While conventional medicine is largely geared towards putting a “band-aid” over symptoms, functional medicine looks at the body as an interconnected network and aims to address the root cause of symptoms. This involves a whole-body approach that considers how different systems in the body all work together.

We use advanced lab testing, whole-food recommendations, targeted supplements, and holistic lifestyle strategies to address your symptoms naturally through an integrative lens.

The nutrients in our food fall into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients.

• Macronutrients refer to the three main substances required in large (macro) amounts in the human diet: protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

• Micronutrients are vitamins, minerals, and other compounds required by the body in small (micro) amounts for normal physiological function.

We need a mix of both to stay healthy.

While carbohydrates and fats are important, these macronutrients can be partially synthesized by the body for a limited amount of time if dietary intake has been insufficient. (A major exception is the essential omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which we can only get through food.)

Conversely, micronutrients and the essential amino acids found in protein cannot be manufactured by the body and must be consumed from food.

Almost every physiological function in your body requires micronutrients to function optimally. Vitamin, minerals and anti-oxidants play a key role in:

• Producing and releasing energy.

• Strengthening the immune system.

• Reducing systemic inflammation.

• Protecting against free radical damage.

• Maintaining a healthy hormonal balance (i.e. thyroid, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, neurotransmitters/brain hormones, etc.).

• Maintaining insulin sensitivity.

• Slowing down cellular aging.

• Promoting the health of all tissues: skin, bone, brain, breast, gut, prostate, heart, muscle, organs, etc.

• Protecting against the development, progression, and recurrence of cancer.

Here are just a few examples of how nutrient deficiencies contribute to chronic disease:

• Vitamin C deficiency increases chronic disease risk factors such as C-reactive protein, waist circumference, and blood pressure.

• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with immune dysfunction and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

• Magnesium deficiency is linked to depression, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

• Choline deficiency promotes DNA damage and impairs brain development and liver function.

• Vitamin B12 deficiency contributes to cognitive dysfunction and reversible tremors and other Parkinson’s-like symptoms.

• Folate deficiency increases the risk of birth defects and promotes the production of a compound called homocysteine that damages blood vessels when present in large amounts and impairs DNA methylation, which in turn can lead to altered gene expression and an increased risk of cancer.

Many of the commonly accepted causes of disease—inflammation, gut health, genetics—are really manifestations of micronutrient deficiency:

Inflammation – exacerbated by micronutrient deficiencies. Antioxidants quell inflammation if present in adequate amounts. Deficiencies will cause inflammatory processes to run amok.

Poor gut health – contributes to micronutrient deficiency. Bacteria in our gut make B vitamins and facilitate absorption of nutrients. Poor gut health will certainly cause micronutrient deficiencies.

Low immunity – often caused by micronutrient deficiencies. Several micronutrients are needed to regulate the complicated immune network which protects us against pathogens and endogenous cancer cells.

Environmental Toxins – our body's detoxifications systems run on micronutrients, not enough means we can't detoxify. Toxins in our environment are unavoidable, we just need to arm our cellular detoxification pathways with the micronutrients needed to deal with the toxins.

Hormones – micronutrient deficiencies compromise hormone synthesis. If you have the micronutrients you need, hormones are more likely to be balanced and functioning well.

Genetics – micronutrients regulate genetic expression. Some genes may dictate that you need more (or less) of a micronutrient to perform the same cellular functions as someone with a different gene. But the ultimate effect of genetically linked micronutrient deficiencies can be overcome with targeted supplementation.

All of the above contributors to disease are a reflection of micronutrient deficiencies.

Yes, even if you eat a healthy well-balanced diet, micronutrient deficiencies may still be present for a host of reasons. There are multiple variables that go beyond your food intake that affect your nutritional status:

Absorption: Genetics, environmental toxins, stress, injuries, and medications all influence nutrient absorption, and thus your nutrient levels and cellular functioning.

Illness (acute or chronic): Just as micronutrient deficiencies can set the stage for disease, health conditions—and the medications often prescribed to treat them—can contribute to micronutrient depletions.

Aging: Our micronutrient requirements at age 20 are quite different from our requirements at age 40, 50, and beyond.

Lifestyle: Diet, physical activity, medication use all profoundly affect micronutrient demands.

43% of the people taking multivitamins are micronutrient deficient, despite supplementation.

Though it would seem obvious to boost the body’s nutrients with one of the many commercially available supplements, the human body is more complex than that.

Certain nutrients perform best in the presence of other nutrients. For example, the body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium.

Certain nutrients may perform counteractive functions. For example, beta-carotene and vitamin C enhance iron absorption, while calcium and polyphenols appear to reduce the absorption of iron.

Also, numerous factors can impair nutrient absorption: genetics, aging, lifestyle, environmental toxins, stress, chronic illness, injuries, and medications.

Getting a full picture of your micronutrient profile and cellular functioning offers comprehensive evaluation to identify potential sources of malabsorption, deficiencies, and dysfunction.

The micronutrient bloodwork panel provides the most comprehensive nutritional analysis available by assessing the direct measurement of both intra- and extracellular nutrient status of vitamins, minerals, co-factors, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and more.

It provides an in-depth view of vitamin deficiencies, antioxidant function, malabsorption and dysbiosis markers, energy and neurotransmitter metabolism, toxin exposure, and oxidative stress.

A very common misconception about taking vitamin supplements is that if some is good, more is better. Since micronutrients (which includes vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and other compounds) work synergistically, there exists an important and delicate balance of nutrients. Taking too much of one nutrient may induce a deficiency in another nutrient by disturbing the biochemical balance they have with each other. The key is targeted supplementation, which means supplementing to correct nutritional deficiencies specific to you. Personalization is key.

We will direct you to your nearest phlebotomist to book an appointment for your blood draw. FASTING IS NOT REQUIRED.

The blood draw is an additional cost depending on where you live and if you opt for a mobile phlebotomist or go to a lab. The draw fee ranges from $25-$75.

All consultations are held virtually, either by video session or phone. This allows us to work with people throughout the United States.

The lab order for a Micronutrient Panel is $400. This is a one-time order to have your bloodwork analyzed at the lab.

Supplement protocols are dependent upon individual micronutrient needs. The average protocol ranges from $80/month - $165/month.

We extend our wholesale pricing on all labs and supplements to keep costs as low as possible for our clients.

Unfortunately, no. Nutrition Simplified is an Out-of-Network (OON) Provider and we are not contracted with any insurance providers.

However, you may request an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Coverage is subject to your individual benefits plan.

We accept HSAs and FSAs for services, and these forms of payment may also be used for supplements and lab work.

You can email Chelsea directly, or book a complementary call here.