EXPERT FUNCTIONAL MEDICAL NUTRITION & PRODUCT GUIDANCE By Phone 205.915.0474

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    • Home
    • About
    • SERVICES
      • Health Issues
      • AntiAging
      • Speaker
      • FEE SCHEDULE
    • For Patients
      • Request An Appointment
      • WHAT TO EXPECT
      • Do You Accept Insurance?
      • Common Questions
      • Patient Education
      • Health History Form
      • PET NUTRITION
      • Favorite Products & More
      • About OtherPractitioners
    • For MD's
      • Refer A Patient
      • Common Reasons To Refer
      • Get My Clinic Newsletter
    • COVID-19
    • Fibroid-Free Lifestyle
    • Contact

  • Home
  • About
  • SERVICES
    • Health Issues
    • AntiAging
    • Speaker
    • FEE SCHEDULE
  • For Patients
    • Request An Appointment
    • WHAT TO EXPECT
    • Do You Accept Insurance?
    • Common Questions
    • Patient Education
    • Health History Form
    • PET NUTRITION
    • Favorite Products & More
    • About OtherPractitioners
  • For MD's
    • Refer A Patient
    • Common Reasons To Refer
    • Get My Clinic Newsletter
  • COVID-19
  • Fibroid-Free Lifestyle
  • Contact

Functional Medicine Nutrition Addresses Root Causes

Weight Loss & Health Transformation Programs - Customized To Your Special Needs

Weight Loss & Health Transformation Programs - Customized To Your Special Needs

Weight Loss & Health Transformation Programs - Customized To Your Special Needs

customized weight loss - Birmingham - functional medicine nutrition - medical nutrition therapy
More About Customized Weight Loss Programs

Women's Health; Fibroids; Menopause; Hormone Balance, Disordered Eating

Weight Loss & Health Transformation Programs - Customized To Your Special Needs

Weight Loss & Health Transformation Programs - Customized To Your Special Needs

menopause - PMS - fibroids - bioidentical -hormones - hormones - incontinence - eating disorders
More About Women's Health Issues

Men's Health; Prostate & Urinary Health; Weight Loss, Sports Nutrition

Weight Loss & Health Transformation Programs - Customized To Your Special Needs

"Where Health & Beauty Meet" - Skin Issues, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss & Health Transformation

Men's Health - BPH - enlarged prostate - low testosterone - gynecomastia
More About Men's Health Issues

"Where Health & Beauty Meet" - Skin Issues, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss & Health Transformation

"Where Health & Beauty Meet" - Skin Issues, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss & Health Transformation

"Where Health & Beauty Meet" - Skin Issues, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss & Health Transformation

anti-aging - weight loss - bio-identical hormones - makeup guidance

 

More About Antiaging + Weight Loss

Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes & Complications, Pancreatitis

"Where Health & Beauty Meet" - Skin Issues, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss & Health Transformation

Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes & Complications, Pancreatitis

diabetes - gastroporesis - neuropathy - retinopathy - poor circulation
More About Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes

Adrenal & Thyroid Optimization/Balance

"Where Health & Beauty Meet" - Skin Issues, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss & Health Transformation

Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes & Complications, Pancreatitis

hypothyroidism - hyperthyroidism - Hashimoto's - thyroiditis - grave's disease - adrenal exhaustion

.

More About Adrenal/Thyroid Health

Anxiety, Depression, Mood Swings; Emotional Health

Pediatric Nutrition (Including Autism); Family Nutrition

Pediatric Nutrition (Including Autism); Family Nutrition

anxiety - depression - mood swings - PMDD
More About Emotional Health

Pediatric Nutrition (Including Autism); Family Nutrition

Pediatric Nutrition (Including Autism); Family Nutrition

Pediatric Nutrition (Including Autism); Family Nutrition

pediatric nutrition - family meals - autism - picky eaters - failure to thrive
More About Pediatric Nutrition

Peri-Natal Nutrition: Pre-Natal & Lactation Nutrition

Pediatric Nutrition (Including Autism); Family Nutrition

Food Allergy, Immune System; Skin Reactions; Yeast Overgrowth;

More About Peri-Natal Nutrition

Food Allergy, Immune System; Skin Reactions; Yeast Overgrowth;

Digestive Issues (including nutritional evaluations Pre/Post- Bariatric Surgery

Food Allergy, Immune System; Skin Reactions; Yeast Overgrowth;

food allergy - multiple chemical sensitivity - yeast overgrowth, - eczema - psoriasis
More About Allergy & Immunity

Digestive Issues (including nutritional evaluations Pre/Post- Bariatric Surgery

Digestive Issues (including nutritional evaluations Pre/Post- Bariatric Surgery

Digestive Issues (including nutritional evaluations Pre/Post- Bariatric Surgery

IBS - Crohn's - SIBO - leaky gut - gluten-free - bariatric surgery evaluations - diverticulitis
More About Digestive Issues

Musculoskeletal Health, Chronic Pain ,Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis

Digestive Issues (including nutritional evaluations Pre/Post- Bariatric Surgery

Digestive Issues (including nutritional evaluations Pre/Post- Bariatric Surgery

arthritis - fibromyalgia - neuralgia osteoporosis - osteopenia - neuropathy - carpal tunnel
More About Musculoskeletal Health

Heart-Lung Health, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure; COPD

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); Kidney Stones; Chronic Urinary Issues

Heart-Lung Health, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure; COPD

high blood pressure - heart disease - congestive heart failure - mitral valve prolapse - COPD
More About Blood Pressure, Lipids, Heart-Lung Health

Your Cancer Battle Plan: Nutrition Can Be A Powerful Part

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); Kidney Stones; Chronic Urinary Issues

Heart-Lung Health, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure; COPD

breast cancer - uterine cancer - lung cancer - colon cancer - nutrition in cancer
More About Cancer CARE

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); Kidney Stones; Chronic Urinary Issues

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); Kidney Stones; Chronic Urinary Issues

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); Kidney Stones; Chronic Urinary Issues

kidney failure, CKD, nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, IC
More About Kidney Disease

Neurological Health, Seizures & Headaches

Neurological Health, Seizures & Headaches

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); Kidney Stones; Chronic Urinary Issues

headaches - MSG - monosodium glutamate - histamine sensitivity - neuropathy - neuralgia
More About Neurological Issues

Nutrition To Enhance Your Yoga Practice

Neurological Health, Seizures & Headaches

Nutrition To Enhance Your Yoga Practice

nutrition to enhance yoga practice - reduce inflammation - increase flexibility -  vegetarian
More About Yogic Nutrition

Recovery From Black Mold Toxicity

Neurological Health, Seizures & Headaches

Nutrition To Enhance Your Yoga Practice

black mold - toxic black mold syndrome - mold allergy - testing for toxic mold syndrome
More About Black Mold Toxicity

Sports Nutrition; Nutrition For Dancers/Performers

Sports Nutrition; Nutrition For Dancers/Performers

Sports Nutrition; Nutrition For Dancers/Performers

sports nutrition - training diet - bodybuilding - football - tennis - baseball - gymnastics - ballet
More About Sports Nutrition

Ayurvedic Nutrition

Sports Nutrition; Nutrition For Dancers/Performers

Sports Nutrition; Nutrition For Dancers/Performers

Ayurveda, ayurvedic nutrition - vata - pitta - kapha - prakruti - doshas - ayurvedic constitution
More About Ayurvedic Nutrition

Bio-Detoxification

Sports Nutrition; Nutrition For Dancers/Performers

Nutrition As Prevention: Heart Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer's

bio-detoxification - cleansing diet - elimination diet - rotation diet - reduce inflammation
More About Bio-Detoxification

Nutrition As Prevention: Heart Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer's

Ethnic Meal Planning; International Food/Kosher, Halal Menus

Nutrition As Prevention: Heart Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer's

cancer prevention - prevent alzheimer's - prevent heart disease

 Expert guidance in the most effective strategies for helping YOU reduce your risk of cancer & other chronic conditions, based upon your family history & genetic/metabolic individuality.  See our 12 Week Weight Loss & Health Transformation Program. 

More About Nutrition As Prevention

Transition To A Vegetarian/Vegan- Or A More Plant-Based Diet

Ethnic Meal Planning; International Food/Kosher, Halal Menus

Ethnic Meal Planning; International Food/Kosher, Halal Menus

transition to vegetarian - plant-based diet

Expert guidance in transitioning to a healthier, more plant-based diet, whether your goal is a modified vegetarian or vegan diet  (or even just add more vegetables & fruit to your diet) while meeting all your nutritional needs.

More About Plant-Based Nutrition

Ethnic Meal Planning; International Food/Kosher, Halal Menus

Ethnic Meal Planning; International Food/Kosher, Halal Menus

Ethnic Meal Planning; International Food/Kosher, Halal Menus

ethnic foods - ethnic meals - international foods - Kosher foods

Enjoy healthier versions of traditional meals; holiday options; family meal planning. Ethnic meal plans customized to your preferences, dietary needs & health goals. See our 12 Week Weight Loss & Health Transformation Program.

More About Ethnic Meal Planning

Special Diets Tailored To Each Patient's Needs

Special Diets Tailored To Each Patient's Needs

Special Diets Tailored To Each Patient's Needs

special diets - paleo- keto - gluten-free - low histamine -FODMAPs - specific carbohydrate diet

There are so many diets out there! No cookie-cutter approach here. Every patient's program is customized to his or her specific needs. 

More About Customized Diets

Functional Medicine Tests

Special Diets Tailored To Each Patient's Needs

Special Diets Tailored To Each Patient's Needs

CDSA - comprehensive digestive stool analysis - organic acids test - saliva hormone test

 At times functional medicine testing is necessary to help us better identify the nutritional roots of health issues.  I offer convenient testing at competitive pricing.

Learn More About Testing

Free To Disabled Veterans

Special Diets Tailored To Each Patient's Needs

Breast Health: Powerful Plans To Reduce Risk Of Breast Disease

free  nutrition counseling to disabled veterans

In order to qualify for free nutritional consultations he or she should submit proof of status as a disabled veteran by e-mail (karenbishop777@gmail.com) or fax: (888.872.7110)

More About Help For Disabled Veterans

Breast Health: Powerful Plans To Reduce Risk Of Breast Disease

Botanical Medicine (Herbal Therapy) & Guidance With Flower Essences

Breast Health: Powerful Plans To Reduce Risk Of Breast Disease

prevent breast cancer - fibrocystic breast disease - estrogen dominance - breast cancer prevention

Master the most important nutrition (diet & supplements) & lifestyle practices for reducing risk of breast cancer, based upon your diet, family history, genetic factors, past exposure to carcinogens, & xenoestrogens. 

More About Breast Health

Botanical Medicine (Herbal Therapy) & Guidance With Flower Essences

Botanical Medicine (Herbal Therapy) & Guidance With Flower Essences

Botanical Medicine (Herbal Therapy) & Guidance With Flower Essences

botanical medicine - herbal medicine - herbal tinctures - drug-herb interactions

Receive expert guidance for the botanical regimen most effective for your specific needs, with careful attention to drug-herb interactions or contraindications.

More About Botanical Medicine

Mind-Body Techniques To Assist In The Process of Change

Botanical Medicine (Herbal Therapy) & Guidance With Flower Essences

Botanical Medicine (Herbal Therapy) & Guidance With Flower Essences

mind-body techniques - EFT - emotional freedom technique and other modalities

As part of all 12 session packages learn the most highly effective techniques, baked by clinical studies, to improve your success in developing & enjoying healthy lifestyle practices.. EFT & other modalities.

More About Mind-Body Techniques

See a listing of medical issues with which I work

Specific Medical Issues

Customized Nutrition Care Before & After Bariatric Surgery

Pre-Surgery Evaluations For Bariatric Patients

3- or 6 Monthly Weight Loss Sessions Prior To Bariatric Surgery

3- or 6 Monthly Weight Loss Sessions Prior To Bariatric Surgery

We offer nutritional evaluations prior to bariatric surgery, as required by insurance providers. We promptly fax your paperwork to your doctor within 24 hours of your appointment. CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

3- or 6 Monthly Weight Loss Sessions Prior To Bariatric Surgery

3- or 6 Monthly Weight Loss Sessions Prior To Bariatric Surgery

3- or 6 Monthly Weight Loss Sessions Prior To Bariatric Surgery

Special packages, customized for patients who consult us for their pre-surgery nutritional needs, Three or six monthly sessions are usually required by insurance providers. CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Bariatric Surgery Nutritional Aftercare & Weight Loss Success

3- or 6 Monthly Weight Loss Sessions Prior To Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery Nutritional Aftercare & Weight Loss Success

Customized weight loss packages for your special needs, with expert guidance in accelerated healing, advancing your diet, targeting metabolic issues & emotional eating. CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SPECIAL DIETS

SPECIAL DIETS (An abbreviated list)

Patient meal plans are customized to individual needs. No one particular diet meets a specific patient’s needs. Every patient receives a customized diet and meal plans that are completely individualized to his or her needs and taste preferences. (Vegetarian, vegan, Kosher & ethnic meals & menus are available). The meal plans & menus I provide are NOT print outs from a computer data base & are NOT general recommendations. They are specific tools for helping YOU reach YOUR health goals by controlling such nutritional factors as macronutrient levels (protein, fat & carbohydrate) & ratios, sensitizing- & allergenic foods, vitamins, minerals, phytoestrogens, tolerance for oxalates, tyramine, histamine & salicylates, time for meal preparation & more.


Allergy Substitutions - Expert dietary makeovers starring foods to which you are non-reactive!


Casein-Free - Free of the most highly allergenic dairy protein


Diabetic Diet - In the exchange system foods with a similar amount of carbohydrate are grouped together. Proteins, fats and low-carbohydrate vegetables are also grouped together.  A weakness in this diet is that the carbohydrate serving sizes are not adjusted to reflect the level of carbohydrate which is actually absorbable, becsuse the exchange system does not account for the fiber (which contains carbohydrate which is not absorbable). In my nutrition planning I use a modified form of the exchange system which allows patients tighter control over thier intake of absorbable carbohydrate (impact carbs).


Beyond DASH - Goes far beyond the National Institute of Health’s recommendations (Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension - DASH) to address potassium, magnesium and nitric oxide production as well as insulin production and for controlling high blood pressure.


“Gluten”- Free - Free of the most inflammatory gluten (alpha gliadin) in wheat, barley and rye.


Keto- Diets and Keto-Friendly Nutrition Plans - Customized to your specific metabolic needs. Carbohydrate tolerance varies tremendously between patients and changes with time. If you consume too few carbs for an extended period of time you may develop adrenal exhaustion and if you consume too many you may stall your weight loss and/or increase the inflammatory processes in your body. You need an individualized program that addresses your metabolic individuality, which also takes into account all your other medical issues and risk factors.


Carbohydrate-controlled/Low Glycemic - Assists in weight loss, controlling blood sugar, triglycerides, and in reducing systemic inflammation and in improving quality of life in COPD and in other lung diseases. 


Cardiac Prudent - Sodium-controlled with specific recommendations for amount and types of dietary fat, to help control lipid levels; optimal in magnesium and potassium.


Leaky Gut Syndrome - Designed to repair lining of the gut and to re-establish healthy microbiome.


Low FODMAP - Low in fermentable oligosaccharides-, disaccharides-, monosaccharides and polyols- which may be triggering digestive symptoms like bloating, gas and stomach pain.


Low Fructose - Assists in weight loss, blood glucose control and fructose sensitivity/ malabsorption(which may present as IBS symptoms).


Low Histamine - Assists in controlling histamine sensitivity.


Low Oxalate- Helps reduce occurrence of oxalate-containing kidney stones and severity of vulvodynia.


Low Purine - to reduce uric acid levels (a major factor in the development of gout).


Protein-Controlled (in kidney disease, for example) - supplemented with essential amino acids to reduce kidney stress and to ensure that protein needs with a much lower intake of dietary protein.


Potassium-, Sodium- and Phosphorus-controlled (in kidney disease).


Renal Diet - individualized protocols updated based upon latest research and clinical pearls to aggressively control kidney stress, electrolytes, albumin and dozens of other laboratory values which are important in maintaining or improving kidney function.


Low Salicylate - Controlled in this substance found in aspirin and in plants, in general.


Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) - Grain-free diet low in natural sugars and lactose with no added sugars.


Low Tyramine - Controlled in foods because it can trigger migraines or increase blood pressure.


FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TESTING SERVICES

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE NUTRITION SERVICES & PROGRAMS

Click here to see a list of medical conditions with which I work.


FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TESTING

I offer comprehensive functional medicine testing through my private practice to help us identify the nutritional roots of health issues. However, these tests are often unneeded. Frequently the metabolic roots of health issues are very apparent. Most patients have already had basic blood work performed by their primary care physician. I am expert in reviewing your laboratory test results with you and can provide guidance in regard to additional needed testing. I am always working to help patients minimize their out-of-pocket costs. Some testing may be covered by insurance if your primary care physician orders it. In this case I will refer you to him or her for certain tests. However, most physicians do not have contracts with the highly reputable laboratories that perform state-of-the art functional medicine testing. Also, certain diagnoses may be  necessary for insurance coverage even if the test is very helpful in identifying another condition. For all these reasons I offer functional medicine testing through my private practice. 


Some of the more common tests from which my patients benefit are: saliva testing for hormone levels, adrenal stress profile (DHEA, cortisol), neurotransmitter levels (urine), comprehensive digestive stool analysis, organic acids test (OAT) (urine), glyphosate levels, heavy metals, intracellular nutrient analysis and various bio-markers for anxiety, depression and mood disorders. I have an account with DHA Laboratories which is able to offer lab work at a reduced rate due to its contracts with LabCorp. For most tests my patients pay the lab directly. Most all tests available through LabCorp are available through my private practice. This is in addition to the functional medicine testing that I offer through specialty labs. I most often utilize DHA Labs to quantify the bio-markers associated with anxiety, depression and mood disorders. These levels are so helpful in helping our patients improve their mental health and, sadly, they are rarely checked by MD’s, even psychiatrists. In addition, these biomarkers must interpreted based upon the most up to date research, not based upon the ranges allowed by most labs without being flagged. Feel free to call with any questions (205.915.0474). We love questions and are anxious to answer yours!


TESTING FOR FOOD ALLERGY & SENSITIVITY

In the Birmingham/Hoover area of Alabama I enjoy referring patients to Dr. Robert J. Sciacca of Alabama ENT Associates (ENT - Otolaryngic Allergy).  I worked with Dr. Sciacca from 1999 to 2004 as coordinator for his wellness program and say many of his allergy patients. He offers highly accurate allergy testing and is a very skilled physician/surgeon who provides exceptional patient care. 


One of the labs in which I have great confidence is Allermetrix Labs, In fact, I often help patients from other areas find a physician near them who also uses their lab for testing IgE and IgG4 for foods.  Allermetrix offer highly accurate testing while some labs will miss all Class I and a portion of Class II allergic reactions because the technology employed is not truly state-of-the-art.  Testing IgE and IgG4 reactions to foods is the best first step in identifying food allergies and sensitivities. If, however, we suspect that other type reactions are playing a significant role in a patient’s health I may recommend the MRT (Mediator Release Test). For this test blood is drawn and sent Airborne to the lab where the blood is exposed to foods, dyes and other commonly ingested chemicals. The blood samples are viewed with a microscope and red blood cells are measured. If cells shrink or swell significantly this indicates a food sensitivity that is separate from the immune system. Traditional allergy testing does not identify red blood cell reactions. A copy of the test is sent to both the practitioner who orders the test and the patient. I design a diet for patients in which we remove these reactive foods for a few weeks then attempt to re-introduce some of them. Many patients tolerate certain somewhat reactive foods -- to some extent -- in their diet. 

The MRT is very helpful in identifying food sensitivities that my be involved in headaches, digestive challenges, fibromyalgia and AD(H)D. From 1999 to 2004 I was the Coordinator For The SMART Wellness Program within Dr. Robert Sciacca’s practice and we often utilized the MRT. It was instrumental in helping us identify and bring relief to many patients who were experiencing food reactions other than those that involved classical food allergies. 


BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS

Some patients may be unable to afford the cost of allergy or food sensitivity testing.  In this case we can move forward with an Elimination Diet in which we identify foods that are likely the culprits, create a tasty but simple diet of these foods, systematically add back foods and watch for a reaction. Often patients tolerate even somewhat sensitizing foods if they are rotated and limited in the diet (a Rotation Diet).


I am always anxious to help my patients in any way possible to afford the functional medicine tests and allergy tests that they need. When budgeting for testing that is not covered by insurance (as many patients may need to do) helping them set priorities for testing with good insight into the likely culprits of their reactions is very important. Here at Beautiful & Healthy Transformations this is something that we do very well!


Feel free to call us for more information (205.915.0474).  We love questions and are anxious to answer yours!

Copyright © 2019 Karen Bishop - All Rights Reserved.

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