Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with eczema?Yes. While I do not diagnose or treat eczema, I frequently work with individuals and families interested in exploring factors that may influence skin health, including nutrition, gut health, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. I take a root cause approach to rebalance and repair the gut and give topical recommendations to manage symptoms along the way.
Do you work with adults or children?Both. While I have a special interest in pediatric gut health, I work with both children and adults seeking a root-cause approach to their health concerns.
Do you work with children with autism?Yes. While I do not diagnose, treat, or cure autism, I do work with families who are interested in supporting areas such as nutrition, digestion, sleep, and overall wellness.
Many autistic individuals experience gastrointestinal symptoms, food sensitivities, sleep challenges, or other health concerns that may impact quality of life.
In some cases, an Organic Acids Test (OAT) may be recommended to provide insight into areas such as nutrient status, neurotransmitter metabolites, energy production pathways, oxidative stress, and markers related to microbial activity. The OAT is not a test for autism, but it can help identify factors that may be contributing to an individual's overall health picture.
My approach focuses on supporting the whole child and addressing underlying imbalances when appropriate, rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis.
Do you offer other functional labs besides the GI-MAP?Yes. While the GI-MAP is the most commonly used lab in my practice, it is not the only functional lab available, especially when working with adults.
Depending on your health history, symptoms, and goals, additional testing options may be recommended to provide a more complete picture of your health. These may include assessments related to metabolism, nutrient status, stress response, environmental exposures, hormone balance, and more.
I believe testing should be purposeful and individualized!
Do you accept insurance?No. Grow Integrative Health is a self pay practice and does not bill insurance. Payment is due at the time of purchase.
Are appointments in person or virtual?All appointments are conducted virtually through Zoom or phone, allowing me to work with clients throughout the United States.
What is a GI-MAP?The GI-MAP is a comprehensive stool test that evaluates various markers related to gut health, including digestion, inflammation, immune function, gut barrier health, and the balance of microorganisms within the digestive tract. This helps take a lot of guesswork out of our journey.
Does my child need functional lab testing?Not necessarily. While functional labs can provide valuable insights, it is not always required. Some clients benefit from focusing on foundational areas such as nutrition, sleep, stress management, and lifestyle factors before pursuing testing.
However, if your child is experiencing multiple symptoms that can be tied back to gut health, functional lab testing will help take the guesswork out for the path forward!
How long does it take to get GI-MAP results?Once your sample is received by the laboratory, results are typically available within a few weeks. Timing may vary based on laboratory processing times.
Will I receive supplement recommendations?
Recommendations are individualized and based on your unique health history, symptoms, goals, and, when applicable, functional lab findings. Not every client will receive the same recommendations.
Can I order a GI-MAP without working with you?Yes. You can do this through my Rupa Lab Store found on the Links page. It is important to note that this option does not include a review of the findings.
If you already have GI-MAP results and are looking for guidance, please visit the Services page to learn more about my Lab Results Review option.
What can I expect during the initial consultation?The initial consultation is a comprehensive review of your child’s health history, symptoms, lifestyle factors, and goals. This information helps create a clearer picture of the health of your child and guides future recommendations.
Do you diagnose or treat medical conditions?No. As an Integrative Health Practitioner, I do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. My role is to provide education, lifestyle guidance, and wellness recommendations intended to support overall health and well-being.
What platform do you use?I use Practice Better, a secure client portal where' you’ll complete forms, access recommendations, communicate with me, and manage your appointments.
Can I work with you if I already have lab results?Absolutely. If you've already completed functional testing within the last 6 months, I offer a Lab Results Review option to help you better understand your findings and potential next steps
Can functional testing tell me exactly what’s wrong?
No. Functional lab testing is a tool that provides valuable information, but it should always be viewed alongside symptoms, health history, and other factors. No single test can tell the whole story.
Can I message you in between appointments?Yes. Secure messaging through Practice Better is included so you can ask questions and receive support between appointments. I politely ask for 48 hours respond time (M-F)