I. Course Description

 

This course provides an in-depth exploration of Functional Nutrition, a science-based approach to health and wellness that emphasizes the importance of nutrient-dense whole foods, individualized nutrition plans, and the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. This course is designed for health practitioners as well as lay people who are interested in learning about Functional Nutrition and how to apply it to their own lives or to the lives of their clients.

 

II. Course Objectives

• To understand the foundational principles of Functional Nutrition

• To learn how to create individualized nutrition plans

• To understand the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of chronic diseases

• To learn how to evaluate and interpret laboratory markers related to nutrition and health

• To understand the relationship between gut health and overall health

• To learn how to address common nutritional deficiencies

• To understand the role of supplements in Functional Nutrition

• To learn how to implement Functional Nutrition into daily life

 

III. Course Outline

 

Session 1: Introduction to Functional Nutrition

• Overview of Functional Nutrition

• Foundational principles of Functional Nutrition

• Nutrient-dense whole foods

 

Session 2: Macronutrients and Micronutrients

• Understanding macronutrients and their role in the body

• Understanding micronutrients and their role in the body

• Nutrient timing

 

Session 3: Individualized Nutrition Plans

• The importance of individualized nutrition plans

• Evaluating and assessing nutritional needs

• Meal planning and preparation

 

Session 4: The Gut-Brain Connection

• Understanding the gut-brain connection

• Gut health and overall health

• The role of the microbiome

 

Session 5: Chronic Disease Management

• The role of nutrition in chronic disease prevention and management

• Common chronic diseases and their relationship to nutrition

• Addressing chronic diseases through nutrition

 

Session 6: Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis

• Understanding laboratory markers related to nutrition and health

• How to evaluate and interpret laboratory markers

• Using laboratory markers to guide nutrition plans

 

Session 7: Nutritional Deficiencies

• Common nutritional deficiencies and their impact on health

• Addressing nutritional deficiencies through nutrition

 

Session 8: The Role of Supplements

• The role of supplements in Functional Nutrition

• When to use supplements

• How to choose supplements

 

Session 9: Functional Nutrition for Women's Health

• Understanding women's health and the unique nutritional needs of women

• Nutrition and menstrual cycle health

• Nutrition during pregnancy and lactation

 

Session 10: Functional Nutrition for Children's Health

• Understanding children's health and the unique nutritional needs of children

• Encouraging healthy eating habits in children

• Addressing nutritional deficiencies in children

 

Session 11: Functional Nutrition for Athletes

• Understanding the unique nutritional needs of athletes

• Nutrition and athletic performance

• Nutrient timing for athletes

 

Session 12: Addressing Stress through Nutrition

• Understanding the impact of stress on the body

• Using nutrition to manage stress

• The role of nutrition in mental health

 

Session 13: Functional Nutrition and Aging

• Understanding the unique nutritional needs of older adults

• Nutrition and age-related changes

• Addressing age-related nutritional deficiencies

 

Session 14: Implementing Functional Nutrition

• Tips and strategies for implementing Functional Nutrition into daily life

• Meal planning and preparation

• Eating out and traveling

 

Session 15: Course Wrap-Up

• Review of key concepts and principles

• Final Q&A session

• Course evaluations

 

IV. Course Requirements

Attendance at all 15 sessions

Completion of assigned readings and assignments

Final project: Develop an individualized nutrition plan for

a client, incorporating the principles of Functional Nutrition.

 

V. Evaluation

Attendance and participation (20%)

Assignments (30%)

Final project (50%)

 

VI. Required Textbooks

"The Essentials of Nutrition: A Functional Approach" by Dr. Jen Unwin

"The Complete Guide to Nutrition in Primary Care" by Darwin Deen

 

VII. Additional Resources

Scientific journals and articles related to Functional Nutrition

Podcasts and webinars on Functional Nutrition

Online resources and support groups related to Functional Nutrition

 

VIII. Instructor

R. Scott Moylan, DACM, M.S., L.Ac.

 

IX. Course Schedule

TBA

 

X. Conclusion

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Functional Nutrition, with a focus on the principles and practices that can help individuals achieve optimal health and wellness. Whether you are a health practitioner or a lay person, this course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to incorporate Functional Nutrition into your life or your practice.