Clinical Nutrition
At Alta Mountain Chiropractic in Sandy, we believe many health issues and conditions begin first as a dysfunction within the body. Because of this, one of the most effective ways to address these concerns is by identifying and treating the root cause while it is still a dysfunction.
Our goal is to determine your underlying dysfunction and then design an individualized treatment plan to address the cause of your health concern, not just the symptoms. In addition to chiropractic care to help with biomechanical issues, we incorporate functional medicine approaches and clinical nutrition as part of a comprehensive plan to support overall health and healing.
Understanding Dysfunction Before Disease
A good example of addressing dysfunction early is type II diabetes. This condition typically develops over time, progressing through stages such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance before reaching a diabetic state.
This process can take years. During these earlier phases, it is often much easier to manage and improve function than after the condition has fully developed.
The Body’s Response to Nutrition
Our bodies have very specific responses to the nutrients we consume.
For example, poor-quality foods or certain types of processed foods commonly contribute to inflammation. Inflammation is a major factor in pain, as well as in many chronic and degenerative conditions.
In contrast, whole foods and whole food–based supplements support the body’s natural ability to regulate inflammation and maintain proper function.
Additionally, the body depends on adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals. Modern diets are often high in calories but low in nutrient density. Nutrient-dense foods and targeted nutritional support can help provide what is often missing from daily intake.
At our Sandy clinic, individualized plans are developed based on your symptoms, health history, and often lab testing to better understand how your body is functioning.
Individualized Approach to Care
Over years of clinical experience, it is common to see two patients with very similar conditions respond very differently to care.
Patients with higher levels of inflammation or poor nutritional status often respond more slowly and may require more support. In contrast, patients with a strong nutritional foundation tend to respond more efficiently, as their body is better prepared to heal.
For this reason, we do not view chiropractic care or clinical nutrition as stand-alone treatments. Healing occurs through a combination of structural support and internal balance.
Clinical Nutrition in Practice
Clinical nutrition is one of several services offered at Alta Mountain Chiropractic.
In many cases, the body may respond negatively to certain foods or may lack essential nutrients needed for proper function. To support the body, we may utilize:
- Whole food supplements
- Organic herbs
- Homeopathic support
- Regenerative injection therapies
- Ozone-based therapies, including infrared sauna with ozone
These approaches are used to support the body’s natural healing processes.
It is also common to identify deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are essential for normal function and recovery. When the body lacks these resources, it may contribute to inflammation, discomfort, or more significant health concerns.
Providing proper nutritional support helps create an environment where the body can function and heal more effectively.
The Role of Lab Testing
As part of this process, lab testing is often used to better understand how the body is functioning.
In addition to reviewing symptoms and health history, lab work can help identify underlying imbalances such as nutrient deficiencies, inflammation levels, blood sugar patterns, and hormone-related changes.
Lab testing is also used to provide feedback over time. By tracking changes in these markers, it becomes possible to see how the body is responding to care and whether improvements are occurring. This allows for more precise adjustments to your treatment plan.
What to Expect
During your initial visits, a detailed discussion will take place to review your lifestyle habits, current symptoms, and health history, including family history.
You may also complete a symptom survey to help identify patterns and establish a baseline. Based on this information, and often supported by lab testing, an individualized treatment plan will be developed.
This approach works alongside other healthcare methods, including chiropractic care and functional medicine, to support your specific needs.
Follow-up visits are used to monitor progress and make adjustments as your body responds.
Timeline for Results
If patients remain consistent with their plan, they may begin to notice changes within approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
It is important to understand that this process supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms rather than forcing rapid changes. Because of this, time and consistency are important factors in achieving results.
Duration of Care
Many individuals will only need care for a period of time. As function improves, support can often be reduced or discontinued.
However, as health needs change over time, periodic adjustments to nutrition and lifestyle may be beneficial.
Diet and Nutritional Support
Improving diet is always an important first step.
However, due to changes in how food is grown, processed, and prepared, it can be difficult to obtain all necessary nutrients through diet alone. Clinical nutrition helps fill these gaps by providing targeted support where needed.
A Preventative Approach
Clinical nutrition can be compared to routine maintenance.
Just as regular dental care helps maintain oral health, consistent attention to nutrition and lifestyle can help support overall health and reduce the likelihood of more serious concerns over time.
Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition
Traditional medical care is highly effective for acute conditions, trauma, infections, and emergencies. However, it may not always address the underlying causes of long-term dysfunction.
Clinical nutrition and functional medicine help fill this gap by focusing on why a condition is occurring.
This may include evaluating factors such as:
- Nutrition
- Lifestyle habits
- Stress
- Hormonal balance
- Environmental exposures
The focus is on supporting the body’s function and addressing root causes rather than only managing symptoms.
Key Principles
- Each individual is unique in their nutritional and biochemical needs
- The body’s systems are interconnected
- The body has natural mechanisms for regulation and healing
- Proper nutrition supports these processes
- Health is defined by optimal function, not just the absence of disease
Important Note
Clinical nutrition is intended to support overall health and body function. It is not a replacement for medical care, but may be used alongside other treatments as part of a comprehensive approach.
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