Frequently Asked Questions

Functional medicine looks at what is causing your symptoms, rather than just hiding them with drugs or surgery. We use lab tests and in-office exams to look at what’s causing your pain, discomfort, loss of sleep, depression, anxiety, memory problems, and other symptoms.

Functional medicine views the body as a whole—no system functions independently. Everything affects everything else, especially the immune system, the hormone system, and the nervous system.

Functional medicine requires a strong knowledge of human physiology and how the body’s different systems influence each another. This allows us to discover the causes of chronic symptoms and seemingly mysterious ailments. Many people have visited numerous doctors and clinics, often told their lab tests are fine and nothing more can be done for them.

Functional medicine does not offer quick fixes. Instead it requires a commitment to a protocol designed by your practitioner to address your particular needs.

Functional Nutrition is a nutrition model which combines the best of traditional nutrition with modern scientific research. It aims to identify root causes and imbalances to improve patient health outcomes. In the Functional Nutrition model, the nutrition needs of individuals are addressed through an advanced nutrition assessment which often includes specialized testing which goes beyond your standard lab tests. We always put clients through a simple elimination diet with nourishing foods whole foods - no deprivation when you work with us. Removing what is causing harm (i.e. toxins in foods, highly processed foods, foods to which you might be sensitive to) and adding what is beneficial (i.e. nutrients to correct deficiencies, quality phytonutrient-dense foods, probiotics and healing foods to address specific conditions or blood biomarkers) are the essentials of Functional Nutrition.

Neuronutrition is food for the brain. Like the body, our brain needs proper nutrition to operate at peak performance. Over time, stress, poorly balanced diets, toxins, and inflammation takes a toll on the brain. Choosing the right foods provides the building blocks and fuel for a healthy brain. The proper nutrients for the brain will increase neurotransmitters that affect mood, cognition, and energy levels. Proper neuronutrition can also increase cerebral blood flow, reduce oxidative damage, and minimize inflammation in the brain, while restoring energy, improving memory, and enhancing cognitive function.

Yes, we are offering virtual appointments for patients that wish to be seen from the comfort of their own home. Doing a virtual visit will be very similar to being seen in the office. All visits will be done using Practice Better or phone.

Is your food making you sick? Do you have sensitivities to specific foods, food additives, and food chemicals? Are you suffering from digestive complaints, chronic headaches/migraines, joint & muscle pains, fatigue, or weight imbalances?

— If any of these conditions are suspected, you would be a good candidate for the MRT/LEAP test, an ImmunoCalm protocol, and maybe a microbiome test.

Are you feeling bloated, having acid reflux, or having gas after eating most meals? Have you seen a GI doctor and have been told they can’t find anything after doing a endoscope? Were you ever checked for celiac? Have you had a comprehensive stool test?

— If your main focus is on the gut, you would be a good candidate for a microbiome test and possibly SIBO breath test or genetic testing.

Are you having trouble falling asleep, experiencing insomnia, and feeling tired most days? Are you waking up and must have some form of caffeine to get going? Do you have trouble with stubborn weight loss? Is life generally stressful?

— When stress is a big part of our life and affecting out sleep, you would be a good candidate for hormone testing and possibly micronutrients.

Is your diet meeting your recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals? Could you be training for a race? Are you having cardiovascular or metabolic syndrome health issues, anxiety, or depression? Are you taking supplements?

— Finding these answers could mean you are a good candidate for hormone testing, micronutrients, and possibly even food sensitivity testing.

Other testing might include: GI MAP Stool testing, Hydrogen/Methane testing for SIBO (bacterial overgrowth), DUTCH hormone testing, Real Time Labs Mold testing, Methylation and detoxification genetics, & Salivary Cortisol testing.

Functional labs are a separate cost outside of Pura Vida Integrative Health’s consultation fees. We have contracted with Rupa Health to offer the most advanced testing. Some of these companies will work with insurance and you can work directly with the lab company for any insurance information. Pricing for these labs are at a transparent cost.

Please know that labs are often integral part of your treatment plan. Your lab results are reviewed during a scheduled follow-up visit.

We do not accept insurance at this time. Here at Pura Vida Integrative Health, we offer programs that are very robust with on-demand support. We want to fully support you on your journey with consistent accountability and access to trained professionals. You will be paying for having us "in your back pocket," and this is a service that insurance does not cover. Payment plans are offered to help those who cannot pay for the program up front. A super bill can also be provided for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement after your sessions are completed.

You can continue to see your primary doctor for your routine care. We are more than happy to communicate with your primary care provider if you would like us to, but we do not provide primary care services (yet). At Pura Vida Integrative Health, we provide a whole body approach that addresses all dysfunctions causing issues in the body. We utilize all-natural, research-based, dietary, and nutritional approaches to heal from the inside out vs. merely using medications to mask symptoms. We will then rerun labs so you can see all issues or symptoms have resolved. We encourage you to share the results with your primary doctor as they will be very impressed!

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please cancel or reschedule as soon as possible to allow others to book that slot. No-shows and any appointments cancelled under 24 hours will be charged the full fee of the appointment. Changes within 24 hours will be subject to $100 change fee.

If you are not interested in the 1:1 Functional Coaching program, the CLARITY program, or the RECONNECT program, providing out-of-pocket care is simple and easy. Initial visits are typically $250 and follow-up visits are $150. Please keep in mind that this may not include any diagnostics, nutritional products, or medical supplies you may need. Since each patient is unique in presentation, what you may need will be discussed and determined in an initial consultation, we will go over it in detail with you at that time. We do accept checks, credit cards, or convenient monthly payment plans as low as $99 per month. We can work with you if you need the help.