Support for autoimmune diseases and chronic illness
Are you struggling with digestive issues, chronic fatigue or just feeling unwell? You may have seen multiple doctors and specialists only to be told that all of your tests were normal and that everything is fine. I see people like you every day and help them heal. You don’t have to suffer. You can start healing now.
For over 14 years, I have been using a holistic/functional approach to help people heal from chronic health issues. Functional Nutrition is a holistic and science-based approach rooted in Functional Medicine which aims to identify and teat the root cause of chronic disease rather than just silencing the symptoms.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Lupus
Fibromyalgia
Hashimoto’s
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Colitis/ Crohn's
Celiac
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriasis
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Digestive disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Dysbiosis or microbial imbalance (overgrowth of “bad” bacteria and not enough “good” bacteria)
Intestinal yeast overgrowth
Acid reflux
Gastritis
Leaky gut
Chronic intestinal gas, belching, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and/or abdominal pain
Food-Related Issues
Food Sensitivities
Celiac disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Food Intolerance (fructose, lactose and other FODMAPs, disaccharides, histamine)
Unexplained fatigue, brain fog or just feeling “unwell”
Cancer and Cancer Prevention
Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia or Muscle Pain
Arthritis/Joint Pain
Headaches
Migraines
Skin Conditions
Eczema
Psoriasis
Acne
Dermatitis
Chronic Unexplained Symptoms: You have unexplained symptoms and no one has been able to help you
Mold or Heavy Metal Toxin Related: Often due to a combination of impaired detoxification (which may be genetic), combined with exposure to environmental toxins.
UNCOVERING THE ROOT CAUSES OF CHRONIC ILLNESS
Root causes of disease often work together, in combination with genetic factors and life experiences to create a “perfect storm” for the development of chronic symptoms or ill health. Triggers can be a highly stressful event, a medication, an infection (bacterial or viral), a food protein such as gluten from wheat, a nutritional deficiency, poor diet or an environmental toxin.
Uncovering the root cause of chronic disease is like detective work. You can think of me as a “health detective”. We look at various factors including your history, symptoms, your diet and your laboratory tests. We ask questions to determine what is unique about you, and what might have precipitated the health problems that you are experiencing. Might there be genetic factors? Diet or lifestyle factors? Food sensitivities or nutrition deficiencies? Toxic exposures, pathogenic infections or emotional stressors? We then try to connect the dots to figure out what is causing your health problems.
TOOLS UTILIZED TO HELP YOU HEAL FROM CHRONIC ILLNESS:
Holistic Nutrition
Holistic nutrition is a philosophy that emphasizes the connection between nutrition and overall health, combining the principles of whole foods, natural ingredients, mindful eating, and stress reduction.
It goes beyond treating symptoms and focuses on addressing the root causes of illness, taking into account physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
A key aspect of holistic nutrition is consuming nutrient-dense whole foods that nourish the body and support the healing process.
Holistic nutrition empowers individuals to take control of their well-being, providing the tools and knowledge needed to create a healthier, more vibrant life.
My approach is personalized to meet your unique needs.
Acupuncture/ Acupressure Points
Incorporating auricular (ear) acupuncture and body acupressure points into treatment plans has been shown in clinical trails to significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Auricular acupuncture is the stimulation of points on the ear. Scientific research has shown that auricular acupuncture is effective in treating pain and illness through the reticular formation and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. (through nerve innervations of the ear).
Auriculotherapy is widely used for pain relief and treatment of many disorders including insomnia, depression, anxiety, pain relief, digestive issues, brain dysfunction, chemotherapy side effects etc.
Auriculotherapy has little to no unpleasant side effects, making it an excellent option for those who are looking to prevent progression of symptoms leading to the need for more invasive therapies, and for those who need more regular maintenance to feel their best.
*Ear seeds are provided so you can administer points yourself, or your caregiver.
Supplements
Supplements can include a single nutrient or ingredient or can combine a few for a more targeted approach at addressing a certain health issue. Some of these include:
Vitamins:
These include vitamins like A, D, C, and more that our bodies rely on in specific amounts to function
Minerals/Trace elements:
These include zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and iodine to name a few that are necessary for your body to function optimally
Amino acids:
Essential for vital bodily functions, they are the compounds that form protein
Herbs:
These are derived from plants, seeds, berries, flowers, or roots.
Life & Mindset Coaching
Living with a chronic illness can profoundly affect every aspect of your life, making daily routines and interactions more complex and challenging.
A positive mindset can help you manage your chronic illness and improve your life.
Life coaching offers valuable support and practical guidance to help you navigate these difficulties and make positive changes that enhance your well-being.
I provide tailored, personalized advice based on your specific situation and unique needs, along with a variety of tools and effective strategies designed to help you tackle your challenges and ultimately achieve your best self.
Lab Testing
Functional lab tests cut out the guesswork by looking at a wide range of pathogenic, nutritional and biochemical markers throughout the different systems in the body. These tests are highly effective at identifying imbalances and specific problem areas.
Practitioner Pricing and discounts on functional labs.
Precision Analytical Labs -Dutch Test - Hormones
Vibrant Labs- Environmental Toxins & Heavy Metals
Vibrant Labs - Viral Infections Test
Vibrant labs - Micronutrient Panel - Vitamins & Minerals
Diagnostic Solutions - GI Map Stool Test
Great Plains Labs - Organic Acid Test- Neurotransmitters, vitamins, minerals, bacteria, yeasts etc.
GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH TESTS
Diagnostic Solutions Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) — a cutting-edge DNA stool test which can assess your microbiome from a single sample. It screens for pathogenic bacteria, beneficial bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites plus inflammatory, immune and digestive markers.
Diagnostic Solutions Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) — a cutting-edge DNA stool test which can assess your microbiome from a single sample. It screens for pathogenic bacteria, beneficial bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites plus inflammatory, immune and digestive markers.
Vibrant Wellness Wheat Zoomer — tests for antibodies to wheat peptides for both gluten and non-gluten components which can tell us about celiac disease gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy and more. It also tests for markers for intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”).
Genova Diagnostics Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) — a breath test for small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Great Plains Lab Microbial Organic Acids Test (MOAT) – The Microbial Organic Acid Test is an abbreviated version of the Organic Acid Tests (listed above) and tests for specific markers related to Candida and other yeast/fungal overgrowth and bacterial overgrowth in the gut.
Genova Diagnostics GI Effects — stool test which cultures and identifies harmful bacteria, beneficial bacteria, yeast and parasites. Tests are run on pathogens that are found to determine which herbal treatments they are sensitive to. Also tests for markers associated with digestion and gut inflammation.
Vibrant Wellness IBS Sure — a blood test that can help determine if IBS-D might be caused by Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). This test helps to identify the problem and monitor treatment response with a simple blood test.
TOXIC EXPOSURE TESTS
Great Plains Laboratory Toxic Non-Metal Chemical Profile — a urine test that screens for 172 different toxic chemicals.
Great Plains Laboratory Toxic Non-Metal Chemical Profile — a urine test that screens for 172 different toxic chemicals.
Great Plains Laboratory MycoTox Profile — mold exposures test. A urine test for mycotoxins, toxic metabolites produced by fungi which can infest buildings and foodstuffs. These mycotoxins in environment can cause symptoms of many different chronic diseases.
Great Plains Laboratory Glyphosate Test — a urine test that can identify if you have glyphosate (the primary toxic chemical in “Roundup”), a broad-spectrum herbicide used in more than 700 different products, in your system. Glyphosate is linked to many chronic health problems by disrupting the microbiome. Once detected, we can identify the source and prevent future exposure.
Great Plains Laboratory Toxic Non-Metal Chemical Profile — a urine test that screens for 172 different toxic chemicals.
Great Plains Laboratory MycoTox Profile — mold exposures test. A urine test for mycotoxins, toxic metabolites produced by fungi which can infest buildings and foodstuffs. These mycotoxins in environment can cause symptoms of many different chronic diseases.
Great Plains Laboratory Glyphosate Test — a urine test that can identify if you have glyphosate (the primary toxic chemical in “Roundup”), a broad-spectrum herbicide used in more than 700 different products, in your system. Glyphosate is linked to many chronic health problems by disrupting the microbiome. Once detected, we can identify the source and prevent future exposure.
HORMONE TESTING
Precision Analytical DUTCH Comprehensive Hormone Test — A urine test that looks at stress hormones and sex hormones to identify imbalances.
Genomic Testing — saliva testing to identify relevant polymorphisms may be utilized (through various labs). We can’t change our genes, although knowing that we have certain polymorphisms can help us to target specific areas through nutritional and lifestyle factors.
FOOD SENSITIVITY TESTS
While an elimination-challenge diet is the “gold standard” for identifying food sensitivities, testing for food sensitivities can sometimes be helpful. Labs utilized for food sensitivity testing include Vibrant Wellness (IgG and IgA testing).
ORGANIC ACID TESTING
Great Plains Laboratory Organic Acid Test (OAT) — a urine test that provides information on how your body is working in several areas–intestinal health, energy production, detoxification, nutrient co-factor adequacy and neurotransmitter activity.
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The patient is responsible for all private medical and lab fees. These tests are generally not covered through Third Party Insurers.
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Currently, private consultations can be partially covered for residents of Canada only. My acupuncture registration is only valid in Canada.
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The first virtual session is typically very comprehensive and focuses on understanding the patient's health history, lifestyle, environment, life stressors and underlying factors that may be contributing to their current health issues.
Here's what patients can generally expect:
A Detailed Health History:
You will be asked about your current symptoms, past medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, stressors and more.
Lifestyle Assessment:
Expect questions about your diet, exercise routine, sleep patterns, stress levels, bowel movements (yes, we talk about poop!) and other lifestyle factors.
In-Depth Discussion:
You will engage in a detailed discussion about your symptoms as Monita works get to the root cause of your health concerns. Again, we may explore many factors such as genetics, diet, environment, lifestyle, stress and more.
Summary
Monita will create a personalized plan for you, which will be sent via email. This plan will include lifestyle tips,
Monita will create a personalized plan for you, which will be sent via email. This plan will include lifestyle tips, nutrition advice, and supplement suggestions.