Functional Roots Nutrition
About Amy and The Functional Roots Nutrition Philosophy
Hi! I'm Amy! I've lived in Oregon for over 20 years and worked as an RN and a social worker. After my kids were both in elementary school, I returned to school to get my Master of Science in Nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM, formerly NCNM) in Portland. If you are interested in additional information about my work history, you can view my resume here.
My nutrition philosophy is rooted in the functional medicine model of identifying the root cause of illness instead of treating symptoms. I believe our bodies are amazing and that we each have the best opportunity to heal-if we provide for our unique body's needs. My practice encompasses the belief that what we eat matters and that whole foods contain natural compounds (phytonutrients) that work to enhance our body's natural healing abilities. I also believe that our health is impacted by many factors in addition to the foods we eat, like the health of our relationships, our stress level, our job satisfaction, the quality of our sleep, and much more. We are all unique individuals with special gifts and challenges and I truly feel the only way to understand another person is to listen to their personal story. After having a chance to hear your story, we will create a strategy that will put you on a path to good health.
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My journey into studying nutrition started when I became sick soon after having our first child. I was working as a nurse, as the office manager for my husband's business, and was a brand-new mom. My father had been diagnosed with Celiac Disease (CD) several years before and my parents were concerned that I may have CD as well and encouraged me to stop eating gluten. I eventually did eliminate gluten from my diet and felt a little better, but my stomach was still a mess and I had almost no energy. I stopped working as a nurse because something had to give and I started reading all the books I could get my hands on about food and health. I was eventually diagnosed with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO (more information on SIBO is available here) and multiple food sensitivities. I resolved my SIBO by taking herbal medicines and following a very restrictive diet (LOW FODMAPS) for a year. I have since been able to eat a less restrictive diet (I continue to avoid the foods I am sensitive to) which allows me to have a happy stomach and all the energy I need to fully enjoy my life!
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A few months after overcoming SIBO and altering what I eat to avoid the foods I am sensitive to, my children were also diagnosed with multiple food sensitivities. When I asked our doctor for guidance in making dietary changes for them without harming their growing bodies, my doctor told me that he did not have a resource he was comfortable giving me. His statement got me thinking, perhaps I could be that resource, not only for my family, but for others in need as well. To be there for individuals, like me, who need guidance regarding what foods they can add to their meals, remove from their food choices, or ways to tweak the foods they consume in order to improve the way they feel each day. So I went back to school and earned a Master of Science in Nutrition from NUNM. Through my life experience, nutrition education as well as working as a nurse and social worker, I have a plethora of tools and a vast supply of empathy and understanding to help you find ways to feel your best! I am open to working with individuals in person as well as remotely. We can discuss what works best for you. I look forward to the opportunity to work together to optimize your individual health!
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With love~
Amy