Functional Nutrition Services in Ottawa
There is so much information when it comes to what ‘diet’ to follow. The reality is that food is medicine and should not be vilified.Â
What we eat is fuel, pleasure, comfort, guilt, shame, all wrapped into one. It can help to balance blood sugar in some while triggering an immune reaction in others. Understanding how to use therapeutic diets, like FODMAP or Paleo, is part of our approach to care. For some, using targeted nutrition can be a game-changer that kick-starts their health goals.
What Is Therapeutic Nutrition?
Therapeutic nutrition is the use of dietary strategies to manage or treat specific health conditions. It goes beyond basic food rules and involves tailoring a person’s diet to meet their unique nutritional needs. This may involve modifying a regular diet, using specific therapeutic diets, or incorporating nutritional tools
Therapeutic nutrition is especially helpful at:
- Addressing symptoms
- Slowing disease progression
- Preventing complications
Unlike conventional models that focus on standard nutrient intake or calorie counting, we create a personalized roadmap built on science, clinical insight, and long-term sustainability.
Our Approach to Functional Nutrition
At NutriChem, nutrition is part of the foundation of your plan, not a standalone service. We believe that nutrition is the keystone of health, but oftentimes people need more than simple dietary advice to transform their well-being. We specialize in understanding when someone needs simple nutritional strategies or if someone requires a more specific, targeted therapeutic diet to help support their goals and condition. Â
Understanding how, if, and where therapeutic diets (like Paleo, FODMAP, and low histamine) fit into your treatment picture can be a critical piece. One that is usually missing in our traditional medical system. Therapeutic diets can be very effective, but must be done properly; that’s why we use short-term dietary strategies along with long-term nutrition advice to maintain changes and support your goals.
1. Thoughtful Consultation
We always conduct a thorough dietary review. We want to understand what your daily habits are like, judgment-free. Getting to know and understand how you are fueling your body can provide a lot of insight into how we can support it more.
2. Comprehensive Lab Testing
We often turn to markers like iron or B12 to give us insights into nutrient absorption. Stool tests can be helpful if there is potential for fat or protein malabsorption, meaning that you aren’t digesting your foods properly. We always do targeted lab testing to see if your nutrition is working for you, rather than testing to see what to eat.This can help guide the dietary advice given, or let us know if a therapeutic diet or supplementation is required.
3. Data-Driven, Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your clinical history, main concerns, and testing results, we may recommend a specific nutrition plan. We often use short-term dietary strategies as a targeted approach to support your goals and long-term nutrition plans to maintain those goals in the long run.
4. Ongoing Support and Optimization
We don’t stop at a single plan. As your symptoms evolve and improvements unfold, we adjust your strategy to keep things working long-term. This is nutrition care that grows with you.
Benefits of Personalized Nutrition
Your digestion, energy levels, mood, and even skin health are all deeply tied to how your body processes food. But what works for one person may not work for another, and that’s exactly why listening to your body and having a personalized plan is so powerful.
Here’s what you can expect when your dietary strategy and supplementation regimen are truly tailored to you:
- Improved Digestion and Gut Function: Address issues like bloating, constipation, gas, or irregularity by supporting your gut with foods and supplements suited to your microbiome and digestive profile.
- Stronger Immune Resilience: Up to 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. When digestion improves, your immune system becomes less reactive, reducing inflammation, flare-ups, and sensitivities.
- More Stable Energy and Blood Sugar: No more afternoon crashes or rollercoaster energy levels. The right foods at the right times can stabilize your metabolism and boost endurance throughout the day.
- Better Mood and Mental Clarity: The gut-brain axis is real. Personalized nutrition can help balance neurotransmitter production and reduce anxiety, brain fog, and mood swings.
Meet Our Team
Changing how you eat isn’t always about willpower; it’s about strategy. And when symptoms are complex, having the right guide makes all the difference.
Dr. Laeticia Domagalski, B.Sc., N.D.
Naturopathic Doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner
Combining nutritional science with real-world applications, Dr. Laeticia helps patients build confidence in their daily choices. She has a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Nutritional Sciences, and is a Cordon Bleu graduate. Her work is especially valuable for concerns such as bloating, constipation, eczema, acne, and mood changes that often accompany digestive issues. Her clarity and warmth make the process feel empowering, not overwhelming.
Dr. Sophie Pollon-MacLeod, B.Sc., N.D.
Naturopathic Doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner
Dr. Sophie connects the dots between nutrition, hormone balance, and metabolic function. Her background in kinesiology gives her insight into how movement, body composition, and stress interact with digestion, especially in women navigating perimenopause, burnout, or metabolic slowdown.
Ready to Feel Better, Digest Better, and Eat with Confidence?
Book a one-on-one consultation with a naturopathic doctor and start your personalized nutrition journey today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional dietary counselling often focuses on general guidelines, like calorie counts, macronutrient ratios, or food pyramids. Holistic nutrition goes deeper. It considers how your digestion, hormones, lifestyle, and stress all influence how you process food and how you feel.
Yes – we consider this foundational, and so we always talk to everyone about their diet. It’s not about trendy diets but about understanding that food is fuel, and optimizing what you eat can help support symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or hormonal changes.
Not at all. We often find that being overly aggressive with elimination diets when not necessary can lead to increased stress and guilt. We are always very intentional when it comes to therapeutic diets. We have a starting point, an end date and an expectation around the outcome. It should serve a purpose if we are going to eliminate something and not be a vague forever removal.
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