Is the FDN Program Worth It For Aspiring Health Practitioners?

Is the FDN Program Worth It For Aspiring Health Practitioners?

by | Sep 17, 2024 | Articles | 4 comments

FDN Program Review from a Holistic Health Coach

As a full-time practicing FDN practitioner that graduated from the program in January of 2016, I often get asked by aspiring practitioners, friends, and clients alike to describe my experience with the FDN program. In this article, I set out to ask the most commonly asked questions about FDN, and whether the program is worth it.

For those of you who would like a shortened review of the FDN program – my short answer is yes – the FDN course is absolutely worth it. Here’s a short list of why I’d recommend it:

    • Self-paced online course
    • Payment plan options
    • Learn functional lab interpretation
    • Run labs on yourself first and become and become your own first client
    • Access to a menu of over 1,000 functional labs after graduation
    • Ability to work remotely or from home
    • Be your own boss
    • Unlimited income potential (for those willing to put in the work!)
    • Amazing post-grad community of FDN professionals

And here’s an Instagram video clip where I offer a short review of the FDN program.

Don’t need any more convincing? Jump to the end of this article for a special discount code for $1,000 off the FDN course!

 

What Is The FDN Program? A Brief Overview

Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) is a self-paced, online health coaching certification program that equips practitioners with the skills to identify and address the root causes of chronic health issues. The program is built on the philosophy of “test, don’t guess”, emphasizing the use of functional lab testing to uncover hidden stressors in the body. 

FDN practitioners learn to interpret a variety of functional lab tests, including salivary hormone panels, digestive health assessments, and basic metabolic markers to assess various areas of function throughout the body. This knowledge allows FDNs to create personalized health protocols that go beyond symptom management, focusing instead on restoring overall health and wellness with the help of natural healing principles.

The program is designed for aspiring health practitioners, wellness enthusiasts, and those looking to transition into a career in functional health. It covers a wide range of topics, including:

    • Functional lab interpretation
    • Holistic health principles
    • The D.R.E.S.S. protocol (Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction, and Supplementation)
    • Client coaching techniques

By completing the FDN program, graduates gain the ability to work as non-licensed health professionals, either independently or in collaboration with other health professionals, helping clients achieve optimal health through a root-cause approach.

The goal here is not to replace the client’s relationship with their doctor. Instead, FDNs serve as allied health professionals helping to guide clients through the murky waters of diet and lifestyle change. By bridging the gap between these two approaches, FDN practitioners can help clients achieve more comprehensive and personalized health outcomes.

(I would like to clarify here that I do think that conventional medicine excels when it comes to “acute” or emergency care, but largely falls flat when it comes to dealing with the growing epidemic of chronic symptoms – fatigue, brain fog, digestive complaints, hormone imbalances, allergies, muscle/joint pain, etc.)

What Is Covered in the FDN Training?

Now let’s get specific about what the FDN training actually covers!

The FDN course is structured into a series of detailed modules that guide you through core concepts in functional health, lab testing, and client management. Each module builds upon the last, equipping you with the knowledge and practical skills to not only interpret lab results but also apply holistic health practices to improve client outcomes. Below is a closer look at the key topics covered in each module to give you a comprehensive view of what to expect.

NOTE: these modules are subject to change over time, so I recommend also visiting the FDN site to download the most recent curriculum.

 

    • Module 1 – FDN Model & Philosophy

      Explore the unique FDN perspective on health and wellness, highlighting how it contrasts with the traditional allopathic/medical approach. You’ll also be introduced to the concept of Metabolic Chaos™, as well as how to use functional lab tests to identify and resolve healing opportunities in the body.

    • Module 2 – Stress & Hormones (Part 1)

      Learn the fundamentals of stress & hormones. In this module, you’ll learn about the HPA Axis and the significance of cortisol dysregulation (aka, the stress response). You will also be introduced to the salivary FDN Stress & Hormone Profile.

    • Module 3 – Stress & Hormones (Part 2)

      Learn how to assess both male and female sex hormones (testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, etc.), as well as common symptoms associated with hormone imbalances (e.g., the relationship between estrogen dominance and symptoms like anxiety, PMS, acne, inflammation, etc.).

    • Module 4 – Metabolic Health

      In this module, you’ll learn the importance of assessing liver function, digestion, and detoxification processes. You’ll also be introduced to the FLUIDS iQ Metabolic Wellness Profile and learn how to assess indican, total bile acids, and 8-OHdG biomarkers.

    • Module 5 – Digestive Health

      You’ll learn about the physiology and significance of the mucosal barrier (the gut lining) and its role in digestive health. The module covers the FLUIDS iQ Mucosal Barrier Assessment and introduces the Genova Intestinal Permeability test, along with how to identify intestinal permeability (a.k.a. “leaky gut”)—a condition that can contribute to various symptoms throughout the body.

    • Module 6 – Antigens & Pathogens

      Learn all about gut bugs and what happens when the GI environment starts to break down. You’ll discover how to use the GI-MAP stool pathogen test to identify various pathogens, including H. Pylori, bacteria, parasites, and fungi/yeast.

    • Module 7 – Food Sensitivities

      Explore the ins-and-outs of the MRT (Mediator Release Test) and learn how inflammatory mediators are associated with food sensitivity reactions, which may contribute to hidden inflammation throughout the body.

    • Module 8 – Metabolic Typing®

      Discover that there is no “one-size-fits-all” diet. This module teaches you how Metabolic Typing® can help determine the ideal diet for you and your clients. An introduction to the D.R.E.S.S. framework is also provided.

    • Module 9 – “D” for Diet in D.R.E.S.S for Health Success© Program

      This lesson dives deep into the “D” in the FDN D.R.E.S.S. program, which is the first step toward helping your clients restore balance and optimal function. Diet is the foundation and cornerstone for healing the body!

    • Module 10 – FDN Model & Philosophy

      Explore the importance of rest/sleep hygiene as it relates to the overall D.R.E.S.S. framework. You’ll learn about the various cycles that occur within the body during sleep and how to educate your clients on proper sleep hygiene.

    • Module 11 – Exercise Considerations

      Learn to dial in the right level of intensity & frequency of exercise for your clients (for example, too much exercise can lead to oxidative stress and accelerated aging). You’ll customize exercise and movement practices on an individual basis.

    • Module 12 – Stress Reduction Techniques

      Understand the importance of stress reduction and the parasympathetic response to promote healing and repair. Stress encompasses various factors, including physiological stress—bugs, toxins, food sensitivities, etc.

    • Module 13 – Targeted Supplementation

      Learn how to strategically use targeted supplementation based on real-world lab data. This module covers how and when to select the most effective supplements, as well as designing a 90-day protocol for your clients.

    • Module 14 – Case Studies & Prep

      The remaining modules prepare you to graduate and become an FDN-P. Here, you’ll review real world examples and case studies to help reinforce what you’ve learned up until this point. You’ll also prepare for your personal “Results & Recommendation” session (this is where you review your lab results with your mentor)!

    • Module 15 – Client Onboarding & Intake

      In this module, you’ll prepare for real-world application of FDN principles by learning onboarding procedures and intake processes. You’ll also learn about logistics and best practices to set your practice up for success (for example, how to structure your packages, how to determine pricing, etc.).

    • Module 16 – Final Exams

      The final module includes both a written exam as well as a practical exercise to be performed with your FDN mentor—this gives you hands-on experience working through an entire “mock client” case. And don’t worry, your mentor wants you to succeed and will help you along the way with little reminders. Congrats – you’ve made it to the finish line!

My Journey Into the FDN Program

Ryan Monahan FDN Health Journey

Some of you may already be familiar with my personal journey with chronic fatigue and eventual Hashimoto’s diagnosis, but for those of you who are not, feel free to read more about my personal journey with Hashimoto’s.

The shortened version of that story goes something like this: I spent well over a decade of my life struggling with a whole range of seemingly unexplained chronic symptoms, and had visited literally dozens of doctors during the time period to find answers. 

While I had eventually been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2012, by that time I had already become disenchanted by what the conventional medical model had to offer.

It had become pretty clear to me by the time I received my diagnosis that I was looking for a different approach. If you’re reading this article and considering the FDN program, you’ve likely had a similar experience yourself. You might also share the view that the conventional medical paradigm is to designed to “treat” (or as I like to say suppress) chronic symptoms with medications and or surgery.

Meanwhile, the underlying root causes driving those symptoms in the first place continue to bubble underneath the surface. And like so many people who fall in between the cracks of the medical system – you end up playing the game of “whack-a-mole” with your symptoms.

If you share my view, you know there is a better way.

 

Taking Action...

It was around 2014 that I started to take my growing obsession with holistic health more seriously by getting a certification under my belt. By that point I had already fully immersed myself into the work of leaders in the space like Sarah Ballantyne, Chris Kresser, Rob Wolf, Izabella Wentz, and others. The more I learned, the more I felt compelled to share everything that I was learning with others struggling in their own personal health journeys.

That same year that, I decided to book a trip to Austin, TX to attend the now defunct PaleoFx conference, with the primary objective of exploring different practitioner training programs. It was time to take my healing journey into my own hands…

While there, I ran into a handful of FDN veterans, including Reed Davis – the founder of FDN. After talking to Reed and his team, the FDN program immediately stuck out to me, and I ended up signing up just a month or so later. 

Little did I understand at the time how dramatically this decision would affect my life in more ways than I could imagine…  

Hanging out with some FDN-Ps at the FDN Conference in San Diego - 2018

What Makes the FDN Program Different?

So what made the FDN program such a no-brainer investment for me?

Namely, the ability to run lab tests.

At the time I was exploring different programs, FDN was a clear winner in my mind as the program provided the both the ability to interpret functional labs, and to be able to order those labs as a graduate.

This was a clear advantage in my mind, as I would be able to offer so much more than nutritional advice alone. For example, by the time I had signed up for the FDN course, I already had my diet fairly well dialed in. I had eliminated inflammatory foods like gluten and dairy, and was embracing a more ancestral nutrient-dense dietary approach.

Yet, like so many individuals that I continue to see in my practice in the same boat, I was “hitting a wall” with my symptoms. Intuitively, I knew there was so much more to the picture than what could be accomplished with nutrition alone!

What really stood out to be was the core FDN “test don’t guess” philosophy. The way that I often explain it is this – the majority of people I see have already been trying to self-heal for years, or have already worked with a handful of doctors only to find themselves having wasted years of money, effort, and energy. What these individuals are missing is a roadmap to healing. After all, how are you going to get to your destination without a map?

Test Don't Guess

Not only does lab testing help our clients to put a stop to the endless cycle of trial-and-error, but also helps that individual identify and understand the set of root causes that are contributing to their chronic health health problems.

Some root causes that the foundational labs taught in the FDN course might help us to uncover:

    • Hormone imbalances
    • HPA Axis dysregulation
    • Gut dysfunction / pathogens
    • Leaky gut
    • Food sensitivities
    • Toxin exposure
    • Liver dysfunction
    • Oxidative stress

Once these “hidden stressors” are identified, then we can help the client by developing a 90-day healing plan (in some more complex cases, the healing journey may be longer). This plan involves a combination of removing inferences to healing, while also supporting the body with the help of time-tested healing foundations (diet, rest, exercise, stress reduction, and supplementation, aka, D.R.E.S.S.).

As a matter of principle, I do want to clarify here something important: FDN-Ps are not using lab testing to diagnosis or treat any disease – but rather to identify opportunities for healing. As you’ll see, this simple idea is much more profound than just being a mere semantic exercise…

Getting to the Root Cause

FDN practitioners believe at their core that symptoms are not the problem, but rather, the result of the problem. Therefore, to even have the power to diagnose just means that you end up naming the symptoms without understanding what led to that symptom or condition to begin with.

In many ways, even though it may seem counterintuitive, the symptoms don’t matter. Symptoms are merely a downstream manifestation of deeper-seated problems in the body.

So not only is it out of the scope of practice for FDN to “diagnose” or “treat” disease, we really have no interest in playing that game!

Part of the goal of the FDN is to act like a mentor and educator – to help guide the client into this new way of understanding. That is, not to get overly focused on the symptoms, labels, or diagnoses, but to think more like a root-cause analyst! At the same time our ultimate goal as a coach is to provide the client with a set of self-healing tools that they can use to restore optimal function, and ideally, to remain healthy for a lifetime.

Other Useful Links:

How Long Does it Take to Complete the FDN Program?

The course is evergreen and self-paced, which means that once you enroll in the program, you’ll have up to a full year to complete the course on your own timeline – super convenient, as many (if not most) of those taking the program have families, and are working either part-time or full-time.

I took about nine months to complete, but really took my time to sink my teeth into the material – often watching many of the modules two times over! At the time I was taking the course, I had hour-long commutes into Atlanta, and would download the modules as audio files to listen to in the car. Essentially, I always had FDN in my ear during every free moment I could get!

Now, if for some reason that some unforeseen circumstance comes up that prevents you from finishing the course in the allotted year – FDN does offer an extension on the course for an additional fee. But the good news is that I’ve rarely seen anyone need to exercise that option.

 

Will the FDN Program Teach Me Everything I Need to Know?

The honest answer here is…of course not! No one course can possibly teach you everything that you need to know. But here’s the thing – the same would be true for any other course out there on the topics of functional medicine, nutrition, diet and lifestyle approaches to healing, etc.

So how should we view the FDN course?

My advice to anyone that is in this for the long-haul would be develop the growth mindset of being a life-long learner. As I mentioned above, I’ve been an FDN practitioner going on nine years, and I’m still constantly learning and advancing my knowledge – whether that’s reading books, listening to podcasts, attending conferences, or diving into research on PubMed. Once you start to embark on this journey, you start to find the the opportunities for continued growth are endless – and that’s one my favorite parts about what I do!!

The beauty about being a functional health practitioner is that each and every clinical pearl or new tool that you pick up along the way can ultimately be used in service of helping to better serve your clients!

All of the above being said, FDN is an incredible foundations program to set you up for long-term success by teaching you giving you a framework for understanding – a lens through which to view this paradigm that we call the functional approach to healing. The solid foundations taught in the FDN program underpin everything I’ve learned and built upon over the years. For these reasons, I can’t think of a better program to start someone along their journey to building their functional practice.

FDN Advanced Courses

Being a generally curious person with a thirst for knowledge, one thing I immediately took advantage of after graduating from FDN back in January of 2016 was to start  advancing my knowledge by taking FDN Advanced courses (note: you technically don’t have to finish the FDN foundations course to start taking these “add-on” courses, but I do often recommend getting through the foundations first so that you’re not overwhelming yourself with too much learning all at once).

FDN Advanced Courses that I have taken over the years have included:

    • Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis
    • Thyroid Function
    • Organic Acids
    • Stress & Hormones (this is in my opinion, the most comprehensive course on the DUTCH test out there)
    • SIBO
    • Oxalates
    • Blood Sugar Management
    • Guide to Mitochondria
    • Coaching Skills & Teaching Emotional Wellness
    • Foundations of Herbalism

So as not to overwhelm anyone – no, I did not take all of these advanced courses all at once! In fact, what I often recommend to newer graduates is to only take one advanced course at a time until you feel like you’ve “mastered” that topic before moving on.

So for those of you eager to expand your knowledge and skills – there are ample opportunities to continue to learn and grow, long after you’ve completed the FDN foundations course.

I once heard a fellow FDN practitioner say that taking the Advanced courses is like getting your Masters or PhD in FDN, and that analogy always stuck with me!

Eventually I would go to on to complete nearly every single FDN Advanced course to become an FDN Level III. I would also later become board certified through the NBHWC (National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches) via FDN. Unfortunately, FDN is no longer offering either the Level III or NBHWC certification tracks, which means that I was one of the last and few to be eligible for these advanced offerings.

 

What About the FDN Community?

Speaking of community, the FDN graduate community – aka, the Association for FDN Professionals – is top tier.

I remember after first graduating from the program, spending hours each week in the AFDNP Facebook group, learning from the amazing hive-mind of FDN graduates. Typically, a clinical question in the group will be met with a dozen or more insightful answers from a set of highly skilled practitioners with varied backgrounds.

Ultimately this means that as a graduate, the community will always have your back. You’ll never feel like you don’t have enough knowledge or skills when you’re getting started with your first set of clients, as you’ll always have that support to rely on.

In the beginning days of my practice, when I ran into a complex situation with a client, my response would be something along the lines of, “I don’t have the answer for your right now, but let me get back to you on that within 24-48 hours”. That would then give me the opportunity to tap into the AFDNP community.

For more complex lab results, that’s where I would take advantage of your Medical Director Program, also known as the MDP in FDN land!

The Medical Director Program

In my opinion, one of the absolute standout services offered to FDN graduates is the Medical Director Program.

It works something like this:

Once you graduate as an FDN, you’ll have access to order from a “menu” of hundreds of labs from reputable functional lab providers (for example, the HTMA from ARL, the GI-MAP from Diagnostic Solutions, the OAT from Mosaic, etc.).

In addition to the cost of the lab itself (which you’ll have the client pay for) the MDP fee is $75 per individual lab ($65 for AFDNP members) ordered through the program. In exchange for that fee, you’ll have access to schedule a 30-min lab review with one of the clinical advisors on staff – these are typically FDN veterans with years of experience under their belt.

So in addition to the aforementioned AFDNP community, you will also have access to invaluable 1:1 support, which is especially helpful for your first dozen clients or so. During the that call, your clinical advisor will help you to better understand the hidden patterns found on the lab, will provide deep insight into clinical correlations between the lab and the client’s symptoms, and will make suggestions for dietary/lifestyle interventions and/or supplement recommendations.

(NOTE: While FDN-Ps are non-licensed practitioners, the MDP program gives you the ability to purchase these labs through one of the many medical directors on staff, who essentially “sign-off” on the lab on your behalf behalf).

My Time as a Clinical Advisor

I served as an clinical advisor for the FDN Medical Director Program for three years (2020 – 2023) and loved it! During that time period, I got to know dozens if not hundreds of FDN-Ps, and had the honor of helping to guide them through their complex client cases.

Working as a “C.A.”, as they’re referred to the in the FDN world, was incredibly rewarding. Ultimately I parted ways with FDN to be able to focus more attention on growing and scaling my private practice, but I still remain active in the FDN community to this day.

Will I Become Successful After I Graduate?

This is easily the most common question that I get for those interested in the FDN course, and the honest answer here depends on:

    • How you define success. Maybe you’re a work-from-home mom that’s just looking to put in some part-time work with clients to work 20 hours per week. Maybe you you’re interested in the FDN certification to learn how to heal yourself, and to help friends and family members along the way. Or on the other end of the spectrum, maybe you’re eventually looking to scale your business to a multiple six-figure income. All of these are valid definitions for success!
    • How much time you’re willing to put into it. Success as a solopreneur is very much a work in equals work out scenario. The most successful FDNs that I know have systems and automation in place, post on social media every day (at least M-F), continue to advance their knowledge with advanced courses and certifications, regularly book themselves on podcasts (or maybe host a podcast themselves), and are generally “go givers” – that is rather than embracing the old adage of “always be selling”, these highly successful practitioners embody “always be serving” approach to their business.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Sound scary or intimidating? As I often tell my clients when it comes to the process of healing, “little by little, a little becomes a lot”. Rather than comparing your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 9 or 10, focus on the small steps that you can take to start growing your business and attracting clients. 

That might be as simple as choosing a name for your business, opening up an Instagram account, e-mailing three friends or co-workers to let them know about what you do!

If being a solopreneur doesn’t appeal to you, please know that being an FDN graduate can take many shapes and forms. Although the majority of FDN-Ps that I have interacted with over the years go on to start their own business, some may choose to focus on public speaking, hosting corporate lunch and learns, working as a health coach for a integrative health clinic / wellness center, or even working for reputable supplement companies in the functional medicine space.

Final Thoughts - Review of the FDN Program

As cheesy as this might sound to say, I owe my life to FDN and the FDN community.

Having become certified as an FDN practitioner has transformed my life in ways I never imagined. It has empowered me to build a thriving practice, to make a good living, and to make a profound difference in my clients’ lives in the process. I couldn’t ask for a better way to make a living.

But let it be known that none of my success came easy – it requires persistence, dedication to the craft, continuous learning, and a relentless commitment to helping others. That all being said, I’m grateful for the challenges that have shaped me and excited for the ongoing opportunities to expand my knowledge and impact in the years to come.

I sincerely hope that you found this post to be helpful! If you’re interested in learning more or asking follow-up question, feel free to e-mail me at: ryan [at] themindfulnutrivore.com or DM me at @themindfulnutrivore.

And if you’re feeling like the time is right to commit to your future as an FDN practitioner, head on over to enroll now in the FDN course!

Special Discount for the FDN Course

Oh, and if you’re interested in a $1,000 discount off of the course, either use the following link or click the image below to get access to a discount count that you’ll use at checkout!

Still have questions that weren’t answered in this article! Reach out to me at:

Just a heads up! I do earn a small commission for you signing up through my link. I’m deeply grateful for your support, as it helps me continue creating valuable content and resources. That said, I want to emphasize that I would never promote a program that I don’t wholeheartedly believe in. I’m excited to share this opportunity with anyone who might benefit from it as much as I have.

FDN Course Discount Code

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Still Have Questions? Your FAQs Answered!

What Does an FDN Do?

As non-licensed health practitioners, FDN-Ps work very much like health consultants with the added benefit of being able to run functional labs. 

Those labs help you to identify “hidden stressors” in the body (gut infections, oxidative stress, liver stress, hormone imbalances, etc.), which ultimately helps you to fine-tune your recommendations and guide protocols. 

As mentioned in the body of this blog post, FDN-Ps do not diagnose or treat, but rather provide diet and lifestyle recommendations, as well as create and direct self-treatment protocols in order to help resolve physiological stressors in the body.

As the word “functional” implies, the ultimate goals of the FDN are to restore optimal function back to the body, remove interferences to healing, and to restore resilience and balance to all body systems.

The end result – ideally – is a permanent resolution of chronic symptoms for the client.

At the time of writing this post, the cost of the FDN Program is $8997. 

As a reminder, you can use my discount code to get $1,000 off the FDN program!

As of recently (2024), FDN does offer both in-house and third party solutions for financing the course for up to 24 months (as low as $425/month). Of course these rates are subject to change based on your eligible interest rate.

As one might expect, the FDN does tend to increase prices around the beginning of each year. So do be aware that the price of the course is likely to increase over time!

Yes! You’ll have access to the material indefinitely at no additional cost beyond what you originally paid for the course. Your access to the course will not expire after you graduate.

In fact, FDN will occasionally update or amend the course with new material, which means you’ll get access to any future updates as an FDN post-grad.

After you graduate, you’ll earn your FDN certificate and become a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner.

It’s at this stage in your journey that you’ll be able to use the letters FDN-P after your name!

The advantage here is to be able to carry the weight of a professional designation which helps you to attract new clients into your practice. 

These credentials are truly earned. By the time you graduate, you will have gone through over a dozen modules, will have run functional labs on yourself as a test client, and will have gone through several practical exams with your mentor (including a written final exam).

Here are some effective strategies to consider:

  1. Start with Your Network: Start by reaching out to who you know – friends, family, co-workers, etc. Share your new services and ask if they know anyone who might benefit from your expertise.
  2. Offer Free Consultations: Providing a complimentary session (I typically recommend no more than 30 minutes) allows potential clients to experience your coaching style and understand the value you offer without any commitment. Remember – this is also a way for you to interview new clients to make sure they’d be a good fit for your program.
  3. Utilize Social Media: Hopefully this goes without saying – but share valuable content related to health and wellness on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Engage with your audience by answering questions and providing insights.
  4. Be a Guest on Podcasts: This easily might be one my most recommended strategies for newer FDN graduates looking to get their name out there! There are tons of podcasts eager to have guests like you to share their knowledge! 
  5. Create Informative Content: Write blog posts, create videos, or host webinars that address common health issues. This positions you as an expert in your field and draws potential clients to you.
  6. Network with Other Professionals: Connect with other health practitioners who may refer clients to you. Becoming the “go-to” person in a specific niche (say working with post-menopausal women anxiety and sleep challenges) means that you’re more likely to receive referrals for that specific health issue – just don’t forget to return the favor! 
  7. Ask for Testimonials (aka “Social Proof”): If you have worked with clients in other health-related capacities, ask for testimonials that highlight your skills and approach. Social proof can be a powerful motivator to earn the trust of new clients. Remember to share these success stories far and wide on social media!

 

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are, in fact, not the same.

Let’s set the record straight.

The easiest way to think of the difference between these two approaches lies in the difference between the definition of a consultant vs. a coach.

A functional health practitioner is more of a consultant. A consultant is there to direct and guide based on their years of training and expertise.

In this relationship, there is a clear distinction between practitioner and client, with the practitioner taking on the role of an expert guide. The client relies on the practitioner’s knowledge to identify the root causes of health issues, analyze lab results, and create customized health protocols. 

By contrast, the role of a coach is not to provide any specific recommendations, but rather to help the client to identify and define their own goals and personal vision for success.

In this relationship, the coach plays a much more active role in listening, utilizing tools such as motivational interviewing to elicit positive responses from the client. In other words, in a coaching-client context, the client is behind the wheel of their own destiny rather than taking the directives of a practitioner.

So where does FDN fit into this picture?

While both skills are tremendously valuable, the FDN program is without a doubt a program to teach you how to be a health consultant.

That being said, if you’re more interested in the health coaching aspect of the business, I would highly recommend complementing your skills as an FDN with the training from the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC).

Having both credentials under my belt, I personally love being able to “change hats” from consulting to health coaching mode when working with clients, as there is definitely a time and place for both skill sets. The ability to shift between guiding and empowering clients means that I’m able to meet their unique needs at every step of their journey.

Many clients who end up working with an FDN have already “tried everything” and are looking for a different approach. 

Most of the time, these people are highly motivated to end the cycle of trial-and-error after already having worked within the confines of the conventional medical system without success.

Earning a potential client’s trust often involves clearly explaining the value proposition of what we do as FDN practitioners.

For the vast majority of new clients, the FDN approach will be vastly different from what they’ve tried in the past.

The FDN approach is designed to remove interferences to healing and to help clients restore function in their body. This is fundamentally and philosophically very different than the allopathic approach of symptom treatment. The ultimate goal is to get your client to a point where they’re self-sufficient and don’t need you anymore!

(I’m thinking here of the Hippocrates quote, “The best form of medicine is to teach people how not to need it”).

One thing that goes underappreciated is the amount of time that FDN-Ps spend with their clients.

For example, with the way that I have my packages structured, I’m meeting with my clients bi-weekly over several months for an hour at a time. This can sometimes add up to more than 15 hours of face time with each other over a six month period.

The FDN approach is a slow and steady one. There is no fast-tracking your way to health. My goal in learning a client’s case over time is to understand the history and symptomology at such a deep level that no stone is left unturned. 

Glad you asked!

I would be honored to be your FDN-P and personal health coach along your health journey. 

To anyone interested in transforming their health, I offer a FREE 20-minute qualifying consultation to discuss your health concerns and goals and see if we’re a good fit to work together. During this call, we’ll:
 

  • Discuss your current health challenges
  • Explore your health goals and vision for the future
  • Outline how my services can benefit you
  • Talk about how my approach is different than what you’ve experience in the past
  • Answer any questions you may have about my packages and rates

Schedule Your Free 20-Min Call!

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Why Are You Not Experiencing Any Symptom Relief?

Why Are You Not Experiencing Any Symptom Relief?

by | May 10, 2017 | Articles | 0 comments

In 2015, a prospective client came to me with symptoms of tachycardia (a condition in which the heart beats over 100pm) that she believed she had inherited genetically from her father. Shortly after beginning our work together, her father tragically passed away at the age of 63 from ongoing heart complications and congestive heart failure. Needless to say, she was determined not to meet the same fate. As you’ll see later on, some simple diet and lifestyle interventions were enough to provide profound symptom relief.

 

A Brief Case Study

 

In addition to tachycardia, my client – let’s call her “Laura” – was living with “unexplained” heart arrhythmias, which she had been experiencing for most of her adult life with no relief in sight. After monitoring her heart for 24 hours and running several diagnostics, her heart specialist assured her that “everything looked normal”. Yet, these incidents continued to occur daily, almost always accompanied by a wave of extreme fatigue. Her experience was anything but “normal”.

Laura was skeptical of anything the traditional approach could do to provide symptom relief. She was desperate for answers, and was growing wary of any doctor’s ability to help her. In her own words, “it was scary and unnerving to have your heart skip a beat every afternoon. At times, I was afraid to live in my own body.”

I’m sure many of us can relate. Along your own health journey, you may have already gone through the experience of jumping from specialist to specialist without experiencing any kind of relief. So why do so many of us struggle with seeing any improvement, despite following the doctors orders? To answer that, let’s break down down the differences in approaches between traditional western medicine, and functional medicine approaches.

 

Traditional Medicine Vs. the Functional Approach

TRADITIONAL MODEL
FUNCTIONAL MODEL
Acute care
Preventative Care
Treat the Symptom (Allopathy)
Identify Causal Factors & Restore Body Systems to Normal Function
Prescriptions & Surgery
Diet, Lifestyle, & Herbal Protocols
Compartmentalization of Body Systems
All Body Systems Are Interconnected
Symptom is the Cause of the Problem
The Symptom is the Result of the Problem
Diagnosis as Life Sentence
Conditions are Temporary States Resulting From “Hidden” Dysfunction and/or Imbalance
Genetics
Epigenetics (Genes Are Not Destiny)
Diagnosis Occurs Only After Patient Presents with Disease
Functional Labwork Assesses Risk Factors Early on to Prevent Disease
Diet & Lifestyle Minimally Regarded as Contributing Factors to Health
Diet & Lifestyle Foundational to Heath
Average Doctor Visit – 7 Minutes
Hours of Continual Support Over Several Months

As shown above, there is a strong foundation within the functional approach that focuses on identifying root causes while restoring imbalances with diet and lifestyle. Furthermore, the nature of the client-practitioner relationship allows the practitioner to develop deeper insights – course-correcting over time in order to educate, inform, and guide the client through diet and lifestyle changes.

Now, I’m not bashing the conventional medical model, or the potentially life saving drugs and procedures that they offer…If I were to break my arm, or to have a heart attack, I would like to be driven to the emergency room, not the herbalist.

But it should also be noted that in many ways, the traditional medical model is just not set up to understand the underlying conditions that contribute to chronic health complaints. In the ancient system of Chinese medicine, doctors actually weren’t paid if the patient had to return for a visit. Can you imagine walking into a doctor’s office today and asking: What do I have to do to not visit your office anymore?

 

Symptoms Are Not the Problem


Perhaps it’s human nature, but most people wouldn’t think to go to the doctor until they start experiencing symptoms. Naturally, the doctor issues out some prescription drugs for the patient’s symptoms. In some cases, the doctor may be fully aware of diet and lifestyle interventions that may help your condition, but there is simple no time (or incentive) for that level of care within the confines of the pharmaceutical-insurance mill. And while drugs may provide some level of necessary symptom relief, malfunction continues to persists beneath the surface. The patient proceeds to carry on with life, increasing dosages proportionally with the severity of their symptoms.

At this point, we find ourselves stuck in a negative feedback loop. By the time we visit the doctor a fourth or fifth time, dysfunction is so rampant that our symptoms have developed into a full-blown chronic condition, whether it be fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s or Type II Diabetes. Symptoms continue being suppressed while the root cause(s) of malfunction lie hidden from view:

Perceived/Physiological Stress —> (Mal)Function —> (Dis)Ease —> Symptoms

As you can see, symptoms are the last thing to occur in this model. If you were to image this as a river with stress occurring upstream, symptoms couldn’t possibly occur before symptoms or malfunction. In other words, symptoms are the not the problem, they are the result of the problem!

By removing sources of perceived or physiological stress “upstream”, and restoring body systems to normal function, we can then begin to move away from mal-function towards function, and from dis-ease towards ease. Goodbye symptoms:

100% Function —> Ease

 


Functional Philosophy


The essence of functional medicine is actually rather elegant in its simplicity. It maintains that the body is designed to work until it is counteracted by some kind of interference, or what we would normally call “stress”. If that stress becomes chronic – that is, continuous and unrelenting – our body begins experiencing multiple malfunctions, even when those issues lie hidden beneath the surface.

Suppose that you lived in an hunter-gather society and encountered a tiger the wild. The exposure to that stress would immediately engage your sympathetic system – adrenaline is released, heart rate increases, blood sugar increases, and the pupils dilate as we prepare ourselves for “fight-or-flight” (meanwhile, our reproductive and digestive systems take a back seat as these functions are non-essential to survival).

The problem is that in our industrialized society, our bodies don’t know the physiological difference between being chased by a tiger, and being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic everyday. In modern everyday life, the tiger shows up as refined carbohydrates, pesticides, microbial imbalances, or toxins in the environment. The important thing to understand here is that each of these stressors engage and activate the same hormonal stress response. The difference is that in the tiger scenario the stress is short-lived (acute), while in the latter scenario, the stress is unrelenting (chronic). In this sense we can begin to understand the effect of chronic stress on the body, and its role in the disease process.


Peeling Back The Layers


Uncovering Laura’s root causes over several months, we discovered several hidden stressors contributing to her symptoms – nutrient deficiencies, HPA Axis dysregulation manifesting as chronically low free cortisol, low stomach acid, leaky gut, and chronic gut infections.

As Laura and I began our health coaching together, I slowly eased in some dietary suggestions – namely removing refined sugars and processed foods. At the same time, I encouraged her to measure her resting heart rate against her post-meal heart rate, taking note of any drastic changes. A pattern then started to emerge – her heart only started racing after ingesting wheat or dairy! While occasional cheats or challenges would trigger her symptoms, it eventually became self-evident that 100% compliance with the diet would be best for the long-term. After committing to the changes, she quickly went from experiencing symptoms once a day to one a month…

Hidden Stressors


When it came time to design a supplement protocol, I explained that heart palpitations can be caused by a nutritional deficiency in magnesium. As most of us are lacking in this essential mineral, it was an easy fix to start her supplementing before bed (magnesium aids with sleep as well).

Further down the line, functional lab testing testing revealed that she was living with the pathogenic infection H. Pylori – a bacterium that resides in the parietal cells of the stomach, impairs digestion, and results in multiple nutritional deficiencies. After a couple months on the right antimicrobial herbs, the infection was successfully eradicated, with even further improvement in her symptoms.

Today, Laura is living nearly symptom-free, but don’t get me wrong – the functional approach towards healing is a process, and often requires some sacrifices (during her protocol, she was asked to give up coffee for several months, and was devastated to give up her one and only vice). There is no silver bullet or magic pill. It took over a year of work and commitment towards diet and lifestyle changes before she was able to restore herself to normal function.



Common, Not Normal


Today, we’re so accustomed to such a low baseline for health that we barely even seem to notice it. In fact, “normal” lab ranges – from the functional viewpoint – are based on large populations of people that are in fact, unwell. As a result, symptoms are either disregarded or suppressed with medications until we present with patterns of full-blown disease, or until lab results fit within the conventional model’s “acceptable” range for treatment.

This is why we see so many people struggle for years – sometimes decades – without ever experiencing relief from their symptoms. In the words of Krishnamurti, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”

The moral of the story here is that while symptoms may be common, but they are not normal. The next time a health professional tells you that you’re “fine”, but your intuition tells you otherwise, promptly thank them for their “advice” and move on. Take your symptoms seriously – they are signs from your body that something is wrong.

When your check engine line comes on, you don’t tell the engine light that it’s normal and give it medication, right? There’s something wrong underneath the hood.

The best gift that you can give yourself is a commitment towards your health, as you’re not much without it. Build a positive community around you that includes the support of friends and family, who will support you in your mission to restore your health. And finally, work with a functional practitioner that can help you stop chasing symptoms, get to the root cause, and properly coach you through diet and lifestyle changes. You are worth being healthy, and your symptoms don’t have to be something that you merely just “live with” everyday.

 

Learn How to Think Like a Functional Health Practitioner


Are you passionate about uncovering the underlying causes of health issues rather than just providing short-term symptom relief? If you’re looking to elevate your health coaching practice with a professional certification that embraces this holistic approach, you’re in the right place.

As a health practitioner since 2016, I’ve explored various methodologies, but one stands out for its comprehensive, root-cause focused approach: Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN). This program has transformed my practice and the lives of countless clients.

FDN is more than just a certification – it’s a comprehensive approach to restoring optimal function that can transform your practice and your clients’ lives. As an FDN practitioner since 2016, I’ve experienced firsthand the value of this program in shaping my approach to holistic health.

Thinking like an FDN means looking beyond symptoms to uncover the root causes of health issues. It involves using advanced lab testing (“test don’t guess”), correlating lab data with client symptom history, and creating personalized healing protocols. This approach allows you to address underlying imbalances in the body, ultimately leading to more effective and lasting results for your clients.

Curious about the FDN program and whether it’s the right fit for you? I’ve written an in-depth article answering the most common questions about FDN, including its benefits and why I believe it’s worth it.

Check out my full review of the FDN program to learn more about how it can elevate your practice and help you think like a true health detective!

AIP Crispy Pork Belly Salad

AIP Crispy Pork Belly Salad

by | May 10, 2017 | Articles | 0 comments

For years, I was mystified by the by the process of cooking pork belly. I thought I had to be Gordon Ramsey to get it right, and even tried recreating his recipe from one of his cooking tutorials (it didn’t work out too well). It wasn’t until I stopped complicating things, that I learned how easy it was! The only “hard” part about cooking pork belly is the prep phase, but only because it involves waiting a minimum of 8 hours. Other than that, it couldn’t be easier! I don’t get fancy with seasonings or anything like that, as I find that pork belly has a complex and succulent flavor profile of its own.

My AIP pork belly salad recipe is simple and delicious and is served over my favorite spicy leafy green – arugula. The technique that I use in preparing the pork belly is inspired by Bon Appetit’s Crispy Pork Belly, and requires that you poke “1,000” little holes in the skin in order to release moisture, which results in a crispy skin. When its done, I drizzle everything with a slightly modified version of Eat Heal Thrive’s Carrot Ginger Dressing for the recipe win!

Prep Time: 8-12 hours         Cook Time: 100 minutes         Serves: 2-3

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. slab of pasture-raised pork belly (I prefer to get this from my local farmer)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of vinegar
  • 1 bag of organic arugula

Dressing:

  • 1 medium carrot diced
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 1/4 apple cider vinegar
  • 1 inch thumb of ginger minced
  • 1 teaspoon of raw honey

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Prepare the pork belly by using a small fork to poke “1,000” holes in the surface of the skin, without piercing all the way through into the meat. Rub equal parts sea salt and baking soda into the skin. Allow the pork belly to dry for 8-12 hours – this is ultimately what gives you a crispy belly! I like to do my prep the night before I plan on cooking to give it plenty of time to release moisture.
  2. Rinse the salt and baking soda from the pork belly, and then neutralize the remaining baking with vinegar. If your pork belly is foaming excessively, you can give it another rinse. Dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  3. Place the pork belly skin side up on a wire rack in a roasting pan. Cook in the oven at 350°F degrees for 90 minutes. After 90 minutes, raise the temperate to 500°F and cook for an additional 10 minutes in order to crisp the skin.
  4. While the pork belly is cooking in the oven, combine all ingredients for the dressing in a food processor – preferably a NutriBullet – until you’ve reached desired thickness.
  5. Your pork belly is ready when the skin starts to get puffy, bubbly, and crispy. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to cool before cutting on a butcher block with the skin side down. I like to cut into 1-in. pieces before serving over arugula and drizzling with carrot-ginger dressing. Enjoy!

 

Ryan Monahan, FDN-P

Ryan Monahan, FDN-P

The Mindful Nutrivore

Ryan Monahan is a “health detective” residing in Athens, Ga with a passion for uncovering the hidden stressors that contribute to thyroid malfunction. Ryan spent over 10 years visiting more than 40 health professionals to find answers to his chronic health complaints until being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2012. His mission is to change the dialogue about chronic disease towards a holistic, functional approach.