Functional Medicine Dietitian
Functional medicine has been gaining traction for its personalized approach to understanding and treating the root causes of various health issues. Central to this root cause approach is nutrition. In this article, we’ll discuss the crucial ways in which our functional medicine dietitians support an individualized and effective functional medicine treatment plan.
What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a highly trained and qualified healthcare professional specializing in the field of nutrition. RDNs are experts in translating scientific information about nutrition into practical advice to help individuals make informed and healthy choices about their food and lifestyle.
All RDNs must have a bachelor’s degree* (at a minimum) from an accredited academic program and undertake a supervised practice program. This internship, typically lasting 9 to 12 months, provides hands-on experience and practical training in various settings. Finally, all RDNs must successfully pass the national board examination for registered dietitians, and (if applicable) apply for state licensure. To keep up-to-date on the latest evidence-based research, RDNs must complete and submit a minimum of 75 hours of continuing education credits every five years.
*Effective January 1, 2024 all new registered dietitian nutritionists are required to obtain a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam.
*Effective January 1, 2024 all new registered dietitian nutritionists are required to obtain a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam.
For many people, traditional blood tests fail to identify the root causes of hormonal imbalances and the corresponding symptoms. At Root, we use the DUTCH Complete at-home hormone test as a simple way to get detailed insights into your hormone health.
In this article, we’ll review the DUTCH test for hormones, what we can learn from the test, how to take an at-home hormone test, and interpretation of results.
What is the DUTCH test?
DUTCH stands for dried urine test for comprehensive hormones. This at-home hormone testing kit provides a comprehensive snapshot of your hormone levels, how your body metabolizes them, and other hints about nutrient status. The DUTCH Complete test looks at 35 hormone levels related to the following:
- Estrogen and estrogen metabolites: key for understanding PMS, heavy periods, and estrogen detox pathways
- Progesterone: confirms ovulation; important for evaluating irregular cycles, anxiety, and fertility concerns
- Testosterone: helpful for investigating symptoms like low energy, acne, and reduced libido
- DHEA: reflects adrenal function and stress response; imbalances may cause fatigue, anxiety, or acne
- Cortisol and cortisone: for a full picture of adrenal function and your stress response; helpful for assessing insomnia, mood disorders, and difficulty losing weight
- Melatonin: evaluating your sleep-wake cycle
- Organic acids: not a hormone, but helpful for evaluating b-vitamin levels, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitters, like serotonin
Imbalances in these hormones are often the root cause of common symptoms, so it’s essential to use an accurate test, like DUTCH, and work with a functional medicine provider trained in interpreting the results.
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