E276: What Your Symptoms Are Trying to Tell You: Root Cause Healing with Andrea Nakayama
What if your health journey started with your story—not your symptoms?
In this powerful episode, we sit down with renowned functional nutritionist and educator Andrea Nakayama to explore the healing potential of personalized care, root cause medicine, and therapeutic partnerships. As the founder and former CEO of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea draws on systems biology, mental models, root cause methodology and the therapeutic partnership to offer long-awaited solutions for the rapidly growing chronic illness epidemic. She has led thousands of clients, and now teaches even more coaches and clinicians around the world in a revolution reclaiming ownership of both their own and their clients’ health.
Andrea shares how her journey into functional nutrition began after her husband’s diagnosis, and how it shaped her mission to change the way we approach chronic illness. She introduces the concept of narrative medicine, explaining why understanding a person’s unique story is key to restoring health.
Key takeaways:
How to address root causes instead of chasing symptoms
The essential "non-negotiables" for health: sleep, digestion, and blood sugar balance
The role of biohacking and hormone support in context of foundational health
How to create a therapeutic partnership with your healthcare provider
Why supplements and testing should be used intentionally—not impulsively
Simple strategies to feel empowered in your healing journey
Chapters
Understanding Functional Medicine 10:42
The Importance of Therapeutic Partnership 14:19
The Role of Story in Healing 19:18
Non-Negotiables for Health 23:10
Empowering Patients in Their Health Journey 27:10
Understanding the Role of Biohacking Tools 34:46
Navigating Hormone Therapy and Its Implications 41:57
Addressing Weight Gain and Aging 46:43
Whether you’re navigating chronic symptoms or just want to better understand your body, Andrea’s insights will help you connect the dots between your story and your health.
📌 This is a must-listen for anyone curious about root cause healing, functional medicine, and how to build sustainable wellness from the inside out.
Helpful links and resources:
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