What is self-health?

Healing isn’t something that you do. It’s something that you are.
Functional Nutrition recognizes that you’re the expert on you. And self-health is a way of being that uncovers that expertise. Using science to listen and support, and pivot when needed. Self-health is about all of you. And with this reframe, the healing potential is vast.
Belonging is a deeply human need. It's more than being surrounded by others, part of the herd or crowd. It’s about feeling seen, accepted, and understood for who we truly are. And it doesn’t always require big gestures, grand summons, or the gravitational pull of a mob. Sometimes, it’s just an unspoken understanding, care without question, a connection that quietly binds us.
Welcome to mending, a monthly haven where words meet inner wisdom, and stories intertwine with the art of health and healing. At the heart of Narrative Medicine is a belief in the power of the human story. Words, among other human expressions, have the ability to enlighten and connect us to our most vulnerable or even seemingly insignificant moments in life.
Related Articles
In this episode, Andrea discusses Narrative medicine - why ‘the story’ is so important when approaching health and wellbeing; how to practice ‘deep listening’ in your daily life; why connecting with purpose can be the key that unlocks meaningful longevity and much more!
In this episode, Andrea discusses her personal and professional journey into the world of functional nutrition. She explains the principles of functional nutrition and the importance of addressing the root causes of chronic conditions through systems biology and therapeutic partnership.
In this episode, Andrea discusses the power of food as medicine and a path to healing; how grief can crack us open and redirect our purpose; simple, transformative nutrition tips you can use right now and the deep connection between nourishment, love, and presence.
In this episode, Andrea discusses how the conventional model—even when it's labeled "functional"—often misses the most critical piece of healing: the person. We explore how narrative, nervous system regulation, and foundational lifestyle shifts are often more powerful than the next flashy protocol.
In this episode, Andrea discusses how Functional Nutrition empowers you to take control of your health; why traditional medicine focuses on symptoms while functional medicine addresses root causes; the powerful role of food in healing and disease prevention and more!
In this episode, Andrea discusses how loss, motherhood, and purpose intersected to shape her work and how she now empowers others to take control of their health.
In this episode, Andrea discusses her journey through love, loss, and resiliency and how it led her to a life-changing career in functional medicine, helping others heal in their darkest moments.
In this episode, Andrea discusses the healthcare journey for highly sensitive women.
In this episode, Andrea discusses why deep listening might be the missing piece in your healing journey. Whether you're feeling stuck with protocols that aren't working or just starting your recovery journey, you'll learn practical ways to tap into your body's wisdom and become the expert of your own health.
In this episode, Andrea discusses the hidden epidemic of inflammation and how external toxins, paired with internal imbalances, can damage our health. Andrea emphasizes non-negotiable health basics: sleep, digestion, and blood sugar regulation. She encourages us to stop being strangers to our bodies and embrace food as medicine.
In this episode, Andrea discusses what’s missing from the current discourse about longevity; how to switch the conversation to be about aging with purpose, grace, and dignity; and how we can develop better filters when we're being “sold” anti-aging products or strategies.
In this episode, Andrea discusses critical basics like blood sugar balance, digestion, and sleep, and how these can truly revolutionize our overall well-being, especially when it comes to hormone and cardiovascular health.
In this episode, Andrea discusses how we can influence the expression of our genes through lifestyle factors such as diet, movement, environment, and mindset. She also helps us determine where we can be most effective, since focusing there is both powerful and calming.
In this episode, Andrea discusses the problem with popular nutritional trends and testing today, honest thoughts on supplementation vs. nutrients in food, foundational nutrition practices that can serve and support EVERYONE and so much more!
In this episode, Andrea discusses the power of functional nutrition; how food, lifestyle, and mindset play a role in healing; how understanding your body’s unique needs is the key to long-term health; how we can advocate for our own well-being; and practical tips to start healing from the inside out.
In this episode, Andrea discusses how Functional Medicine can change the way we think about health and healing. Andrea also dives into her history as a nutritionist and how her practice has developed over the years.
In this episode, Andrea dives into the gaps in Functional Medicine, why chronic illness is at epidemic levels, and her unique framework for addressing root causes. She explains the pitfalls of overtesting, the importance of bio-individuality, and how to build a therapeutic partnership that empowers clients and practitioners alike.
In this episode, Andrea discusses the gaps in traditional healthcare, the shifting perspective of a "healing journey", the three tiers of nutritional mastery, the role of Narrative Medicine in recovery and much more.
In this episode, Andrea shares how engaging with the humanities (like poetry, art, and storytelling) cultivates deeper listening and understanding of who we are. She underscores that this deeper connection can facilitate healing, especially for women navigating significant hormonal and life changes in perimenopause, menopause and post menopause.
In this episode, Andrea shares the potential of functional nutrition and the value of crafting routines that reflect your personal values and lifestyle. From empowering morning rituals and calming evening practices to the fascinating connection between narrative medicine and health, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and wisdom.
In this episode, Andrea shares what narrative medicine is and why it matters for patient-centered care, why understanding your personal story is crucial for addressing chronic illnesses, how to identify the mediators and triggers affecting your health, and practical ways to build a therapeutic partnership with your healthcare provider.
In this episode, Andrea explores the hidden factors behind chronic health issues, especially during perimenopause and menopause. What if the solution to your symptoms lies deeper than you think?
In this episode, Andrea discusses the importance of looking beyond symptoms to understand the full context of a person's health journey, why conventional medicine often falls short in addressing chronic health issues and building a strong health foundation before pursuing advanced treatments. We also discuss how practices like dance, poetry, and art can play a crucial role in our overall well-being.
In this episode, Andrea discusses the role of narrative medicine in addressing the human element in healthcare, how to avoid falling into the trap of misinformation and excessive testing and the significance of patience, consistency, and lifestyle changes in achieving long-term health improvements.
In this episode, Andrea discusses all things stress and how to “separate the problem from the solution” for a more holistic understanding of what’s really going on.
In this episode, Andrea discusses bio-individuality and helps to open the path on how to address a chronic illness at its roots.
In this episode, Andrea discusses the importance of monitoring sleep, poop, and blood sugar, especially for women experiencing perimenopause. Andrea details the art of her practice—assess, recommend, and track—highlighting the need for a deep, individualized assessment to better address each person’s unique health challenges.
In this episode, Andrea discusses how to heal your body systems and find your super power for fertility.
In this episode, Andrea discusses new ways to look at our health and nutrition while improving our productivity.
In this episode, Andrea discusses the importance of addressing non-negotiables such as sleep, poop, and blood sugar balance for overall health. She emphasizes the importance of a therapeutic partnership between patients and providers and the need to focus on the roots of chronic conditions, including many more important topics.
Welcome to mending, a monthly haven where words meet inner wisdom, and stories intertwine with the art of health and healing. At the heart of Narrative Medicine is a belief in the power of the human story. Words, among other human expressions, have the ability to enlighten and connect us to our most vulnerable or even seemingly insignificant moments in life.