Tag Archives: Functional Medicine

Building Trust in the Healing Process

Functional medicine can feel “different” compared to a typical doctor’s visit. Many people know they want to feel better, but they aren’t sure how it works or why it might take more time and commitment. Often, it’s not a lack of trust in the practitioner — it’s a need to trust the process itself.

Trust grows when patients see evidence that change is possible. Even small improvements — better sleep, reduced stress, more energy — help build confidence in the process.

Imagine starting a new workout plan. At first, you might feel unsure if it will work. But as you notice small improvements — running a bit farther, feeling stronger, sleeping better — you start to trust the program and your ability to succeed. Healing works the same way.

  • Celebrate small wins: Track your progress, even minor improvements, to reinforce that change is happening.

  • Educate yourself: Understanding how functional medicine works can reduce fear and uncertainty.

  • Ask questions: Clarifying what each step of the process is for can increase confidence and engagement.

Trust in the healing process doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent action and small victories build it naturally. Recognize each step forward — no matter how small — as proof that your body can respond and transform.

Try tracking one small change this week, like adding an extra 15 minutes of movement or improving your sleep routine, and notice how it makes a difference.

Written by Rosie Moore, DNP, RN, LNC, BC-FMP

Osteoporosis: Protecting Your Bones for Long-Term Health

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become fragile, increasing the risk of fractures and affecting mobility and quality of life. It often develops silently over time, so understanding the causes, risk factors, and ways to protect your bones is essential for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Bone health is influenced by several factors. Age, hormonal changes — especially in postmenopausal women — and genetics play a role in bone density. Lifestyle choices, such as diet, physical activity, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol, are factors you can control to reduce your risk. Recognizing these factors early allows you to take proactive steps toward maintaining strong, healthy bones.

Detecting osteoporosis early is crucial. Regular bone density screenings, especially for women over 50 or individuals with risk factors, help identify bone loss before fractures occur. Nurses and healthcare providers play a key role in educating patients about screening recommendations and interpreting results to guide interventions.

Developing a plan to protect bone health combines nutrition, supplements, and exercise. Diets rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein provide the building blocks for strong bones. Bone-supporting supplements may also be recommended based on individual needs. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, light resistance training, or balance-focused movements, strengthen bones and improve mobility, while reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

Patient Perspective:
Protecting your bones is about small, consistent actions. Incorporating calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, or fortified alternatives, engaging in daily movement, and following your provider’s guidance for screenings and supplements empowers you to take control of your bone health and maintain independence.

Nursing Perspective:
Nurses are vital in guiding patients through osteoporosis prevention and management. From teaching proper exercise techniques to monitoring dietary habits and ensuring adherence to supplements or medications, nurses help patients implement practical strategies that support long-term bone strength and overall wellness.

💡 Tip to Try This Week:
Add one bone-protecting habit to your routine — such as 10 minutes of weight-bearing exercise, a calcium-rich snack, or a short walk outdoors for vitamin D. Small, consistent actions strengthen bones, improve balance, and reduce the risk of fractures over time. Tracking progress and celebrating these healthy habits reinforces motivation and long-term commitment.

Written by Rosie Moore, DNP, RN, LNC, BC-FMP

Nutrition, Movement, and Mood — Supporting Your Hormones Naturally

Learn how nutrition, movement, and lifestyle changes can naturally balance hormones, boost mood, and restore energy in women through a functional medicine approach.

For many women, mood swings, fatigue, and low motivation in midlife are brushed off as “just getting older.” But your body is sending signals — asking for support. The good news? You can make powerful changes through what you eat, how you move, and how you live.

Hormones are deeply influenced by your daily habits. Estrogen and progesterone depend on liver health, gut balance, and nutrient intake. Cortisol and insulin — your stress and blood sugar hormones — respond directly to sleep, exercise, and diet. When these systems work together, you feel steady, calm, and energetic. When they don’t, you can experience irritability, cravings, bloating, or exhaustion.

Let’s meet Julia. At 46, she was frustrated — her clothes no longer fit, she couldn’t get through the day without caffeine, and she cried without knowing why. Her labs showed estrogen dominance and low progesterone, along with mild insulin resistance. Instead of turning to medication right away, Julia began working with a functional medicine nurse who helped her implement small changes — daily walks, swapping processed snacks for whole foods, and adding cruciferous vegetables to support estrogen detoxification. Within a few months, her energy improved, and her moods leveled out.

Here’s what you can start doing today:

  • Prioritize protein and fiber. They stabilize blood sugar and support hormone metabolism.

  • Eat colorful produce. Phytonutrients from plants support detoxification and reduce inflammation.

  • Move consistently. You don’t need hours at the gym — just 20–30 minutes of walking, yoga, or light strength training can improve insulin sensitivity and mood.

  • Support your gut. A healthy gut microbiome helps regulate estrogen levels and immune balance.

Functional medicine emphasizes small, sustainable steps that lead to big improvements. Nourishing your body through mindful eating, movement, and rest can help restore balance to your hormones and reclaim your vitality.

Call to Action:
If you’re ready to restore your energy and balance your mood naturally, let’s work together.

Rosie Moore, DNP, LNC, RN, BC-FMP
Doctorate of Nursing Practice | Functional Medicine Nurse Consultant
rosie@jrmnurseconsultants.com
407-760-1662
https://jrmnurseconsultants.com

Together, we can design a nutrition and lifestyle plan that honors your body’s changing needs and helps you thrive.

Why Healing Takes More Than Just Wanting It: The Responsibility of Functional Medicine

Many people want to feel better, sleep well, lose weight, or have more energy — but the truth is, healing takes more than just wanting it. Functional medicine isn’t a magic pill; it’s a partnership. When clients struggle to follow through, it’s not because you’re not qualified — it’s often because the responsibility of the process feels overwhelming.

Functional medicine asks for a few things from every client:

  • Lifestyle changes like better sleep, stress management, and movement

  • Lab testing to understand what’s happening under the surface

  • Supplements or medications tailored to your needs

  • Shifts in mindset and daily habits

Many people admire the idea of transformation, but subconsciously, fear or avoidance kicks in when the work is clear. They might say “yes” in conversation because they like or trust you — but when it’s time to take action, they hesitate.

Think about it like this: you can dream about running a marathon, but signing up for training and sticking with it every day is the real work. Transformation requires commitment, and that can feel scary, even if you really want the change.

Tips to Approach Responsibility:

  • Reframe your mindset: view investing in your health as empowerment, not just “paying for a service.”

  • Start small: begin with one lifestyle change at a time.

  • Celebrate mini-wins: each positive step builds momentum and confidence.

Healing is a journey. Wanting it is the first step, but responsibility and daily action make the transformation real. By embracing the process, you give yourself the gift of lasting change — not just temporary relief.

Take a small step today toward your wellness journey — even one positive habit counts.

Written by Rosie Moore, DNP, RN, LNC, BC-FMP

Strengthen Your Core Muscles to Support Your Back and Overall Health

Back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, and a weak core often plays a major role. The core isn’t just your abs — it includes the muscles around your pelvis, lower back, and hips. When these muscles are weak, your body compensates in ways that can lead to pain, poor posture, and even increased risk of injury. Strengthening your core can improve stability, reduce discomfort, and support everyday movements.

Core strength also impacts more than just your back. Strong core muscles help improve balance, protect joints, enhance athletic performance, and support functional activities like bending, lifting, or even standing for long periods. For patients recovering from injury, rehabilitation exercises often include gentle core strengthening to reduce recurrence of pain and improve overall function.

Nutrition and lifestyle habits support core health as well. Adequate protein helps muscles repair and grow, while staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight reduces unnecessary strain on the spine. Regular movement, even simple activities like walking or stretching, complements core exercises and helps prevent stiffness or inflammation that can worsen pain.

Patient Perspective:
Building core strength doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. Simple, consistent exercises — like planks, bridges, seated marches, or gentle pelvic tilts — can make a noticeable difference in stability and comfort. Practicing these movements daily, even for a few minutes, empowers you to take control of your back health and mobility.

Nursing Perspective:
Nurses play a critical role in guiding patients to safely strengthen their core. Providing instruction on proper technique, monitoring form, and suggesting modifications ensures that exercises are effective without causing additional strain. Encouraging consistency and helping patients set achievable goals increases adherence and improves outcomes.

💡 Tip to Try This Week:
Choose one core-strengthening exercise to incorporate into your daily routine, such as a 20-second plank, glute bridge, or seated abdominal contraction. Focus on proper form rather than duration or intensity, and repeat consistently. Pair with hydration and gentle stretching for optimal results. Even small, regular efforts help support your back, posture, and overall strength.

Written by Rosie Moore, DNP, RN, LNC, BC-FMP