Nutrition Specialist

What is nutrition?

Nutrition focuses on how your body processes and distributes the nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc.) in the foods you eat. While a poor diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies that negatively impact your overall health, proper nutrition may extend your life.

As a functional medicine specialist, Dr. McElroy understands the importance of nutritional health. Following a healthy diet not only reduces your risk of disease, but it’s also less costly and invasive than treatments to manage chronic conditions later in life.

How does nutrition affect my health?

Many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, result from pro-inflammatory foods. A diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and saturated fats can lead to inflammatory chronic diseases. 

In addition to causing weight gain, hypertension (high blood pressure), and other chronic disease risk factors, an inflammatory diet often excludes many vital nutrients that your body needs to function properly. Common signs of nutritional deficiencies include:

• Fatigue
• Brittle nails
• Dry hair
• Numbness and tingling in the fingers
• Shortness of breath
• Cold hands
• Muscle weakness
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Mood swings
• Irregular heart rhythm 

Inflammatory diets and nutritional deficiencies can leave you with lasting health complications. Early intervention is the best tool to protect your health.

What is the best type of nutrition for me?

Dr. McElroy takes your medical history, lifestyle, and goals into account when designing your individualized nutrition plan. She may also order blood work, adrenal testing, and gluten sensitivity testing to identify any potential risk factors to your health.

Once she gathers the whole picture of your health, Dr. McElroy can make the appropriate nutrition recommendations. Along with individualized nutrition, she may recommend:

Metabolic reset

Dr. McElroy’s 12-week metabolic reset program aims to boost your metabolism and prevent chronic disease. She offers one-on-one care that includes regular telehealth check-ins and personalized nutrition advice. The metabolic reset program can help correct nutritional deficiencies, increase energy levels, and promote healthy weight management.

Intermittent fasting (IF)

Intermittent fasting is a dietary practice that involves cycling through periods of eating and abstaining from food. Many IF methods exist, including plans that you can follow every other day or a couple of days a week. Dr. McElroy works with you to determine the right intermittent fasting method for your health and goals.

To learn more about nutrition, call Aging Gracefully or schedule an appointment online today.