 🚨 My hormone balancing seminar is almost here. Drop 'SEMINAR' in the comments to grab your spot! 👇🔥
Feeling drained, foggy, or constantly low on energy? ⚡ Your mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses in your cells—could be struggling. Chronic inflammation, stress, and nutrient deficiencies can weaken mitochondrial function, leading to fatigue, poor recovery, and even immune dysfunction.
Support your energy (and overall health) by prioritizing:
✅ Mitochondria-friendly nutrients (B vitamins, CoQ10, magnesium) 🍳🥑🥜
✅ Healthy fats for cellular fuel (wild-caught fish, grass-fed butter, MCT oil) 🐟🧈🥥
✅ Blood sugar balance (protein + fiber-rich meals, avoiding refined carbs) 🥩🥦🥑
✅ Red light + movement (supports mitochondrial efficiency) 🚶♂️☀️
When your mitochondria thrive, your whole body thrives—from brain function to immune balance. Start fueling your energy at the source!
#MitochondriaHealth #EnergySupport #AntiInflammatory #MetabolicWellness #FunctionalHealth #FoodAsMedicine
Heart health isn’t just about cholesterol—it’s about inflammation, hormone balance, and immune regulation. 🫀🔥 The same factors that drive cardiovascular disease—chronic inflammation, poor metabolic health, and oxidative stress—also play a role in autoimmune conditions and hormonal imbalances.
Support your heart (and whole-body health) with:
✅ Healthy fats (wild-caught fish, olive oil, grass-fed butter) 🐟🥑🧈
✅ Antioxidant-rich foods (berries, leafy greens, dark chocolate) 🍓🥬🍫
✅ Magnesium & potassium sources (avocados, nuts, sweet potatoes) 🥑🥜🍠
✅ Anti-inflammatory spices (turmeric, garlic, ginger) 🌿🧄
Want to learn how nutrition supports hormones balance, helping your heart? Drop 'SEMINAR' in the comments to join my upcoming session! 👇✨
#HeartHealth #AntiInflammatory #HormoneBalance #AutoimmuneWellness #FoodAsMedicine #FunctionalHealth"
Your body's omega balance plays a huge role in inflammation and immune function—yet most people are getting it all wrong. ❌ The modern diet is overloaded with pro-inflammatory omega-6s (think seed oils & processed foods) and lacking in anti-inflammatory omega-3s from quality seafood, grass-fed meats, and pastured eggs. 🐟🥩🥚
This imbalance can quietly contribute to immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation, creating the perfect storm for long-term health issues—including autoimmunity. 🌪️
The fix? Restore balance. Prioritize omega-3-rich foods, minimize industrial seed oils, and let your diet work for you, not against you.
I'm doing a hormone balancing talk March 1st. Learn how this all ties together! Drop 'SEMINAR' in the comments to join my upcoming session! 👇🔥
#OmegaBalance #AntiInflammatory #AutoimmuneHealth #FoodAsMedicine #FunctionalWellness #NourishToThrive
A big thank you to The Carlson Chiropractic Clinic for helping us out with the facilities for this event. 🙏
We are still partnering with @theluminarywellnesscenter. Make sure you come along for exclusive attendee offers like a chance to get gift cards with our partner.
But of course, the real reason to attend is to finally take back control of your health by getting hands on with Hormone Balancing. So don't miss out.
Chronic inflammation doesn’t just cause discomfort—it can quietly set the stage for immune dysfunction over time. 🚨 Many autoimmune conditions are linked to years of immune stress, gut imbalance, and inflammatory triggers. But the right diet can help calm the fire. 🔥
An anti-inflammatory diet supports immune balance and overall well-being by:
✅ Prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods 🍳🥩🥦
❌ Avoiding processed sugars & inflammatory oils 🚫🥤
✅ Focusing on healthy fats for cellular + immune health 🥑🧈
Interesting right? I'm running a hormone balancing seminar March 1st. Learn how this all ties together! Drop 'SEMINAR' in the comments to join my upcoming session! 👇✨
#AntiInflammatory #AutoimmuneHealth #FoodAsMedicine #GutHealing #FunctionalWellness #NourishToThrive
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️ Today is all about love, so don’t forget to show some to your heart too! 🫀 Fuel it with nutrient-dense foods, movement, and stress management—because a healthy heart = a longer, stronger life. 💪✨
Want more tips on keeping your heart (and whole body) thriving? Hit follow for science-backed health insights! 🔥👇
#HappyValentinesDay #HeartHealth #SelfLove #Longevity #FunctionalWellness #LoveYourHeart
"Sodium isn’t the enemy—it’s essential for life. ⚡ Your body relies on it for hydration, nerve function, adrenal health, and hormone balance. Yet, many are told to cut sodium, even when low levels can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and stress on the body. The key isn’t removing sodium—it’s balancing it alongside potassium and other minerals. 🧂💡
Want to learn how minerals impact hormones, energy, and metabolism? Drop 'SEMINAR' in the comments to join my upcoming session on hormone balancing! 🔥👇
#ElectrolyteBalance #SodiumMatters #HormoneHealth #AdrenalSupport #MetabolicWellness #FunctionalHealth"
IMPORTANT CHANGES:
We've had to switch venue to The Carlson Chiropractic Clinic to meet the high demand for this seminar. The date and time remains unchanged.
I'm so excited! 😁
I'm gonna be holding a live in-person seminar at The Carlson Chiropractic Clinic in Eau Claire on March 1st at 2:30pm and YOU are invited! 🎉
We are getting stuck into all things hormone balancing, it's a super hot topic right now and there's a lot to learn.
Comment SEMINAR down below for the link to RSVP and secure your spot NOW!
#functionalmedicine #nutrition #hormonebalancing #estrogen #testosterone #insulin #cortisol
Cholesterol isn’t the villain—it’s just caught at the scene of the crime!
🚨 The real culprit? Inflammation. When LDL gets damaged (oxidized) by stress, toxins, or inflammatory foods, it can contribute to disease. But the key isn’t just lowering cholesterol—it’s reducing inflammation at the root. 🥑🔥
Want to learn how to support healthy cholesterol levels naturally? Drop 'VIP' in the comments, and I’ll send you exclusive insights on functional strategies for heart and metabolic health! 👇
#HeartHealth #CholesterolMyths #Inflammation #FunctionalMedicine #MetabolicWellness #FoodAsMedicine
Chronic inflammation is at the root of fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and even serious diseases. The good news? Food is medicine. 🥑🥦 By focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet—rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods—you can help your body heal, boost energy, and feel your best every day.
Want more tips and tricks like anti-inflammatory eating? Drop 'VIP' in the comments, and I’ll send you an email here and there to help reduce inflammation and support lifelong wellness! 🔥👇
#AntiInflammatory #FoodIsMedicine #HealFromWithin #GutHealth #FunctionalNutrition #Longevity
Fuel your body with the right foods, and it will do the rest. 🌱✨ Healing starts from within!
Join the VIP newsletter! Comment VIP below for exclusive events, tips and offers.
#EatForEnergy #WholeBodyHealth #InflammationFree #HealingFoods #NourishToThrive #WellnessJourney
"Your heart beats over **100,000 times a day**, and every single beat depends on **mitochondria**—your cellular powerhouses! These tiny energy factories produce the ATP that fuels your heart’s nonstop work. But when mitochondria weaken due to stress, poor nutrition, or aging, heart function can suffer, leading to fatigue, inflammation, and even serious cardiovascular issues. Keeping your mitochondria strong means supporting **lifelong heart health**. 🫀⚡
Want to learn the **top functional health strategies** for boosting mitochondrial function and protecting your heart? Drop a **'VIP'** in the comments, and I’ll add you to my **exclusive functional health newsletter**—where science meets action for optimal wellness! 🔥👇"
#MitochondriaHealth #HeartHealth #FunctionalMedicine #CellularEnergy #Longevity #WellnessTips
Mind-blowing, right? 🤯
Ever notice how some foods look just like the organs they help? It's a good way to remember what you need.
It’s like nature’s little reminder that food IS the medicine. Want more cool facts and exclusive tips like this? Join our VIP list and never miss a beat. Link in bio! 🔗✨
#FoodForThought #HealthyLiving #StayInspired
Let’s get real about fats—your body needs them, no debate. 🥑🌰🫒 They’re not just some trendy health thing; healthy fats fuel your brain, keep your energy steady, and actually help your body absorb nutrients.
Plus, let’s be honest, they make food taste so much better. Think creamy avocados, crunchy nuts, rich olive oil—it’s all about balance, not cutting corners.
So next time someone tries to tell you fats are bad, hand them a spoonful of almond butter and watch their world change. 😂
Want more tips like this. Join the VIP List!️ Comment "VIP" below or use the link in my bio!
#HealthyFats #RealTalk #EatWell #functionalmedicine #nutritionist #KetoDiet
Back with more easy food swaps you’ll actually love! 🥖🍕🍨
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, and these swaps prove it. 🙌
Ready to level up your plate? Let’s hear your favorites or share your go-to swaps below! ⬇️
#FoodSwaps #HealthyEatingMadeEasy #BetterChoices #FoodieFavorites #healthyliving #nutrition
Who knew small changes could make such a big difference? 🥑🍫🍟
Check out these easy food swaps that are just as tasty but way better for you. Because eating better doesn’t mean giving up your favorites!
Which one are you trying first? Let’s chat below! ⬇️
#HealthySwaps #FoodieTips #BetterChoices #functionalmedicine #nutritionist #lifehacks #lifehack
Fuel your body with balance! 🌱🍎🧀🥩
Dive into the 5 stages of the Whole Food Pyramid and discover how each layer contributes to a healthy, vibrant lifestyle.
From nutrient-rich fruits and veggies to the right fats and proteins, it’s all about finding your perfect plate. 🍽️✨
Ready for more? Comment VIP and I'll send you a link to join my VIP list ❤
#HealthyEating #FoodPyramid #BalancedDiet
Food from nature is what our bodies evolved to digest. 🌱
Processed food is not. 🤢
Stick to the real stuff. There's nuance but as a general rule this is pretty solid. 👍
For more actionable tips, and a free event on the 28th of January sign up to the VIP list now. Comment VIP or click the link in my bio.
#wholefood #nutrition #functionalmedicine #eatingright #NewYearNewMe
I could really go for a nourish bowl with some:
1. Kale
2. Chicken (though I like my beef I've had my daily steak).
3. Nuts (soaked and sprouted of course 😉)
4. Sweet Potato
5. Hmmmm, I'm going to be controversial and go with the plain yogurt + lemon juice + cumin.
Whaddya think?
Let me know what nourish bowl you're craving in the comments.
#nourishbowl #buddhabowl #maha #nutrition #weightlossjourney
Counting calories? Rookie numbers. 😏
If the goal is weight loss, then yes, they are your chief consideration. Hit a caloric deficit and pounds will come off (serious other conditions not withstanding). ⚖
But if you want to live a long healthy life with a hot body and a head full of hair, you gotta go further. 👆
And that means nutrients. Vitamins and Minerals. Understanding and correcting deficiencies. That's where the real impactful changes happen.
#maha #functionalmedicine #nutrition #weightloss #dontdie
As we welcome 2025, we are filled with gratitude for the trust and support you've shown us over the past year. Together, we’ve worked toward better health, healing, and vitality, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you.🌱
This year, let’s make wellness a priority! 💪 Whether it’s improving energy, balancing hormones, optimizing nutrition, or addressing chronic concerns, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
✨ Here’s to a year of health, happiness, and living your best life naturally. ✨
From all of us at [Your Clinic Name], Happy New Year! Let’s make 2024 your healthiest year yet. 🥂🎆
#HappyNewYear #FunctionalMedicine #WellnessJourney #HealthyLiving #NewYearNewYou
Christmas and Christ's love
It can be difficult to stick to health goals during the Christmas season. Nevertheless, if you can cut the cookies and take to the turkey, you'll thank yourself later.
Christmas is not just a fun time though, it's a celebration of a very special birthday. It's important not to lose sight of Jesus with all the glitz and glamour of modern Christmas. Keep in mind the love God has for you at this time and reflect a little on what God calls you to do in your life.
And if you're not Christian but are still celebrating, enjoy the excitement, festivities and time with family. You can also still use this time to reflect on the love those around you have for you and how you can spread that love.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Heidi Toy Functional Medicine!
#Christmas #christian #nutrition #wellness #functionalmedicine
It's the harsh truth. 🫵
Functional Medicine works, but it's not always easy. 😅
If you are doing it right (and I show clients how to do it right) then you will see positive results within 2 months. Pretty much all my clients are getting this, and they are helped by the structure of my programs which are designed to keep them engaged and on track. 🛣
Even if you have some other health issues that are beyond the scope of functional medicine, e.g. you break your arm, you are still going to be getting benefit from living functionally.
So if you are not getting benefit, you need to make a change. Some of my clients drop out, or cheat on the nutrition commitments that they agree are acheivable, or take on too much all at once and get overwhelmed. I'm here to help walk the fine line of balance. But we have to stick to the plan to get results.
#harshtruth #functionalmedicine #naturopathy #nutrition #naturalhealing
Ditch seed oils - find healing!
Seed oils destabalize your Omega 6:3 ratio. Switching to real oils helps to bring you back to balance leading to improvements across body systems!
#functionalmedicine #canola #eatinghealthy #HealthyBalance #stressrelief
Eating and healing are deeply personal journeys. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and what works for one person might not be your path. But here’s the beauty of it—sometimes, we need to emulate others to get started. You might follow someone’s meal plans, lifestyle habits, or routines for a while, and that’s okay. It’s a great way to build momentum and learn what fits for you.
Eventually, you’ll find your own rhythm, a style that feels right for your body, your mind, your soul. Healing is personal, but it’s also a journey where we’re allowed to learn from each other until we carve out our own path. 💫
#functionalmedicine #naturopathy #learning #mindset #nutrition
Juggling the gym, work, eating healthy, and having a life can feel like a lot, right? But here’s the thing—it’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding your balance, showing up for yourself, and staying consistent, even on the days you don’t feel like it.
Progress doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from those small, steady steps that you take every day. Keep going, keep showing up for you—because you’re worth it. 💪✨
#balance #balancedlife #balancedmeals #balancednutrition #functionalmedicine #perfectionism #perfectionist
There’s something magical about the way she greets me, her eyes lighting up, tail wagging like pure joy in motion. It’s like she’s saying, ‘You’re my world.’ 🌎
And in that moment, I feel it—an instant wave of happiness that fills my soul. The simple act of her wanting to see me brings this quiet, beautiful healing, like the world slows down just for us. 😇
It’s more than just love; it’s the kind of connection that sparks endorphins and reminds me how good life is in her presence. This bond… it’s pure medicine for the heart.❤🐶
#HealingLove #DogMomLife #EndorphinBoost #PureJoy #stress #stressrelief #stressfree
Putting an autoimmune condition into remission naturally isn’t just about testing or supplements. It’s about the daily habits, the lifestyle, and the routines that may seem boring to some.
But here’s the truth—those simple, consistent actions are what make the biggest difference.
It’s not the glamorous, quick-fix approach. It’s the long game of healing that works. So, embrace the ‘boring’—because that’s where the magic happens. ✨
#AutoimmuneWarrior #HealingLifestyle #ConsistencyIsKey #HealthJourney #FunctionalMedicine #HealingFromWithin #NaturalRemission #HolisticHealth
Imagine if losing the weight was just inevitable 🫰
With functional medicine shedding the weight is often not the goal because it is a natural by product of the process.
This is because good lifestyle means understanding your body, which comes hand in hand with caloric balance and control.
#functionalmedicine #weightloss #nutrition #calories #weightlosshelp
Your body could be reacting to foods you’ve always considered harmless or even healthy.
Just because something is labeled as nutritious doesn’t mean it works for your body. Sometimes, hidden sensitivities or imbalances can cause unexpected reactions.
The only way to know for sure? Test, don’t guess. Understanding your body’s unique needs through proper testing is key to unlocking your health journey. 🌱✨
#healthycoffee #functionalmedicine #nutrition #autoimmune #fatigue
It's Freyja's birthday 🎉
Freyja is my Akita. She's adoring, loyal and everything I could ask for in a dog. 🐶
It's important to have companions you can rely on, it helps manage the stress of the day to day world. This can be family, friends or pets. What's important is the bond you share.
Join me in wishing Freyja a big Happy Birthday ❤
#akita #stress #birthdaygirl #cutedogs #functionalmedicine
Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about connecting the dots—between daily habits, mindset, surroundings, and what truly fuels you.
Discover a way forward that aligns with your unique story. Ready to explore a new level of health? 🌱
#functionalmedicine #FunctionalWellness #HolisticHealth #YourPathToWellness #naturalhealing
✨ Quick Health Tip: Did you know that immune responses are influenced by more than just what you eat?
Factors like stress, sleep quality, and even seasonal changes can affect how your immune system reacts! 🌍
For instance, while good sleep helps regulate immune responses, high stress might make your body more sensitive—even triggering reactions to foods you don’t eat regularly.
This can be linked to phenomena like cross-reactivity, where the immune system may mix up similar proteins. Remember, supporting your health means caring for the whole picture! 🌱
#HolisticHealth #ImmuneBalance #WellnessTips #functionalmedicine #healthandwellness
These are the fundamentals of weight loss. ⚖️
It's not about cutting carbs, or cutting fats, it's about knowing your calories and making a consistent effort!
Doing it this way not only lets you lose weight, but also makes you healthier, because just cutting carbs or fats can have negative effects compared with focusing on the real problem metric (The Calorie). 🔥
#weightloss #weightlosstips #weightlosshelp #weightlossgoals #functionalmedicine #nutrition #nutritionist
Functional Medicine is Lifestyle! 🌱
When we practice appreciation in our day to day lives, it has a powerful effect on our stress response, as it helps to recalibrate our reward systems towards what truly matters.
This is my wonderful akita Freyja, she's a star and when I'm stressed I can use her positivity as a way to recentre. ⭐️
By managing your stress response, you can get ahead in the battle against fatigue, autoimmunes, mental health and everything inbetween.
#functionalmedicine #functionalmentalhealth #gratitude #stress #dogs
Your immune system works hard to protect you daily. Here’s how you can give it a helping hand:
1️⃣ Deliver Fuel to your microbiome with the right nutrients, supporting gut health and reducing inflammation.
2️⃣ Distinguish antigens to optimize immune function and prevent unnecessary reactions.
3️⃣ Downregulate inflammation by calming overactive immune responses.
Enhance gut defense, repair the lining, and balance autoimmunity with these steps to support overall health. 💪
#ImmuneHealth #GutHealth #Autoimmunity #HealthyLiving #FunctionalMedicine
Back 👏 To 👏 Basics 👏
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Most people don't know their nutrients, and yet it is *absolutely essential* to understand what your body needs to run.⚙️
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This is your cheat sheet, save it, to your library AND your brain. 🧠
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Close your eyes, can you recite them? 🙈
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This is the foundational knowledge that will form the corner stone of your nutritional development, a huge part of functional health. 🌱
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#nutrition #functionalmedicine #functionalhealth #nutrients #nutritionist
Okay, let's get stuck in! And where better than with Gluten 😈
You think you are safe from your gluten intolerances! Not So. 🍞⚠️
Introducing "Cross-Reactivity" which makes your gluten intolerance an intolerance to so much more. This is where you want to stop reading because that sounds like one step away from lot of upheaval in your life. And it can well be but the flip side is quite literally your body destroying itself, so it's well worth looking this in the eye while you have the chance. 👀 Prevention is better than cure!
When you acquired your gluten sensitivity, you did so by exposing your immune system to some part of gluten in a way that flagged it up as unsafe and to be targeted for destruction ☠. Your antibodies learned how to handle gluten on sight. But depending on what part of gluten they use as an identifier, you can run into serious issues. While gluten isn't *the same* as soy, or oats, or milk, it can share similar structures. 🔨
And thats where you start cross reacting. Your body is defending against the presence of gluten, but it's also reacting to, for example, soy. 🚨
Of course, while it's reacting to either, there are antibodies being churned out, and these antibodies can also attack anything that looks similar in your own body's tissues too. 🔥🤕
That's not how you get into remission.
So what can you do? There are a few options. You can test for crossreactivity, you can run elimination diets or you can bite the bullet and cut out the potential offenders..... But by far the best step you can take is booking in a session with yours truly 😉
#ceoliac #glutenfree #glutenfreefood #functionalmedicine #functionalhealth
Aaaaand we're back! 📍 I've been busy behind the scenes helping clients, refining my focus on what I can bring to social, and taking some much needed self care space. ☀
In the last 7 months I've gone back to the roots of *why* I live and breathe functional medicine. I've been using the elbow grease to make sure my clients are at the cutting edge of functional health, building on my 14 years of experience day by day by exploring ever more specialised areas and new disciplines. And it's been extremely rewarding, in a way that feels almost nostalgic. 🌱
So why the hell am I back on socials?! 🧐
I'm here because I have something to offer you. I have knowledge you NEED to understand for your health. I have tools nobody else has that people NEED to know about for their health. I have perspectives that NEED to be heard. 📣
I have more to contribute to this space as a whole, this is my field of expertise, and as an expert I can help to make sure it doesn't degrade.
I'm here for ME. I'm here for YOU. I'm here for EVERYONE.
I'm back. 🔥
#fatigue #functionalmedicine #functionalhealth #holisticliving #HolisticHealth
🧭 Digestion Demystified: The North-to-South Optimization Secret Revealed!🌍🍴
Too often I see clients who have gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or some combination and they have been taught to focus on these symptoms.
✅They change their diets
✅They take pills
✅They run tests
And no one tells them THE SECRET 🤫
You must be in a "rest and digest" - parasympathetic state
That's when the brain tells the body it is time to break this food down into nutrition and absorb it.
It's a hormone process 🧬
A chemical process 🧪
A mechanical process ⚙️
With your BIG BRAIN running the show 🧠
It's a North To South Process and it MUST be optimized in this order
or you're wasting your time and your money.
I said what I said!
DM if you struggle with digestion and you're not sure where or how to start.
#Digestion #digestion #restanddigest #restanddigestion #digestionstartsinthebrain #leakygut #sibo #microbiome #heiditoyfunctionalmedicineheiditoyfunctionalmedicine
Embracing the most important love story of all....the one with yourself. 💗 Today and every day, shower yourself with self-care and watch the love bloom 🌷 from within. 💗
#selfcare #selflove #healthiswealth #valentines #functionalnutrition
🌿 The Gut-Hormone Connection: Heal Your Gut, Transform Your Health! 🌀✨
When I was 36 I was told I had adrenal fatigue, but at 32 I had severe digestive issues and lived on an acid blocker.
At the time I didn't know the connection but I know it now, and you should too.
If you have hormone imbalance, fatigue, or thyroid issues then there's a very good chance you have gut health issues.
Even if you don't have symptoms.
80% of our immune system is in our gut.
We digest and absorb in our gut.
We host an ecological system in our gut.
We detox via our gut.
We make a multi vitamin in our gut.
(Thiamine, folate, biotin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid)
Optimizing Digestion and gut health is key to taking back your energy. So much so that my program EnergyRx dedicates entire weeks to learning all about it.
#HealWithin #healyourgut #healyourgutnaturally #healyourguthealyourlife #microbiome #adrenalfatigue #fatigue #guthealth #guthealthforlife #guthealth #guthealthmatters
🧠 Gut Feeling? Think Again! Digestion Begins in the Brain! 🍏✨
Most people think digestion begins in the stomach or sometimes the mouth.
Close but no cigar
Digestion begins in the brain.
We are either in a
State of Receiving
OR
State of Stress
Adrenal Fatigue (dysregulation) is a STRESS state.
Fatigue is a STRESS State
Hormone Imbalance is a STRESS State
Not digesting is a STRESS State
see the pattern?!
Our brain controls digestion
Mere sight, scent, or thought of food kickstarts digestion
Think of something sweet and your brain is already telling your pancreas to release enzymes for carbohydrates 🍭🤯
Think of something bitter that elicits a gallbladder response
When you work with a practitioner they MUST look at all areas of your digestion including your brain.
Without this leaky gut, detoxing, fat digestion, SIBO, etc
They will be difficult to heal.
The brain sets the stage!
Want to know where your stress is? Get my Free Take Back My Energy Quick Guide to take the quiz
#BrainyBites #DigestiveWellness #StressLess #GutHealth #CalmDigestion #ParasympatheticLiving #NoStressDigestion #MindfulEating #DigestAndDeStress #GutCalm #StressFreeDigestion
Sugar ain't so bad.
In fact it's essential!
But it needs to come from the right places. And one of those right places is fruit.
Sugar from candy is free and rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. 🩸🍦 This destroys your blood sugar stability.
Meanwhile the sugar in fruits is the same stuff, it's nicely packed inside cells of the fruit. Plant cells are sturdy stuff, so your digestive enzymes take a good deal longer to absorb that sugar. 🍇 This keeps your blood sugar a lot more stable which stops you from disturbing your circadian rhythm (sleep pattern) and other important stuff 😁
As a *safer* sugar (copious amounts in one sitting are still bad, let's be sensible) use fruit as a tool to make your healthy nutrition plan delightfully sweet.
That's not the full run down on fruits of course, I go way more in depth in my course EnergyRx, and in my live practice.
Nevertheless, enjoy an orange today, and follow for more tips. 🍊
#sugar #bloodsugar #bloodsugarbalance #fruit #fructose #nutrition #vitamins #keto #paleo #bloodsugarmanagement #functionalmedicine #fatigue #fatiguerelief
🔥 Ignite resilience! Discover essential stress-busting habits.
🍽️ Tailor YOUR nutrition for optimal hormones, energy, and blissful sleep.
📉 Master blood sugar balance for a healthier, happier you.
DM me for a free discovery health session. Let's Talk!
#StressFreeLiving #NutritionTips
#highcortisol #insulinresistance #bloodsugarbalance #hormonebalance #pcosweightloss #perimenopause #hypothyroidism
#fatigue #adrenalfatigue
Are you stressed out?
Well not to add to your plate here but those aches and pains your getting aren't unrelated. 🤕
There's nothing quite like stress to knock your health down a peg. 🔨
Your body is making cortisol to maintain the stress state, but it's also inflamed and it's waiting for rest to deflame.
Think about your caveman ancestors, they needed all their resources diverted to the needs of the now in order to survive. But rest came for them, often in a way it doesn't for modern people. So the body developed to use that time for healing.
If you don't step out of the stress you won't heal, and you'll stay in pain and fatigue.
Follow for more.
#stressrelief #stress #pain #fatigue #tired #cortisol #cortisolcontrol #stressmanagement #stresswarrior #rest #restday #chill #chillvibes #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #inflammation #chronicpainwarrior #chronicpain #chronicinflammation
🔥 Burnout goes beyond the exhaustion we often associate with it.
I completely understand burnout. I had job burnout as a diagnostic medical sonographer. I then led the development and had burnout there too. Both are highly demanding jobs in a competitive field.
This is when I hit a brick wall - and my hair started falling out and my butt got wider, despite restrictive dieting and exercise - which was only aiding and abetting my burnout and driving my autoimmune.
Along my journey, I found FM and namely nutrition but even then no one talked to me about slowing down. At least not directly.
There are three components: first, the physical and emotional fatigue from prolonged stress.
Then, there's the cynicism, that 'take this job and shove it' vibe.
Finally, it hits you with self-blame. "What's wrong with me?" "Why can't I handle it?"
Let's break the burnout cycle and prioritize well-being. 💪🌟
#BurnoutAwareness #selfcarejourney
#stressrelief #burnout #burnoutrecovery #stress #fatigue #tired #wellnessjourney #cortisol #stressmanagement #mystory #drainedenergy #energy #procrastination #motivation
Sleep deprivation is killer for your thyroid. 🔪
You may not notice it at first but if you keep your sleep schedule out of sync your going to start slipping into a depleted state and feeling some serious fatigue. 🥱
It's a very common cause of thyroid issues, but often it's just the middleman.
That is to say that you don't sleep because you don't want to or don't feel like it, but you don't feel like it because of further issues in the body like blood sugar.
I'll have content on that coming out soon too, so follow for more 👆
#stress #thyroid #thyroidawarenessmonth #ThyroidAwareness #thyroid #bloodsugar #sleep #sleepdeprivation #melatonin #cortisol #functionalmedicine #fntp #nutrition #SleepWellLiveWell #circadianrhythm #WellnessJourney
🌟 Hey, everyone! Quick chat about setting boundaries. It's not just okay; it's essential! 🚀 When we establish clear boundaries, we create space for our well-being to thrive. Whether it's saying 'no' when needed or carving out time for self-care, boundaries empower us.⚡️
Remember, it's not about limiting yourself; it's about honoring your needs. Let's make boundary-setting a priority and embrace a healthier, more balanced life. Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🌈💬
#SettingBoundaries #WellnessJourney #stressmanagement #stress #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #boundaries #fatiguefighter #fatigue #tired #healthylifestyle #toxicrelationships #knowyourworth #selfcare
⏰ Late-night struggles? Here's the lowdown: Pushing sleep past your 10 PM bedtime can elevate cortisol levels, disrupting your circadian rhythm. 🌙✨ This, in the long run, may pave the way to adrenal dysregulation.
⚖️ Balance is key! Prioritize a consistent sleep routine to keep cortisol in check and support your body's natural rhythm. Your adrenals will thank you! 💤🌿
⏰ Nurturing your adrenal glands involves resetting your circadian rhythm! 🔄 Craft a reliable routine and stick to it. Your body moves in harmony with the circadian rhythm, a synchronized clock directing every organ's performance.
⚙️ Embrace the rhythm, synchronize your peripheral clocks, and kickstart the healing process. Consistency unlocks the door to a seamless circadian symphony! 🌌🕰️
Follow me for more tips and insights!
#AdrenalHealth #CircadianReset #tiredaf #adrenalfatigue #sleeptips #sleep #adrenalhealth #adrenal #adrenalfatiguerecovery #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stresswarrior #heal #Energized #bloodsugar #stressfree #cortisol
Hydration is crucial to taking back your energy but your water is doing the opposite!
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Fluoride in your drinking water could be linked to underactive thyroids! 🚰💔 Here's the scoop: Fluoride, with its close chemical resemblance to iodine, tricks the thyroid into thinking it's getting iodine.
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The catch? Thyroid can't use fluoride to fuel hormones. It's like fluoride is sneakily stealing iodine's spot in the thyroid's "gas tank," paving the way for hypothyroidism. 🚫🦠
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Dealing with Adrenal Dysregulation AKA Adrenal Fatigue?
🌿 Beyond chronic stress, the presence of toxins in your body can play a role in triggering and intensifying this condition. 🚫✨ Toxins may interfere with the adrenal hormone process crucial for managing stress, disrupting your usual Stress Response.
ㅤ
Beware of chlorine and bromine—they're not friends with your thyroid! 🚫 Just like fluoride, these elements can trick your thyroid by mimicking iodine's chemical structure. Picture this: on the periodic table, chlorine, fluorine, bromine, and iodine cozy up in group 17. Your thyroid might mistakenly absorb them, causing iodine deprivation. 🧪💡
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Analyzing HTMA results for clients involves examining contaminant levels, and considering symptoms, lifestyle, and environment. I leverage insights from the periodic table to guide mineral replacements for a holistic approach. 🌿🔍
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BPA might be a culprit behind Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism. Sneaking into tap water and even bottled water, it finds its way to your faucet. Beware: hot coffee lids can be a hotspot for BPA exposure—a potential thyroid disaster. 🚱☕️ Say no to BPA for thyroid well-being! 🚫🦠
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Look, if I tell you much more I'm gonna hit the character limit.
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In my program EnergyRx designed to help you heal your body, and your fatigue I teach you everything you need to know about water! That's where you can really learn how to heal.
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Comment "Heal" below for a free call with me where you'll find out what you need to help yourself.
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#thyroid #hypothyroidism #thyroidproblems #hashimotos #hormones #health #thyroidhealing #hashimotosdisease #functionalmedicine #fatigue
Throwback to July, with warmer weather and a wonderful 3-day bike trip 🚴♀️
Biking is a great activity for keeping fit, and don't restrict yourself to the indoor bikes at your gym; there are loads of great places to go here in Wisconsin (and wherever you are, if you aren't from here, I'm sure). Check out @TravelWisconsin for great ideas and locations! 🏞️
Set aside a little time, and make a trip of it with some friends like I did. It really helps keep motivation during the tougher parts of a ride and spices up the downtime too.
Healthy and active time off with a social component is the highest quality mental refresher you can get. It's counter-intuitive, but getting on a bike will leave you feeling more energized than a day on the sofa (and we all know this from our days on the sofa, which end in lethargy and creeping guilts about what we could have done instead). 📺 🛋️
It was great, and I came back feeling refreshed and de-stressed. Try it!
#Biking #BikeRide #Wisconsin #SummerMemories #Wisconsin #HeidiToy #EnergyRx #HeidiToyFunctionalMedicine #TakeBackYourEnergy #FunctionalMedicine #Healing #Health #Wellbeing #Energized #Fatigue #NaturalMedicine #AlternativeMedicine #NaturalHealth #NaturalHealing #Tired #TiredMom #TiredMama #Nutrition #NutritionalTherapy #FNTP
Is fatigue weighing you down? 😮💨
If it is, you are not alone. There are so many that struggle with that familiar feeling, like every day is a long day. 🆘
This is my specialty. I've helped hundreds of people overcome fatigue using real, informed and actionable steps that set them on the path to freedom from fatigue. 💪
But there are many people suffering, and only one of me, and that makes for a lot of people I can't help one to one. 🙁
That's why I've developed Energy Rx 🦸♀️ my truly groundbreaking, bio-individual course which helps bring real positive change to people in an accessible fashion. You can find out more about reclaiming control of your life, and how Energy Rx will help with that, by checking out the Take Back My Energy Guide: https://buff.ly/3OaQ9H5
This clip is from my appearance on the Leap of Health podcast with @AlexBalgood ❤️
#HeidiToy #EnergyRx #ChronicFatigue #LeapOfHealth #Podcast #AlexBalgood #HeidiToyFunctionalMedicine #TakeBackYourEnergy #FunctionalMedicine
#Healing #Health #Wellbeing #Energized #Fatigue #NaturalMedicine #AlternativeMedicine #NaturalHealth #NaturalHealing #Tired #TiredMom #TiredMama
Beware the sly grain and bread! 🍞
It sneaks into every kind of meal and it neutrality gives it an innocence which disguises it's dangers. 🥸
Whole grain bread can do a real number on your body and puts you on the fast track to autoimmune.
This is a clip of me on the Leap of Health podcast with @AlexBalgood, discussing the dangers of whole grain.
Believe me, stepping away from bread pains me as much as it pains you, but sometimes you've got to let go of things that hurt you, despite their appeal
#Bread #Wholegrain #AutoImmune #LeapOfHealth #Podcast #AlexBalgood #HeidiToy #EnergyRx #HeidiToyFunctionalMedicine #TakeBackYourEnergy #FunctionalMedicine #Healing #Health #Wellbeing #Energized #Fatigue #NaturalMedicine #AlternativeMedicine #NaturalHealth #NaturalHealing #Tired #TiredMom #TiredMama
Western Medicine isn't the wonder pill it can seem like 💊
Functional Medicine can really outperform it's mainstream counterpart when it comes to both preventative measures and chronic cures. 🤼
But it doesn't have to be either or! We can work together for a healthier happier future. 🌅
This clip is from my appearance on the Leap of Health podcast with @Alexbalgood ❤️
#WesternMedicine #ChronicDisease #LeapOfHealth #Podcast #AlexBalgood #HeidiToy #EnergyRx #HeidiToyFunctionalMedicine #TakeBackYourEnergy #FunctionalMedicine #Healing #Health #Wellbeing #Energized #Fatigue #NaturalMedicine #AlternativeMedicine #NaturalHealth #NaturalHealing #Tired #TiredMom #TiredMama
Meat is a central part of a healthy diet for most people 🥩
Especially as we get older we can require more meat. If you have an autoimmune, you may not feel like eating it, even though it's what you need to get your gut health back on track.
That said, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about meat consumption.
#HeidiToy #EnergyRx #HeidiToyFunctionalMedicine #TakeBackYourEnergy #FunctionalMedicine #Healing #Health #Wellbeing #Energized #Fatigue #NaturalMedicine #AlternativeMedicine #NaturalHealth #NaturalHealing #Tired #TiredMom #TiredMama
MONTHLY MILESTONE! 🪨🏃♀️
In July we are focusing on Sleep 😴
Sleep is a corner stone of our well being and is key in reclaiming our energy. ⚡
This Month's SMART Goals 🤓
Hard:
Get to Sleep by 10pm everyday this Month
Alternative:
Get to Sleep by 10pm...
2 days in the first week of July,
3 days in the second week of July,
5 days in the third week of July,
7 days in the fourth week of July and continue till month end.
Keep track on your calendar or schedule. If you miss a day, don't be disheartened, missing a day is 100x better than never trying at all. 🗓️
We are trying to heal the circadian rhythm here, which will help you build an ongoing habit of better sleep. After this month, going to sleep at 10pm (in absence of other issues needing addressed) will come naturally. 🌱
We'll check in at the end of the month and address the benefits of this change, so much to look forward to 😁
#HeidiToy #EnergyRx #MonthlyMilestone #HealthMilestone #ActionPlan #Milestone #GoalSetting #HeidiToyFunctionalMedicine #TakeBackYourEnergy #FunctionalMedicine #Healing #Health #Wellbeing #Energized #Fatigue #NaturalMedicine #AlternativeMedicine #NaturalHealth #NaturalHealing
This is my story healing 🌷
In the late 90's/early 2000s I felt terrible health wise, I tried everything but nothing worked until I found functional medicine. After seeing just how much it could change my life, I was moved to taking up the mantle of practice and to helping people reclaim parts of their lives they too thought were lost.
This clip is from my appearance on the Leap of Health Podcast with @AlexBalgood ❤️
#MyStory #HeidiToy #EnergyRx #HeidiToyFunctionalMedicine #TakeBackYourEnergy #FunctionalMedicine #Healing #Health #Wellbeing #Energized #Fatigue #NaturalMedicine #AlternativeMedicine #NaturalHealth #NaturalHealing #Testimony
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