How Functional Nutrition Can Support Your Immune System for Fall

Fall is a beautiful season filled with pumpkin spice and everything nice, but it also comes with the dreaded flus and colds.

The good news is that by incorporating functional nutrition and the herbs in your kitchen, you can keep those infections at bay and support your immune system.

The acronym "DAZE-C" is a great way to remember the important vitamins and minerals you need to focus on.

Foods rich in Vitamin A like carrots and sweet potatoes can help maintain your immune system in the mucosa, while Vitamin C found in leafy greens and citrus fruits act as an antioxidant to help with immune system transport.

Vitamin D3, found in fatty fish and eggs, plays a crucial role in hormone synthesis and modulating inflammation, while Vitamin E, found in nuts and seeds, helps with immune regulation.

Zinc, found in mushrooms and lentils, plays an important role in immune regulation, hormone synthesis, and blood sugar regulation.

But what about the herbs in your kitchen?

Did you know that ginger, garlic, turmeric, oregano, rosemary, and onion have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant actions?

Adding them to your recipes can give your immune system an extra boost.

It's also important to remember that your immune system functions well optimally with the right lifestyle measures.

Adequate sleep, exercise, and movement are crucial to keeping your immune system strong.

If you want to learn more about functional nutrition or become a functional nutrition coach, join us for the Certificate in Integrative and Functional Nutrition for Nurses starting October 19! Let's support our immune systems together.

A Functional Nutrition Approach to Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects millions of people worldwide. Traditionally, the treatment approach for diabetes has been centered on managing insulin levels with medications. However, there is much more to diabetes management of insulin levels.

Diabetes also involves a range of imbalances, including cortisol levels, inflammation, and exposure to hormones such as obesogens.

Functional nutrition is an approach that looks beyond just treating with medications. It is an approach that views the body as a complex, integrated system, where different imbalances and dysfunctions can impact each other. This approach has proven successful in managing diabetes and helping people achieve optimal health.

Functional nutrition focuses on the role of cortisol levels in diabetes management. It emphasizes the importance of stress management techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation. It also encourages people to incorporate foods that reduce inflammation, such as fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. In addition, functional nutrition highlights the benefits of incorporating foods that are high in anti-oxidants such as berries and colorful vegetables.

Functional nutrition also suggests minimizing exposure to hormones such as obesogens. These chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system and cause imbalances in hormone levels, including insulin. Obesogens can be found in pesticides, plastics, and certain cosmetics. Therefore, it is essential to read labels and minimize exposure as much as possible.



Another important element of functional nutrition is optimizing hormonal balance of stress hormones such as cortisol with adaptogens such as Rhodiola. These natural substances help to improve the body's stress response, regulate cortisol levels, and support healthy blood sugar levels.



In conclusion, functional nutrition offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes. It provides a range of tools that address the various imbalances involved in diabetes. Nurses who want to help their diabetic clients with functional nutrition should consider taking our Certificate course to learn more. By incorporating functional nutrition into diabetes management, nurses can help their clients achieve optimal health and wellness.

Breaking Free From Bedside: A Quick Guide on Starting a Career in Functional Health Coaching

Breaking Free from Bedside: A Guide to Starting a Career

in Functional Health Coaching for Nurses

Have you ever wanted to do more for your patients as a nurse? Do you feel frustrated with the current healthcare system, which appears to only treat symptoms rather than the underlying causes of illness? If so, functional health coaching could be the perfect career change for you.

I’m Dr Vanessa, a holistic nurse and Naturopathic Doctor. I've been where you are - missing something in my career and wanting to make a genuine difference in the lives of my patients. I discovered that functional health coaching enabled me to do exactly that.

As a nurse, I've seen firsthand how healthcare frequently focuses on symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of illnesses.

If you're interested in becoming a Functional Health Coach, here are some steps to get started:

Step 1: Determine your ideal client.

Consider the type of client you want to work with. Is it overwhelmed and stressed-out new mothers? Perhaps it's diabetic patients. Who would you like to work with and who would you like to help? The first step in developing a successful Functional Health Coaching business is to identify your ideal client.

Step 2: Figure out how you can assist your ideal client.

Once you've identified your ideal client, consider the therapies and modalities you'd employ to assist them. For example, my ideal clients are those who have experienced complex trauma, and I assist them with mind-body coaching and nutrition. Make a list of the therapies and modalities you would use to help your ideal client, as these will help you choose your certification.

Step 3: Start marketing yourself

It's time to start marketing yourself now that you've identified your ideal client and the therapies you'll use to help them. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are excellent places to begin. Share your knowledge, passion, and journey with your followers.

Step 4: Get coaching insurance

Coaching insurance is essential for both you and your clients' protection. It's a small investment that will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Conduct your research to find an insurance provider that meets your requirements.

Step 5: Start an LLC

For any company owner, including Functional Health Coaches, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a smart option. An LLC protects you from liability and separates your personal assets from your assets.

Step 6: Network and collaborate

Building a successful Functional Health Coaching business requires networking and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Attend conferences, workshops, and events where you can network with other industry professionals. Collaborate with other professionals to broaden your knowledge and reach a larger number of clients.

If you're ready to take the next step in your nursing career and become a functional health coach, I have great news for you. The Certificate for Functional Coaching and Integrative Health for Nurses is coming in July! This mentorship and certification program is 4 months and will give you the training and support you need to start a profitable functional health coaching business.

I hope this article was useful in guiding you on your path to becoming a Functional Health Coach. Remember that the sky is the limit, and your passion and expertise can truly change the world.

If you found this to be helpful, please visit/like/follow our social media platforms @nursesfornaturalhealth and @traumahealingdoc (for Behavioral Health)

Why Self Care is Important for Mental Health

Sophie Letts

Image via Unsplash

If you’re dealing with mental health challenges—whether it’s depression, anxiety, chronic stress, or any other issue—you’re not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of daily life for countless Americans. So it shouldn’t be surprising that more people are struggling with their mental health in their day-to-day lives. 

Ignoring these issues rarely makes them go away, which is why it’s essential to take steps toward boosting your mental health so you can thrive during and after the pandemic. Along with checking out resources like Nurses for Natural Health, here are some tips to help you along the way:

Look into Your Healthcare Options

The costs of mental health services for which you will be responsible depend on the type of insurance plan you have.

• If you’re a senior, learn what mental health services your Medicare plan covers.

• If you have private health insurance, make sure you understand the coverage.

• If you have no insurance, research the various programs and services available to gain access to mental health care. 

Be Conscious of Your Diet

Few things are more important to your overall health and well-being than following a good diet.

• Understand the nutrition your mind and body need to function at full capacity.

• Limit refined sugars and processed foods in your diet.

• Learn to have a meal plan once a week, which can ensure that you are eating healthy. Plus, it can save you time and money in the long run.

• Research the top wellness products on the market.

• Opt for water over sugary beverages.

Develop a Consistent Exercise Routine

Physical activity is another essential aspect of living a healthy life.

• Learn about the short-term and long-term health benefits of exercise.

• Research and/or try out a variety of activities until you discover some that you enjoy.

• Make a point to exercise at least three days a week.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Finally, sleep is often the most overlooked part of self-care, but your mental and overall health depend on it.

• Understand the importance of sleep when it comes to your mind and body.

• Come up with a nightly routine that helps you to unwind and fall asleep, whether it’s taking a warm bath, listening to soothing music, or doing light yoga stretches.

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends.

Don’t let this pandemic continue to compromise your mental health. Consider the tips and resources listed here for learning about your healthcare coverage, following a nutritious diet, and getting the exercise and sleep your mind and body need.

How Mindfulness and Meditation Can Help Your Brain Health

The brain is perhaps the most interesting organ in the human body.  It is incredibly complex, dynamic and new things being discovered about the brain

“There have been numerous studies done on how meditation and mindfulness benefit your brain function and health long term, and it’s extremely beneficial in patients with mental health issues, such as anxiety, reports Dr Vanessa Ruiz, a naturopathic doctor who addresses mental health issues through mind-body therapies.  Here’s what the science is saying about meditation and mindfulness: 

Neuroscience Behind Meditation And Mindfulness 

Sara Lazar, a neuroscientist at the Harvard Medical School, studies the brain using MRI technology, analyzing changes in the brain during activities such as yoga or meditation.

During these mindful experiences, MRI imaging has shown that the physical structures of the brain can change. One study conducted revealed that meditation and mindfulness activities prevented or slowed down the thinning of the frontal cortex. This is meaningful as the frontal cortex deals with memories and maintaining volume in that area could prevent aging and memory loss. 

In a second study from Lazar, subjects were tested to see the positive effects of mindfulness and meditation. Subjects participated in eight weeks of mindfulness practices and upon completion, imaging showed a decrease in volume at the amygdala, an area of the brain that activates the fight or flight response. 

Long term, mindfulness and meditation may help  those with depression, insomnia and anxiety reduce stressful situations.

Benefits Of Meditation And Mindfulness 

Here are some of the main benefits of meditation and mindfulness that can improve the quality of your life:

·      Improves attention span and focus 

·      Increases tolerance levels

·      Improves your emotional intelligence

·      Boosts traits such as compassion, empathy, kindness, and acceptance

·      Increases self-awareness

·      Boosts emotional health

These are traits we all need if we want to live a healthy and peaceful life. However, the benefits of these don’t stop here. There are many mental health benefits of meditation and mindfulness too. Let’s explore those. 

Benefits Of Meditation And Mindfulness On Mental Health 

Here are some of the main mental health benefits of meditation and mindfulness:

·      Lower stress levels 

·      Lower anxiety

·      Can help prevent relapse into depression

·      Decreases feelings of loneliness

·      Helps fight negative thoughts and patterns

·      Improved quality of sleep

“I’ve seen many of my patients improve by implementing these in their daily practice, says Dr. Vanessa Ruiz, “people are using them because it is helping them lead a better life in a world where our brains are always in a mode of hyperactivity.”

Final Words 

If you want to lead a better life then you should introduce mindfulness and meditation practices into your life. Once you engage in these practices consistently you will notice how better your life and brain health will be.  

Join our Mindfulness Practitioner program here.