What should you be eating???

1. Paleo
2. Ketogenic
3. Intermittent fasting
4. Plant-based 
5. Mediterranean diet
6. Vegan
7. Low-lectin 
8. Vegetarian 
9. Low carb 
10. Low fat 
11. DASH 
12. Atkins 
13. HCG diet 
14. Low FODMAP 
15. Weight Watchers 
16. Whole-30
17. AIP  

???

Why your diet is not working

I do not believe there is a single diet that works for everyone. As a functional medicine doctor, I believe you need to understand what is happening within your body before selecting a diet or way of healthy eating. What do I mean by “what is happening in your body?” Below are some health factors you would want to become aware of:

1. What is the level of inflammation in your body?
2. Are your thyroid hormone levels at optimal ranges? 
3. Do you have food allergies or sensitivities? 
4. Do you have high blood sugar or elevated insulin? 
5. Do you have nutrient deficiencies? 
6. Do you have a “leaky gut?” 
7. Are you taking medications that will interfere with your success? 
8. Is your metabolism slow due to problems inside your cells (e.g. mitochondrial issues)? 
9. Do you have a hormonal imbalance (estrogen, progesterone or testosterone)? 
10. Are you eating foods that are triggering inflammation and decreasing your metabolism? 

What are your Goals?

Why are you changing your diet?

What are you hoping to achieve?

1. Weight loss? 
2. Improved cardiovascular health? 
3. Reduce inflammation? 
4. Improve digestion? 
5. Manage an autoimmune condition? 
6. Improve hormonal balance? 
7. Increase energy? 
8. Improve sleep? 
9. Feel better?
10. Reduce your risk of dementia? 
11. Heal your gut? 

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?

I see patients in my office every day who have been trying to improve their health in some way, but have not had success with any diet plan.

• “I have been on keto for 6 months and I’m gaining weight!” 

• “My gastroenterologist suggested I try a low FODMAP diet but I have not seen any improvement.” 

• “I have not had a carb in 3 months, I go to the gym 5 days each week and I have not lost a pound!”

• “I started eating a plant-based diet and I feel more inflamed than ever!” 

If you want to find a way of eating that works best for your body, you must first understand what is happening inside your body. Then identify the kinds of foods that will help you achieve your goals.

This is what functional medicine is all about

#1 Discover (not guess) where your body is struggling or out of balance. 

#2 Create a plan based on these discoveries (a plan based on the current state of your body). 

#3 Implement the plan (yes, put the plan into action).

#4 See positive changes and successes (not failures). 

If you are not getting the results you had hoped for with your current diet or way of eating, then you need a different plan.

You can make better decisions when you have the information you need and collaborate with health professionals who can create a successful plan for you.

Are you located near Naperville, Orland Park, Aurora or other local areas? Are you interested in learning how functional medicine can improve your life? Contact us today!

If you are ready for change, contact our office. We are here to help you achieve a better quality of life and extend your life. Not only have more years of life to enjoy, but better ones! 

I wish you health, happiness and a better quality of life!

If you would like more information about functional medicine and integrative medicine or Dr. Sexton go to napervilleintegratedwellness.com

Do your own research, inform yourself and ask lots of questions. When collecting information, you MUST consider the source. There is no shortage of false, misleading, outdated, profit-driven and utterly biased information in healthcare today; even from the most respected sources and organizations.

This approach to healthcare is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease. Why? The FDA enforces its position that these words can only be used with drugs. This approach does not use drugs.