
Nava Nutrition Counseling & Planning
Nava Health provides personalized functional nutrition counseling to help you achieve optimal health and wellness. We believe that nutrition is key to preventing and reversing disease. Our team of expert nutritionists is here to guide you on your journey. Nava has been helping clients since 2014.
Learn to Make Healthy Food Choices
If you want to learn more about Nava’s Nutrition Plan or are ready to take control of your weight and health with nourishing food choices, then give us a call today.
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What is a Functional Nutritionist?
NAVA’s Functional Nutritionists hold graduate degrees in functional nutrition and are proficient in science-based advanced medical nutrition therapy, biochemistry, counseling, education, and research. NAVA’s Functional Nutritionists have earned or are eligible for national board accreditation as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and state licensure as a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN).
What is a Functional Nutritionist?
NAVA’s Functional Nutritionists hold graduate degrees in functional nutrition and are proficient in science-based advanced medical nutrition therapy, biochemistry, counseling, education, and research. NAVA’s Functional Nutritionists have earned or are eligible for national board accreditation as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and state licensure as a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN).
What is Functional Nutrition?
Functional nutrition plays a key role in functional medicine, using food as natural medicine to restore balance, correct nutrient deficiencies, heal the gut, and more. It takes a holistic approach, considering all aspects of health, diet, and lifestyle when providing personalized nutrition recommendations. Unlike conventional nutrition, functional nutrition focuses on the unique needs of each individual, offering tailored plans instead of generic ones.
NAVA’s Nutrition team adopts a root-cause approach to health, addressing diet, lifestyle, environmental factors, and targeted supplementation to support healing and overall wellness. Our Functional Nutritionists collaborate with clients and other NAVA practitioners to create personalized, sustainable nutrition plans based on individual biochemistry, functional testing, and clinical needs. This approach helps treat conditions like metabolic syndrome, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, sleep problems, obesity, anxiety, depression, and more.
The Functional Nutrition Process:
In most cases, NAVA’s Functional Nutrition team follows a sequence of steps to determine what specific dietary, supplement, and lifestyle changes the individual client will benefit from the most. While there is variance in these steps, they typically include the following:
- In depth evaluation of previous medical history
- Review of organ systems
- Review of all medication and supplements
- Review of current diet
- Review of current lifestyle habits
- Review of medical testing and lab results
- Review of client goals
From the above information, your NAVA Functional Nutritionist will work side by side with you to develop a customizable program that targets the root cause of your health problems.
Who Can Benefit from a Functional Nutritionist?
Many people can benefit from working with a Functional Nutritionist, for a variety of reasons. Whether you need a total overhaul of your diet, or you are looking to better manage a medical condition, NAVA’s team of qualified Functional Nutritionists can help. Our team works to improve many conditions:
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides
- Diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Allergies
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Irritable bowel disease (IBD)
- Obesity/overweight
- Autoimmune disease
- Cancer
- Eczema
- Anxiety/depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Menopause
- Hormone imbalance
- Estrogen dominance
- Gut dysbiosis
- Gut infection
- Leaky gut
- Hashimoto’s
- Hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism
Advanced Functional Testing at NAVA:
NAVA’s Nutrition team is dedicated to bringing you the latest and greatest when it comes to advanced functional testing. We currently offer the gold standard of stool testing, micronutrient testing, and organic acids testing. See below for more details.
Stool Testing – NAVA’s Gut Restore Program (GI-MAP)
Nava’s Gut Restore program allows us to uncover the underlying cause(s) of chronic illness and disease. Based on your stool results, Nava’s Functional Nutritionists and Physicians will develop a personalized treatment plan so you can begin your journey to feeling better, once and for all.
Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract hosts a variety of microorganisms that live in a mutually beneficial relationship with you. This community of microorganisms is called the ‘gut microbiome’. These microbes play a crucial role in your health, supporting functions such as vitamin production, hormone regulation, immune system support, and communication with the nervous system. Research now shows how these microorganisms impact both health benefits and disease risks.
The results of your GI-MAP stool test will be reviewed by your Nava Functional Nutritionist, who will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include changes to your diet and lifestyle, targeted supplements, and possibly prescribed medications if needed, all aimed at addressing gut imbalances or infections.
Micronutrient Testing – NAVA’s Micronutrient Profile (SpectraCell Laboratories)
Micronutrients are essential for nearly all metabolic and developmental processes in the body. Strong evidence shows that deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can contribute to degenerative conditions like arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Evaluating micronutrient status can help identify metabolic imbalances and uncover potential causes of chronic health issues.
SpectraCell’s Micronutrient test offers the most comprehensive nutritional analysis by measuring deficiencies at the cellular level. It evaluates how well the body uses 31 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites, highlighting the body’s need for these nutrients to produce enzymes, hormones, and other substances necessary for growth, development, and overall health. Repletion recommendations are provided based on individual needs.
Organic Acids Testing – NAVA’s OAT Profile (Great Plains OAT)
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) is a powerful tool for assessing metabolic health by analyzing organic compounds in urine. By measuring 76 metabolites, including creatinine, this test evaluates vitamin and hormone metabolism, energy production, gut health, and neurotransmitter activity. Nava Health’s OAT also includes specialized markers for HPHPA and oxalates, offering deeper insights into metabolic and digestive function.
OAT helps detect imbalances linked to chronic illnesses, neurological conditions, and allergies. Many of these issues result from yeast or bacterial overgrowth in the gut, often caused by immune dysfunction, frequent antibiotic use, or excessive carbohydrate intake. Unlike standard culture tests, OAT identifies microbial imbalances that might otherwise go undetected.
This comprehensive test also assesses key metabolic pathways, including the Krebs Cycle, neurotransmitter regulation, and fatty acid metabolism. By pinpointing deficiencies in nutrients, antioxidants, and energy production, OAT helps uncover the root causes of various health concerns.
Need More Info? Get Your Questions Answered!
What is functional nutrition?
Functional nutrition is a holistic approach to health that focuses on using food as fuel to support the body’s natural healing processes. Unlike conventional dietary plans, this method considers an individual’s unique genetics, lifestyle, and biochemical makeup.
How is functional nutrition different from regular nutrition?
While regular nutrition provides general guidelines for healthy eating, functional nutrition takes a deeper dive into each person’s health. Our doctors and specialists evaluate metabolic function, gut health, and nutrient absorption to develop a customized solution for optimizing well-being.
What are the key principles of functional nutrition?
- Biochemical Individuality – Everyone’s body has different nutritional needs.
- Holistic Approach – Diet, lifestyle, and environment all play a role in health.
- Root Cause Analysis – Instead of just treating symptoms, functional nutrition addresses underlying health concerns.
- Advanced Testing – Lab assessments like the Organic Acids Test (OAT) identify imbalances affecting overall health.
- Personalized Interventions – Tailored nutrition plans support energy levels, metabolism, and gut health.
Why is functional nutrition important?
A holistic approach to nutrition helps correct deficiencies, restore balance, and improve overall health. It can be particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions, enhancing digestion, and promoting sustainable healthy eating habits.
How does functional nutrition support weight loss?
Rather than focusing solely on calorie intake, functional nutrition identifies the root causes of weight gain, such as hormonal imbalances, metabolic issues, and poor gut health.
What is a functional nutrition assessment?
A functional nutrition assessment at our center is a comprehensive evaluation of health history, dietary habits, stress levels, and metabolic function. Our doctors and specialists use this information, along with advanced lab testing, to develop a customized plan for nourishment and wellness.
What is Metabolomix?
Metabolomix is a specialized test that assesses metabolic pathways to identify nutrient deficiencies and biochemical imbalances. It provides valuable insights into how the body processes fuel, helping our experts create personalized nutritional recommendations.
How does Metabolomix work?
Metabolomix involves a series of non-invasive tests, including:
- First-morning urine collection to analyze metabolic markers.
- Bloodspot testing for essential micronutrient levels.
- Stool analysis to assess gut health and digestion.
- Organic acid profiling to detect deficiencies and imbalances.
What conditions can functional nutrition help with?
Functional nutrition can support individuals managing:
- Digestive disorders such as bloating, IBS, and acid reflux.
- Hormonal imbalances including thyroid issues and adrenal fatigue.
- Metabolic conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance.
- Neurological concerns such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
- Cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.
Are there any limitations to functional nutrition?
While functional nutrition is a powerful solution for improving health, there are some limitations:
- It requires specialized testing and professional guidance from doctors and specialists.
- Individual results may vary based on genetics, lifestyle, and existing health conditions.
- Some interventions may take time to show noticeable effects.
What is the Nava Nutrition Plan?
The Nava Nutrition Plan is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals make informed food choices, develop sustainable healthy eating habits, and optimize their overall well-being. Our experts provide practical guidance on meal planning, portion control, and shopping for nutritious foods.
Call 800-762-6282 to start your journey toward better health today!