What is Functional Nutrition?

Functional nutrition is a personalized, holistic approach to health that focuses on how food and nutrients affect an individual's body, taking into account their unique needs, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. It is rooted in functional medicine principles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root causes of health issues rather than simply treating symptoms.

Key elements of functional nutrition include:

Personalization: Recommendations are tailored to the individual's genetic makeup, health history, dietary preferences, and lifestyle.

Focus on Whole Foods: Emphasis on nutrient-dense, whole foods that provide the body with the building blocks needed for optimal function.

Addressing Root Causes: Identifying underlying factors such as nutrient deficiencies, gut health imbalances, or inflammation that may contribute to health issues.

Bio-individuality: Recognizing that what works for one person may not work for another due to differences in genetics, environment, and personal circumstances.

Functional Testing: Using advanced diagnostic tools, like blood labs, microbiome analyses, or nutrient level testing, to guide dietary and lifestyle interventions.

Integrative Approach: Considering the interplay between diet, lifestyle factors (e.g., stress, sleep, exercise), and overall health.

Functional nutrition is often used to support chronic conditions, improve energy levels, enhance digestion, balance hormones, and promote overall well-being. It empowers individuals to take an active role in their health through informed dietary and lifestyle choices.

 

My story

Working as a touring musician means I have to be in top health in order to travel and perform great shows on little sleep. But in the early 2000s, I was struggling with severe fatigue, PMDD, sleep issues, heart palpitations, depression, brain fog, and chronic whole body pain. After 10 years of seeking help from doctors, I found little help from conventional medicine and turned towards a holistic approach. Through the help of health coaches and nutritionists, I discovered key nutritional deficiencies and food sensitivities that were the culprit behind my symptoms. Now, as a certified graduate of the Nutritional Therapy Association, Fundamental Wellness Institue, Kripalu School of Yoga & Health, Sacred Lasya School of Yoga, and Dr. Sears Wellness institute, I finds great joy in guiding others so their journey to healing is not as long as my own.

When not working with clients or teaching yoga classes, Eartha is on the road touring as an electronic musician for two separate projects. Being a live performer is a demanding mental and physical profession. Eartha is proud of the fact that all her health and wellness recommendations have been road tested under these vigorous situations for over a decade.

Eartha Harris, NTC, FBCS, RYT500, is a graduate of The Nutritional Therapy Association, Fundamenta Wellness Institue, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Sacred Lasya Yoga School, and Dr. Sears Health Coaching Wellness Institute.

I first came to Eartha to address blood sugar issues. Being a “healthy” active 30 year old woman ( avid runner and hooper), I received results from routine blood work that spelled “borderline diabetes”. I knew I couldn’t out run those numbers and something had to change! For years I had been riding a roller coaster of energy surges and crashes, brain fog and mood swings. My go to remedies were either faux “healthy” snacks, coffee or naps. (Many days, I would eat lunch, take a nap, go back to work, and immediately need to eat a snack or drink coffee. Yikes!) Enter Eartha. After a series of questionnaires, interviews and food journaling, she was able to identify not only what my diet was lacking, but also the body systems that needed more support. Together we worked to change my eating habits and food choices. Bit by bit we modified my nutrition. She always explained the reasons behind each change, and I was amazed at how my body was reacting. Once we got my body functioning better for day to day living, she helped me modify even more to support my running. Now that I have found my new normal, eating the right foods for my body and learning how my body reacts to both proper and poor nutrition, I am feeling better than ever. The issues I was having before have all subsided, but what is even better, is things that I experienced chronically, like dizzy spells, allergies, joint pain, dry eyes and even anxiety have all improved as well! My relationship with my husband is even better! Win!!I am continually amazed at how nutrition effects everything! I feel amazing and I owe it all to Eartha. Her support and knowledge, and passion for helping others has truly been a blessing in my life. I can’t thank her enough for helping me find my way to live bright!
— L.  Rowe, Franklin IN

Special thanks for the continuing inspiration from the following teachers and mentors that I have personally trained with: 

Michael Rutherford, Founder, Fundamenta Wellness Institute

Anne Fischer-Silva, Instructor, Nutritional Therapy Association

Sharon Porter, Instructor, Nutritional Therapy Association

Coby Koslowski, Sr. Kripalu Instructor, Life Coach

Danny Arguetti, Sr. Kripalu Instructor

Devarshi Steven Hartman, Sr. Kripalu Instructor

Sudha Carolyn Lundeen, Sr. Kripalu Instructor

Shawna Pelton, Healer, Coach

Toni Bergens, Founder, JourneyDance

Carrie Mackowitz, Health Coach

Liz Vequist, Health Coach

Leah Shapiro, Life Coach