Youth Athlete Functional Nutrition
Nutrition isn’t just about eating; it’s about properly digesting and absorbing nutrients. Understanding a person’s internal health helps tailor nutrition and lifestyle habits to meet individual needs. Young athletes, in particular, require higher nutrient levels to support their training, so it's vital their food choices are effectively nourishing them at the cellular level.
For youth athletes, we start with the GI-MAP lab to evaluate the microbiome and digestion. A healthy microbiome, balanced gut bacteria, is crucial for producing neurotransmitters that influence focus, mood, sleep, and immunity. By addressing these mental and physical needs, athletes can enhance training, stay healthy for competitions, and stand out from the competition.
Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP)
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Stool test using qPCR technology to asses gut health
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Measures bacterial populations and intestinal health markers to identify where and how to improve function
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Detects overgrowth of parasites, H.pylori, fungi, yeast, and opportunistic bacteria that can impair nutrient absorption and cause stomach discomfort
Hands-on Functional Nutrition
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Cooking session with athlete
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Learn basic knife skills and seasoning techniques
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Prepare nutrient-rich meal tailored to training/recovery needs and athlete's taste preferences
Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping App
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Individual account for meal planning and grocery shopping app
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Make meal planning enjoyable, efficient, and accessible
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Customize meals according to specific needs and schedule
Program Logistics
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Recorded GI-MAP lab results to review test outcomes, symptoms, goals, and diet recommendations
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One hands-on kitchen session for the athlete to learn efficient meal prep that supports training, recovery, and scheduling needs
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Two 40-minute Zoom sessions to address questions, dig deeper into lab results, and develop a tailored plan for continued progress